DELF, DALF, TCF Canada: Which Exam Should You Take?

DELF (A1–B2) — the general-purpose certificate, never expires

Diplôme d'Études en Langue Française, issued by the French Ministry of Education, tests all 4 skills (Listening, Speaking, Reading, Writing) from A1 to B2. It's the most common choice for study-abroad applications, job applications, or simply proving your level — and importantly, it never expires. Pass it once, use it for life.

DALF (C1–C2) — the advanced, academic certificate

Diplôme Approfondi de Langue Française is essentially DELF's "next chapter," covering C1–C2. It's typically required for master's/doctoral programs in France, or roles that need near-native French. Also never expires, same as DELF.

TCF Canada — built specifically for Canadian immigration

Test de Connaissance du Français, Canada edition, is designed specifically for immigration applications through Express Entry — results convert to the NCLC scale that the Canadian government uses to score applications. Unlike DELF/DALF, TCF Canada expires 2 years after the test date, and doesn't grade on a fixed pass/fail level but scores each skill individually.

So which one should you take?

• Studying in France or Europe: most schools require DELF B2 or higher (some programs need DALF C1) — check your specific program's requirement before choosing.
• Immigrating to or studying in Canada via Express Entry: you almost certainly need TCF Canada, since it's the certificate Canada's own scoring system recognizes directly.
• Job applications, or you just want a certificate that lasts forever: DELF/DALF is the more sensible choice since it never expires.

Oui Academy's Speaking Curriculum supports prep for all three formats — DELF, DALF, and TCF Canada — matched to the real exam format, from A1 to C2.