DELF Examinations and Diplomas for Grade 12 Students

What is DELF?

The Diplôme d’études en langue française (DELF) is an official diploma issued by France’s Ministry of National Education that certifies the French-language abilities of non-native speakers. The diploma is earned by successfully completing one of four DELF proficiency levels and is recognized internationally. DELF certification is valid for life.

The DELF levels are based on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), an internationally recognized standard for language proficiency. Ontario’s French as a Second Language curriculum aligns with the expectations outlined in this framework.

DSBN Grade 12 students have the opportunity to challenge the DELF at one of the following levels based on their French-language proficiency:

DELF proficiency levels progressing from A2 to B1 to B2.

For the best results, students are encouraged to complete DELF testing while enrolled in a Grade 12 French course, such as FIF4U/O or FSF4U. Participation in DSBN French Immersion and Core French programs helps students build the language skills and confidence needed to successfully complete a DELF assessment. Both achievement in DSBN French programming and DELF certification support students’ future academic, cultural, and career goals.

What does the DELF testing look like?

The DELF evaluations are opportunities for students to demonstrate their proficiency in the same four components as our Ontario FSL Curriculum: Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking.

There are 4 components to the DELF testing for each level:

  • Component 1: ORAL COMPREHENSION: Students will demonstrate their ability to comprehend authentic conversations and productions of French.
  • Component 2: WRITTEN COMPREHENSION: Students will demonstrate their ability to comprehend and interpret authentic texts in French.
  • Component 3: WRITTEN PRODUCTION: Students will demonstrate their ability to express themselves in French for a specific purpose and audience.
  • Component 4: ORAL PRODUCTION: Students will demonstrate their ability to interact spontaneously and conduct themselves in an interview-setting with 2 DELF qualified evaluators.

Each component is evaluated out of 25 points. Students must achieve a minimum of 5 out of 25 points on each component, with a total of 50 out of 100 points to earn certification in their pre-selected DELF level.

Grade 12 registration and testing information:

  1. French teachers will notify students of upcoming testing and will provide students with information regarding registration
  2. French teachers will help students choose the diploma that best suits their skill level.
  3. Students will adhere to the deadlines required for registration. Testing occurs at a central site. Students must complete their testing on the dates given as per France’s Ministry of National Education.

If you have questions regarding DELF testing, please contact your French teacher for support.

Grade 12 DELF registation information:

Information regarding upcoming DELF testing sessions, registration deadlines, consent forms, and assessment schedules will be shared with students through their French teachers once details become available.