DELF B2 Exam
May, 23 2024
Registration period:
March 15 – April 15, 2024
June, 6 2024
Registration period:
April 5 – May 6, 2024
October, 3 2024
Registration period:
August 15 – Sept. 14, 2024
December, 5 2024
Registration period:
Oct. 10 – Nov. 12, 2024
The Cours de civilisation française de la Sorbonne (CCFS) is an approved exam center for the DELF and DALF. The DELF (French language study diploma) and the DALF (Advanced French language diploma) are official diplomas issued by the Ministry of National Education which certify the level of international students. They are placed under the authority of France Education International (formerly CIEP).
General presentation
The DELF, an acronym for Diplôme d’Etudes en Langue Française, is an internationally recognized certification intended to assess the French language skills of candidates. This is an official diploma issued by the Ministry of National Education, aligned with the levels of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) and having permanent validity. The DELF allows people to demonstrate their proficiency in French at levels ranging from A1 (beginner) to B2 (advanced independent user).
This diploma is very popular with non-French speakers wishing to enrich their CV to join a company in France or pursue university studies. Note that the DELF B1, corresponding to the “threshold” independent user level, is required to obtain French nationality. The DELF B2 allows its holders to integrate most higher education establishments in France
Audiences concerned
The DELF “all audiences” is open to adults and adolescents, whether French or foreign, wishing to highlight their skills in French for personal or professional purposes. This version of the DELF, described as “tout public,” allows you to explore various subjects in the assessment tests, whether they are related to the public, personal, professional, or educational domain.
Academically, many French or French-speaking universities may request a DELF as proof of language proficiency for the admission of an international student. Additionally, many candidates take the DELF to improve their CV and professional prospects, as this official diploma is recognized by many international companies and organizations.
For younger audiences, such as children and adolescents currently attending secondary school, there are specific versions of the DELF called “Prim” or “junior/school.” These versions focus only on topics relevant to these young candidates, while assessing their communication skills. The DELF tests in these special versions immerse young learners in contexts that encourage their reactivity, thus highlighting all of their linguistic skills.
Each year, a decree from the Rectorate specifies the dates of the DELF-DALF sessions organized by the CCFS, as well as the composition of the jury.
The 4 tests of the exam
Oral comprehension
The oral comprehension test verifies the candidate’s ability to receive and process a spoken message. In this test, the candidate listens to public announcements, radio broadcasts, conversations, etc. The format of the audio document varies depending on the assessed level.
CEFR scale for general listening comprehension
Candidates for the DELF B2 oral test can understand standard oral language, live or on the radio, on subjects normally encountered in personal, social, academic or professional life. Only very loud background noise, an inappropriate structure of speech or the use of idiomatic expressions can affect the ability to understand. Candidates can understand main ideas – in substance and form – on a concrete or abstract topic and in standard language, including technical discussions in their area of specialization. They can follow a presentation of a certain length and a complex argument provided that the subject is quite familiar, the general plan of the presentation being indicated by explicit markers.
Understanding of writings
Comprehension of writings is a test that checks the candidate’s skills as a reader. He must be able to read documents to orient himself, obtain information, follow instructions, etc. The texts are short or very long, depending on the CEFR level. CEFR scale for general reading comprehension
CEFR scale for general reading comprehension
Candidates can read with a high degree of autonomy by adapting their reading mode and speed to different texts and purposes. They must have a large reading vocabulary, but may face difficulties with infrequent expressions.
Written production
The written production test verifies the candidate’s skills in producing a text in French. The activities in this test vary depending on the level. The candidate may be required to write an article, a letter or provide a summary.
In this test, written interaction skills are also assessed. Activities may require the candidate to complete a form, write an electronic message to respond to someone, or prepare a text to be published on a forum.
CEFR scale for general written production
Can write clear and detailed texts on a wide range of topics relating to his or her area of interest by synthesizing and evaluating information and arguments taken from various sources.
CEFR scale for general written interaction
Candidates can pass information and express written points of view while understanding those of others.
Oral production
The oral production test invites the candidate to produce a text. The test encompasses several activities in the form of a monologue or a presentation. In this test, oral interaction is also assessed and the candidate has to communicate with the jury. Oral interaction activities take various forms depending on the level: current exchanges, role plays, debates, etc.
CEFR scale for general oral production
Candidates can methodically develop a presentation or description highlighting important points and relevant details. They can also provide a detailed description and presentation on a wide range of topics relating to his or her area of interest, developing and justifying ideas with relevant subpoints and examples.
CEFR scale for general oral interaction
Candidates can use French language fluently and effectively on a wide range of general, educational, vocational and leisure topics, making connections between different ideas. They can communicate spontaneously with good grammatical control, without giving the impression of having to restrict what he/she wishes to say, using a degree of formality appropriate to the circumstance. Candidates to the DELF b2 can communicate with a level of ease and spontaneity allowing sustained interaction with native speakers without any “tension” on either side. They can highlight the personal meaning of facts and experiences, present opinions and defend them pertinently by providing explanations and arguments.
Each year, a decree from the Rectorat indicates the dates of the DELF-DALF sessions of the Cours de civilisation française de la Sorbonne and the composition of the jury.
