Passing the DELF can help you reach personal, academic, or professional goals, and it can create new opportunities in France and elsewhere.
This guide will help you get ready and do your best on the DELF exam.
What is the DELF exam, and why should you pass it?
The DELF (Diplôme d’Études en Langue Française) is a widely recognized certificate from the French Ministry of Education. France Éducation International organizes the exam, and you can take it at many centers worldwide.
The DELF tests your French in four main areas: listening, reading, writing, and speaking. It has four levels: A1 (beginner), A2 (elementary), B1 (intermediate), and B2 (independent). If you want to prove even higher skills, the DALF (Diplôme Approfondi de Langue Française) covers advanced (C1) and expert (C2) levels.
Passing the DELF offers many benefits. It strengthens your resume for employers worldwide. Most French university programs require at least a B2 level. From January 2026, B2 certification will also be needed to renew multi-year residence permits and to apply for naturalisation in France.
For a step-by-step guide on registering for the DELF exam, see our detailed blog article: How to register for the DELF, DALF, or TCF
Understand the DELF exam structure
First, make sure you know the format and timing of each part of the exam so you understand what to expect.
The DELF exam has four sections, each testing a key language skill: listening, reading, writing, and speaking. Listening, reading, and writing are group exams with other candidates, while the speaking test is done individually in front of two examiners.
Each section is worth 25 points. To pass, you need at least 50 out of 100 points overall, and at least 5 points in each section. If you score less than 5 in any part, you will not pass.
Here’s a breakdown of the DELF B2 exam structure:
| Section | Number of exercice(s) | What you will do | Total duration |
| Listening | 2 | Listen to audio documents and answer questions | 30 minutes |
| Reading | 2 | Read texts and answer questions | 1 hour |
| Writing | 1 | Write a single text of at least 250 words | 1 hour |
| Speaking | 2 | Write a speech on a given topic. Role-play with one of the examiners on a given topic. | 30 minutes preparation 20 minutes exam |
Assess your level, set your target, and plan your studies
Before you begin, assess your current skills. You can take our Free Level Test. This will help you find your strengths and areas to improve, so you can focus your efforts more effectively.
Next, choose which DELF level you want to take. Is your goal B1 or B2? Select the level that matches your plans, whether you want to study at a university, advance your career, or learn for personal reasons.
Once you know your level and have set your target, you can make a study plan. To help you plan your study time, here is how long it usually takes to move from one level to the next:
- A1: 60–100 hours
- A2: 150–200 hours
- B1: 350–400 hours
- B2: 550–650 hours
These are general estimates and add up as you go. Each level builds on the hours you spent learning the previous one. For example, reaching B2 means you need 550–650 hours in total, including the time you spent on A1, A2, and B1.
For more details, read our blog article on How long does it take to learn French.
Prepare for the DELF exam while studying French in France
One of the best ways to make faster progress and improve your chances of passing the DELF is through immersive learning. Studying French in France lets you practice the language every day, experience French culture directly, and talk with native speakers in real-life situations.
We work with a network of trusted language schools and universities across France, many of which help you prepare for the DELF exam or other certifications. Some of our partner schools are also official DELF exam centers, so you can both prepare for and take the test in a familiar environment.
To learn more about our partners and how they can help you achieve your language goals, feel free to contact us.
Prepare for the DELF exam online
If you can’t travel to France, preparing for the DELF exam online is a great alternative.
Our online courses, created with PrepMyFuture and the Alliance Française de Paris, are designed to help you succeed on the DELF. They offer complete lessons for all four skills tested in the exam, interactive exercises, real DELF practice questions, and more.
To learn more about our online DELF preparation courses and choose the one that fits you, visit our page: Learn French Online
