DELF, TCF or TEF: which French exam do you need?
France's main French exams look alike from a distance, but they answer different questions. The DELF and DALF award a diploma that lasts. The TCF and TEF measure your level at a moment in time, and the result lasts two years. Here is how to choose.
Updated · 5 min read
Side by side
| Exam | What you receive | Pass rule | Validity | Often used for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DELF | A diploma at one level, A1 to B2 | 50/100 overall, 5/25 in each part | Does not expire | Work, study, citizenship |
| DALF | A diploma at C1 or C2 | 50/100 overall, with a minimum per part | Does not expire | Work, study |
| TCF | A level from A1 to C2 | Placed on a scale | Two years | Study, work, citizenship, visas |
| TEF | A score from 0 to 699 | Set by whoever asks for it | Two years | Study, visas, citizenship |
Facts are from France Éducation international and CCI Paris Île-de-France, as read for our exam pages.
Two questions that settle it
Who will read the result? If an immigration office or university names a specific test, your choice is made. Read its page before going further.
How long do you need the proof? If you want something that lasts for a lifetime of job applications, a diploma such as the DELF has an obvious advantage. If you need a quick snapshot for one application, the TCF or TEF may fit.
Pass or placed
The DELF is pass or fail at the level you chose. If you fall below the minimum in one part, you do not get the diploma, however well the rest went. The TCF does not work that way: you get the level you reached. Learners who are unsure of their level often feel more comfortable with a test that places them, while those who know they are solidly at B1 or B2 may prefer a diploma that will never expire.
Trying before you choose
Look at the official examples for the DELF, the TCF and the TEF. Then take a free French level test so that the decision rests on evidence.
Prepare whichever you choose
The vocabulary you build on 16Word carries over to all of them.
Going above B2? Read about the DALF C1 and C2. Interested in other routes? See language exams for citizenship.
Keep exploring
Every exam below has its own preparation page on 16Word.
The other language exams
- Sproochentest (Luxembourgish)
- Inburgeringsexamen (Dutch)
- Staatsexamen NT2 (Dutch)
- TOEFL iBT (English)
- IELTS (English)
- Cambridge English (English)
- PTE Academic (English)
- DELF (French)
- DALF (French)
- TCF (French)
- TEF (French)
- Goethe-Zertifikat (German)
- TestDaF (German)
- telc Deutsch (German)
- DELE (Spanish)
- CILS (Italian)
- CAPLE (Portuguese)
- HSK (Chinese)
- JLPT (Japanese)
- TOPIK (Korean)
- YKI (Finnish)
- Ellinomatheia (Greek)
- Certyfikat polski (Polish)
More guides on language exams
- IELTS explained: the 0–9 band, test options and how to prepare
- TOEFL iBT explained: the 1–6 score scale and how to prepare
- Cambridge English exams: from A2 Key to C2 Proficiency
- PTE Academic explained: the 10–90 score and how to prepare
- IELTS, TOEFL, PTE or Cambridge: which English exam should you take?
- DELF explained: levels A1 to B2, pass mark and preparation
- DALF C1 and C2: what the advanced French diplomas require
- The TCF French test: five skills, levels and validity
- The TEF French test: the 0–699 score, uses and preparation
- Goethe-Zertifikat explained: levels A1 to C2 and how to prepare
- TestDaF explained: TDN 3 to 5 and studying in Germany
- telc Deutsch explained: exams, skills and how to prepare
- Goethe, TestDaF or telc: which German exam should you take?
- The DELE Spanish diplomas: levels and how to get ready
- CILS Italian certificate: levels, skills and how to pass
- CAPLE Portuguese exams: levels A1 to C2 and who needs them
- HSK explained: levels 1 to 9 and the five skills tested
- How to prepare for the JLPT: a plan from N5 to N1
- How to prepare for TOPIK: a study plan for levels 1 to 6
- The YKI Finnish test: levels 1 to 6 and how to prepare
- How to prepare for the Greek Certificate of Attainment
- How to pass the Polish language certificate exam
- Staatsexamen NT2: how scoring works and how to prepare
- Language exams for studying abroad: which certificate to take
- Language exams for work and visas: which certificate you need
- Language exams for citizenship: which certificates are used
- Do language certificates expire? Validity of the main exams
- Language exams you can take at home: what to check first
- Free official sample papers for 17 language exams
Related guides and free level tests
- The Dutch inburgering exam in 2026: routes, parts, fees and FAQ
- Sproochentest speaking (A2): topics, picture description and how to prepare
- Sproochentest listening (B1): the three recordings and how to practise
- A 60-day Sproochentest preparation plan, week by week
- Luxembourgish levels A1 to B2: what each CEFR level means in practice
- What level of Luxembourgish do you need for citizenship?
- The inburgering reading exam (A2 and B1): format, question types and tips
- The inburgering listening exam (A2 and B1): what to expect and how to train
- The inburgering writing exam (A2 and B1): tasks, model messages and mistakes
- The inburgering speaking exam (A2 and B1): format and model answers
- The KNM exam (Knowledge of Dutch Society): format, themes and how to prepare
- Staatsexamen NT2: programme I (B1) or programme II (B2)?
- A2 or B1 Dutch: which level do you need for inburgering, nationality or study?
- Inburgering exemptions and dispensation: when you take fewer or no exams
- What inburgering costs: exam fees, free attempts and the DUO loan
- The 3-year inburgering deadline: letters, fines and extra time
- How to register for the inburgering exams and the Staatsexamen NT2
- Dutch citizenship: the A2 language requirement and the naturalisation test
- Belgian nationality: the A2 language requirement and the Flemish Dutch test
- Inburgering in Flanders: the integration pathway and A2 Dutch
- The three inburgering routes: B1, education and Z route explained
- A 12-week plan to prepare for the inburgering exams
- Spanish nationality: the DELE A2 and CCSE requirement explained
- Italian citizenship: the B1 Italian language requirement
- Portuguese nationality: the A2 requirement and the CIPLE exam
- Finnish citizenship: the language requirement and the YKI test
- The Czech A2 exam for permanent residence: format, points and fee
- JLPT levels N5 to N1: sections, times and pass marks
- Polish citizenship: the B1 Polish certificate and how to get it
- The Greek Certificate of Attainment: levels, dates and fees
Choosing a French exam: frequently asked questions
Which French exam does not expire?
The DELF and the DALF do not expire. TCF and TEF results are valid for two years.
Which French exam is best for citizenship?
The DELF, TCF and TEF are all often used for it. The authority decides which it accepts, so check its requirement.
Can I fail the TCF?
It places you on a scale from A1 to C2 and gives you the level you reached.
Which French exam is taken on a computer?
The TEF is taken on a computer. The TCF is offered on paper and on a computer.
Is DELF or DALF harder?
They cover different levels: the DELF goes from A1 to B2, and the DALF covers C1 and C2.
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Official sources
Keep going
- /certifications/delf
- /certifications/tcf
- /certifications/tef
- DELF explained: levels A1 to B2, pass mark and preparation
- DALF C1 and C2: what the advanced French diplomas require
- The TCF French test: five skills, levels and validity
- The TEF French test: the 0–699 score, uses and preparation
- Goethe-Zertifikat explained: levels A1 to C2 and how to prepare
- TestDaF explained: TDN 3 to 5 and studying in Germany
- telc Deutsch explained: exams, skills and how to prepare
- Goethe, TestDaF or telc: which German exam should you take?
- All guides