The Department of French and Francophone Studies is opening a DELF Testing Center this Spring to provide French learners the opportunity to certify their language proficiency level.
DELF is a French acronym that means Diploma in French language studies (“Diplôme d’études en langue française” in French) and this diploma is awarded by the French Ministry of Education to demonstrate the proficiency across the 4 communication skills of non-French candidates (French learners). More precisely, it is a global assessment that validates communication skills in French as a foreign language, and this certification is internationally recognized.
As a French learner, and potential DELF candidate, 4 DELF options are possible as each option corresponds to a different level of proficiency according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. These 4 options are exemplified below for your convenience:
DELF A1= Basic user 1
DELF A2 = Basic user 2
DELF B1 = Independent user 1
DELF B2 = Independent user 2
artistically illustrated by Attila John (RISD student)
To help you choose your DELF proficiency test registration level (A1, A2, B1 or B2), you may contact your current French instructor, consult the DELF Resources below, and/or contact the director of the DELF testing center at Brown (Stéphanie Gaillard at [email protected]).
Depending on your project(s) with the French language (i.e., internship, work, immigration), the DELF might be a necessary certification to work professionally or to undertake studies in a French/Francophone university or Grande École. The DELF is also required for immigration purposes in various French-speaking countries such as Canada, France, or Belgium.
Below are important deadlines to keep in mind for registration.
To register for the Mock DELF exam (free of charge), please register with the following link before Tuesday 02/28/2023.
To register for the DELF exam, please do so before Friday 03/31/2023.
For more information regarding the cost, potential financial aid, and how to formally register, please visit the “DELF Registration” tab.
DELF Resources
To best prepare for this French certification, you have many resources at your disposal.
(1) Be fully engaged in your current French class(es)
(2) Visit the following online resources to help you better understand the DELF.
a) France Education International (FEI). On this website you can:
1. See actual exams and their corrections (A1, A2, B1, B2)
2. Read the candidate manual to help you prepare for the exam (exam format, skills listed by levels, and many tips).
3. Watch their YouTube channel on which you can see the DELF oral exam and see how they are graded.
b) A useful web application, developed by Data Science Fellow Nuj Naguleswaran, here at Brown to help you understand the language skills you need to master (Can-Do statements) at each level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFRL), on which DELF exams are based.
(3) Participate in social events (as much as possible) offered by the Department of French and Francophone Studies for you. See the following infographic to see an overview of all events this semester.
(4) Go to the Rockefeller Library (Carrel Rock B-006) to consult prep books that have been purchased for you to help you prepare for this certification.
a. ABC DELF – CLÉ international (A1, A2, B1, and B2 levels)
b. Le DELF 100% réussite – Didier (A1, A2, B1, and B2 levels)
(5) Practice your French with classmates and friends every day.