French Exams Explained — TCF, TEF, DELF & DCL Compared

How to Choose Your French Exam: TCF / TEF / DELF–DALF / DCL — One-Stop Guide (uses · sections · timing · difficulty)

Many people need proof of French level for residence/naturalization, study, or work, but aren’t sure which exam to take. This simple guide starts with use cases, then covers sections and timing, and finishes with a quick decision table—no jargon.

Which exam fits which profile?

Your need / profile	Recommended exam	Why	Prep focus
Submit quickly (residence/naturalization)	TCF IRN or TEF IRN	Designed for integration/residence/nationality; all 4 skills same day; fast results; valid 2 years	Functional communication for admin & everyday life; in MCQs: key-word spotting → eliminate contradictions; short, well-structured writings
Already working, comfortable with emails/meetings	DCL FLE	Work-task diploma; assigns A2→C1 in one sitting; accepted for procedures	Pipeline read → write → report orally; clarity, feasibility, professional tone
Base faible, viser d’abord A2/B1 administratif	DELF A2 / B1 (or IRN)	DELF A2/B1 often accepted by authorities, valid for life; if time is short: IRN	Communicative functions, pass thresholds, automatize patterns
Academic value / structured pathway	DELF B2 / DALF C1–C2	Lifetime diplomas, highly recognized by universities/employers	Argumentation (written/oral), connectors, accuracy
Canada / Québec	TCF/TEF Canada ; TEFAQ/TCF Québec	Aligned to CLB/Québec grids	Train exactly to the target band descriptors

💡 Reminder: For procedures in France, DELF/DALF (at the required level) and DCL can also serve as language proof, not only IRN.

What does each exam look like? (sections · timing · difficulty)

TCF / TEF — Placement-style tests (valid 2 years)

TCF IRN (integration, residence, nationality)

• Indicative timing: Listening ≈ 20′ (25 items); Reading ≈ 35′ (25); Writing ≈ 30′ (3 tasks); Speaking ≈ 10′ — all four skills on the same day.

• Typical challenges: Tight timing, dense information; in writing/speaking you’re assessed on clear, efficient communication.

TCF TP (general use/study)

• Indicative timing: Listening ≈ 25′ (29); Structures ≈ 15′ (18); Reading ≈ 45′ (29); options Writing ≈ 60′ (3) / Speaking ≈ 12′.

• Challenges: Scanning longer texts, grammatical precision, complete responses.

TEF IRN (integration, residence, nationality)

• Indicative timing: Reading ≈ 30′ (20); Listening ≈ 20′ (20); Writing ≈ 30′ (2); Speaking ≈ 10′ — all four skills same day.

• Challenges: MCQs with distractors; short writings covering all key points.

TEF Études

• Indicative timing: Reading ≈ 60′ (~40); Listening ≈ 40′ (~40); Lexis/Grammar ≈ 30′ (~40); Writing ≈ 60′ (2); sometimes Speaking ≈ 15′.

• Challenges: Academic skills, long texts, organized argumentation.

🧩 MCQ tip (TCF/TEF): Box the key words (names, numbers, places, connectors) → eliminate options that contradictthe source → decide between the last two by a fine detail.

DELF / DALF — Lifetime diplomas

(A1–C2)

• Format: 4 skills (LR, RC, W, S). Each part 20′ to 60′ depending on level (B2 writing ~60′; C1 writing ~2–2h30).

• Challenges: Argumentation (thesis → arguments → counter-arguments → conclusion), precision and coherence.

• Use: Higher education, long-term files; also accepted for admin procedures (at the required level).

DCL FLE — Professional diploma

(one sitting awards A2→C1)

• Format / length: one continuous work-based scenario in ~2–2h30: read docs → write (email, note, report) → defend orally.

• Challenges: Chaining multiple skills; operational clarity (concrete solutions, professional tone).

• Use: Proof of workplace competence; valid for admin needs (required level).

⚠️ Key question: “How soon will I get my results/certificate?”

No exam can promise a fixed turnaround. It depends on available seats, the marking/issuance pace, and how the document is delivered (download, pickup, post, etc.). The timelines below are typical ranges (to help you plan, notguarantees):

TCF IRN / TCF TP :

Usually about 10–15 business days for the official statement after the testing centre sends scripts; add the centre’s release time.

TEF IRN :

Often ≈ 2 weeks (downloadable digital statement).

TEF Études:

≈ 1–10 days depending on session (digital statement).

DELF / DALF :

Statement in ~4–6 weeks; official diploma in ~4–6 months (allow extra time if an institution/authority needs the diploma itself).

DCL FLE :

Results visible online once marked (often ≤ 1 month depending on the academy); paper diploma follows by post.

👉 Practical tip: if you must submit a file within 2–8 weeks, secure a two-track plan (the earliest session plus a backup centre), and consider DELF A2/B1 or DCL as a safety net.

Prepare only what matters (minimum effort, maximum gain)

MCQs (TCF/TEF)

• Spot names/numbers/places/logical markers.

• Discard anything that conflicts with the text/audio.

• Choose between the last two by a micro-detail.

Writing：

• IRN (practical): Context → Request/Proposal → Reasons → Closing; short sentences, dense information.

• DELF/DALF (academic): Thesis → Arguments → Counter-arguments → Conclusion; clear paragraphs, natural connectors.

  
  

Speaking:

Prepare ready-to-use blocks for common situations (self-intro, admin steps, study/work, complaint & solution).

DCL

Ritualiser la chaîne de tâches : recevoir la consigne → clarifier → sélectionner l’info → rédiger → rendre compte à l’oral

Myths busted (30-second fixes)

❌« Only IRN works for residence/naturalization» →

DELF/DALF (right level) and DCL are also accepted.

❌« TCF TP is fine for naturalization » →

For IRN procedures you need TCF IRN (or TEF IRN).

❌« CPF always funds DELF/DALF» →

Most common via CPF: training + certification (TCF/TEF/DCL) with actual exam sitting.

❌« You must take the exam where you study » →

Your school can register you at an official centre; some exams offer specific modes depending on centres.

Prepare with EDAM Paris (Bastille/Marais)

Regular learning

(Intensive 16 h/week · Extensive 10 h/week)

• Guided progression, action-based learning, personal feedback

• Intensive: 2 h each morning (Mon–Fri) + targeted workshops

• Extensive: 2 h × 5 mornings

• Best for: building solid bases with no exam rush

Explore the program

TCF IRN prep (A2→B2)

afternoon or evening

• Afternoon: Mon–Fri 13:30–16:15 → A2: 2 weeks; B1/B2: 4 weeks

• Evening: 2 evenings/week, 2 h/session, 12 weeks

• Best for: imminent submissions or no daytime availability

See dates & apply

DELF prep (A2→B2)

afternoon or evening

• Afternoon (intensive): 3 h/day, Mon–Fri, 2–4 weeks by level

  Evening: 24 × 2-hour sessions over 12 weeks

• Best for:

  • Afternoon: fast results (focused training)

  • Evening: no urgency, study/work in daytime, steady progress

Programs & enrolment

DCL (FLE) prep

evening course

• 2 evenings/week, 2 h/session, 12 weeks + full DCL simulation (~2h30)

• Best for: existing base, work usage + lifetime diploma

Reserve your seat

Free placement test

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