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In brief
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Duration: DELF B1: preparation 100–200 h; TCF: 60–120 h
Cost: DELF B1 的 100 – 150 €; TCF base + optional 120 – 180 €
On-site only

Who this guide is for

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  • You if you are preparing a naturalization and hesitate between DELF and TCF
  • If you want a certificate to study in France (TCF DAP, DELF B2)
  • You if you do not understand the difference and what is more advantageous

To be prepared in advance

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  • Clarify your goal (naturalization, studies, residence permit)
  • Estimated budget (DELF 100–200 €, TCF 80–180 €)
  • Deadlines: DELF — Diploma in 2–4 months; TCF — Certificate in 4–8 weeks

Step-by-step procedure

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  1. 1DELF (Diplôme d'Études en Langue Française): diploma of a specific level (A1, A2, B1, B2). 4 tests (understanding/oral/written production). Valid for life. Tariff: A1–A2 80 – 100 €, B1 的 100 – 150 €, B2 的 150 – 200 €.
  2. 2TCF (French Knowledge Test): notation test, provides a level (from A1 to C2). 3 required tests (oral, written, language structures) + 2 optional (written, oral expression). Validity 2 years. Price: 的80 € base + 50–70 € per optional event.
  3. 3For naturalization by decree, the B2 level in oral and written form is required. In particular, the official form accepts a French diploma at least B2, the TCF or the TEF issued for less than two years; the DELF B1 is not enough. Check the current list on F11926.
  4. 4Completion times: DELF — Diploma in 2–4 months (longer, centralized issue); TCF — Certificate in 4–8 weeks. Emergency — TCF.
  5. 5Difficulty: DELF — you must reach 50/100 and 5/25 at each test. TCF — multiple choice questions, and the expected result depends on the level and version of the test; check the procedure.
  6. 6Preparation: DELF — 100–200 h for B1 from scratch; TCF — 60–120 h (simplified format). But the TCF requires speed (timed issues).
  7. 7For studies: DELF B2 — to enter university (L1, L2); TCF DAP — to apply for prior admission (DAP) for non-European foreigners. Check on the university website.
  8. 8For the first resident card concerned, check the B1 level and the supporting documents allowed on F34501. In renewal, the requirements of the first card are not automatically transposed.

Common mistakes

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  • Pass the TCF for naturalization as you deposit in 2 years and over — the certificate will expire, you will have to go back.
  • Believe that the DELF is more difficult: the format is more graceful than the timed TCF.
  • Pass the TCF DAP for naturalization without checking the purpose of the test and the required level — the variants of the TCF meet different objectives.
  • Do not check the minimum of 5/25 at each DELF test — one can fail with a high total.
  • Believing that a B1 DELF is sufficient for naturalization: the procedure by decree requires B2 in both oral and written form, with a separate civic examination.

Official sources

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Show sources in this section

Useful links

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DELF B1FrancisationIntegration Section

Important remark

The certificates are issued by France Éducation International. Indicative information; prices and exact dates on the examination centre website.

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