The DELF diploma:

It's valid indefinitely! The DELF diploma (Diplôme d’Etudes en Langue Française) is awarded by the French Education Ministry as a certificate of French language ability for non-native speakers.

The exam may be taken at the official examination centre in Taksim or now at Koç School! In addition to allowing students to opt out of a French university's language entrance exam (with the B2 level certificate), having the DELF diploma looks good on their resume. Since 1985 the French Ministry of Education has been awarding the DELF (Diplôme d’Etudes en Langue Française) and DALF (Diplôme Approfondi de Langue Française) certificates.

Since September 1st 2005, a new system has been in use, which allows for easier and simpler organisation. The modified formula consists of 6 separate certificates, each of which corresponding to the language levels of the European Council’s European Framework of Reference:  

• DELF A1
• DELF A2
• DELF B1
• DELF B2
• DALF C1
• DALF C2

The DELF exams have also been available in a junior version, with the material used and the selected topics geared toward the interests of a younger audience. The certificate awarded is no different from the normal DELF certificate: “DELF Junior” is not mentioned.

At each level the following 4 language skills are evaluated:

• listening
• speaking
• reading
• writing

The reading, writing and listening components for a specific certificate are taken at the same time at our school. The speaking component is done on another day.

Beginner level corresponds to a maximum of 50 hours of course study. At the end of the session the student should be able to use the language to:

• use basic structures to talk about oneself,
• make contact with others,
• obtain information,
• fill in a form,
• make purchases,
• order in a restaurant…

Elementary level corresponds to around 150 hours of course study. At the end of the session the student should be able to use the language to:

• comprehend simple concrete situations in everyday life,
• deal with administrative matters,
• start a conversation and participate in it…

Exam preparation: DELF A1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages

Intermediate 1 level corresponds to around 200 hours of course study. At the end of the session the student should be able to use the language to:

• comprehend simple subjects about everyday life (travel, pastimes, studies),
• communicate during a trip,
• talk about a project, an idea, ones job, pastimes, studies…

Exam preparation: DELF A2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages

Intermediate 2 level corresponds to around 400 hours of course study. At the end of the session the student should be able to use the language to:

• comprehend complex texts,
• talk about a variety of subjects,
• give opinions and debate,
• express oneself in a spontaneous way…

Exam preparation: DELF B1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages

Advanced level corresponds to around 600 hours of course study. At the end of the session the student should be able to use the language to:

• communicate in a spontaneous way in social and professional contexts,
• be comfortable using all tenses…

Exam preparation: DELF B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages

Proficiency level corresponds to 700 to 1000 hours of course study. At the end of the session the student should be able to use the language to:

• easily comprehend any type of document,
• speak fluently,
• handle the subtleties of the language

Exam preparation: DALF C1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages

Source: http://www.france-langue.fr/francofffonie