Choosing an exam
| Your goal | Usually suitable exam |
|---|---|
| Certify your level permanently (CV, work) | DELF or DALF (valid for life) |
| Get into a French university | DELF B2 or DALF C1, or TCF DAP (depending on the institution) |
| Get a residence permit or French citizenship | TCF IRN, TEF IRN or a DELF at the required level |
| Immigrate to Canada | TEF Canada or TCF Canada |
| Immigrate to Quebec | TEFAQ, TEF Canada, TCF Québec, TCF Canada |
| Children, teenagers | DELF Prim, DELF Junior |
Comparison
| DELF / DALF | TCF / TEF | |
|---|---|---|
| Type | diploma | test |
| Result | pass or fail at a level | a level awarded |
| Validity | for life | usually 2 years |
| Main use | general certification, study | administrative procedures, immigration |
⚠️ Administrative rules change: always check up-to-date official information (service-public.fr, France Éducation international, the Canadian and Quebec immigration authorities, the test providers) before registering.
🇫🇷 Research and writing: My French
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