DELF A1 tout public (France Éducation international) has 4 parts: Compréhension de l’oral, Compréhension des écrits, Production écrite, Production orale. Pass mark: 50/100 overall and at least 5/25 in each of the 4 parts. Cost: Set by each centre; no national price found. Result: Result times in France are set by the centre. Checked 2026-09-29.
Dates, places and waiting times
No national DELF dates in France: each exam centre (universities, Alliances françaises…) sets its sessions and registration periods. Example Université de Limoges: December 2026 session, written 2026-12-01 to 03, registration 2026-10-05 to 10-28. source
- 1Bookat an approved exam centre in France
- 2ExamNo national DELF dates in France: each exam centre (universities, Alliances françaises…) sets its sessions and registration periods
- 3ResultResult times in France are set by the centre
- 4CertificateFor life — the DELF diploma does not expire.
Where
DELF exam centres approved by France Éducation international, across France (universities, Alliances françaises, language centres). source
At a glance
Exam parts87 min in total
Compréhension de l’oralListening · 3–4 very short recordings, each heard twiceAbout 20 min
- Format
- Collective written exam, audio in the room
- Questions / tasks
- 3–4 very short recordings, each heard twice
- Task types
- Answer comprehension questions about very short everyday recordings.
- Scoring
- /25 points
- Allowed aids
- Not stated on the pages we could read (FEI rules not readable)[5]
Compréhension des écritsReading · 4–5 short written documents30 min
- Format
- Collective written exam
- Questions / tasks
- 4–5 short written documents
- Task types
- Answer questions on short documents from daily life.
- Scoring
- /25 points
- Allowed aids
- Not stated on the pages we could read (FEI rules not readable)[2]
Production écriteWriting · 2 tasks30 min
- Format
- Collective written exam
- Questions / tasks
- 2 tasks
- Task types
- Fill in a form; write simple sentences (postcard, message) on everyday topics.
- Scoring
- /25 points
- Allowed aids
- Not stated on the pages we could read (FEI rules not readable)[2]
Production oraleSpeaking · 3 parts5–7 min, 10 min preparation
- Format
- Individual, with examiners (jury)
- Questions / tasks
- 3 parts
- Task types
- Guided interview (entretien dirigé), information exchange (échange d’informations), role-play (dialogue simulé).
- Scoring
- /25 points
- Allowed aids
- —[2]
Scoring, results and retakes
50 of 100, with a minimum per part
Each of the 4 parts is marked out of 25 (total 100). You pass with 50/100 overall and at least 5/25 in every part.[2]
No partial pass
The diploma is awarded for the whole exam; parts cannot be validated separately.[5]
Your candidate number
You receive a permanent candidate number. Give it each time you register, at any centre.[2]
Results and diploma (example abroad)
Institut français in Germany: results within 15 working days after the last part; the diploma about 6 months after the exam; a pass attestation can be issued earlier. Ask your French centre for its own timing.[3]
Valid for life
DELF diplomas do not expire. For residence cards the prefecture of Hérault states: TCF/TEF valid 2 years, DELF without limit.[6]
What is really tested
Derived from the official task descriptions and level descriptions — not from leaked questions.
Compréhension de l’oral
- Duration: About 20 min; 3–4 very short recordings, each heard twice.
- Answer questions while or after listening; read the questions before the audio starts.
- CEFR A1 listening: recognise familiar words and very basic phrases about yourself, your family and surroundings, when people speak slowly and clearly.
Compréhension des écrits
- Duration: 30 min; 4–5 short written documents.
- Answer questions on short documents from daily life.
- CEFR A1 reading: understand familiar names, words and very simple sentences, e.g. on notices, posters or in catalogues.
Production écrite
- Duration: 30 min; 2 tasks.
- Fill in a form; write simple sentences (postcard, message) on everyday topics.
- CEFR A1 writing: write a short, simple postcard and fill in forms with personal details.
Production orale
- Duration: 5–7 min, 10 min preparation.
- Guided interview (entretien dirigé), information exchange (échange d’informations), role-play (dialogue simulé).
- CEFR A1 speaking: ask and answer simple questions on very familiar topics, if the other person helps.
- At least 5/25 is needed here too — a weak oral can block the diploma.
Rules you need to know
Registration1
In France, DELF sessions and registration periods are set by each exam centre (universities, Alliances françaises…). Example Université de Limoges: December 2026 session, written 2026-12-01 to 03, registration 2026-10-05 to 10-28, places limited.[4]
Costs & payment1
The fee is set by the exam centre; there is no national price on the pages we could read. For residence-card language tests the prefecture of Hérault gives about €100–200 and mentions the CPF (personal training account) as a possible way to pay.[6]
On the exam day
- 1Written parts in one session
Listening, reading and writing are taken together as a collective exam (1 h 20). The oral is a separate individual appointment, often on another day.[2]
- 2Preparation time for the oral
Oral: 5–7 min, 10 min preparation.[2]
- 3Bring your candidate number
If you took a DELF or DALF before, give your permanent candidate number when you register.[2]
Frequently asked questions
What are the parts of DELF A1 tout public?
Compréhension de l’oral (About 20 min) · Compréhension des écrits (30 min) · Production écrite (30 min) · Production orale (5–7 min, 10 min preparation).
What is the pass mark for DELF A1 tout public?
50/100 overall and at least 5/25 in each of the 4 parts source
How much does DELF A1 tout public cost?
Set by each centre; no national price found. The prefecture of Hérault gives about €100–200 for language tests and mentions the CPF (personal training account). source
How do you register for DELF A1 tout public?
No national DELF dates in France: each exam centre (universities, Alliances françaises…) sets its sessions and registration periods. Example Université de Limoges: December 2026 session, written 2026-12-01 to 03, registration 2026-10-05 to 10-28. source
How long do you have to wait for DELF A1 tout public?
No waiting time is published; it depends on the centre. Places can be limited — book early. source
When do you get the result of DELF A1 tout public?
Result times in France are set by the centre. Example abroad (Institut français in Germany): results within 15 working days, diploma about 6 months later. source
What happens if you fail DELF A1 tout public?
Take the whole exam again at a later session (no partial pass). Keep your permanent candidate number. source
Where can you take DELF A1 tout public?
DELF exam centres approved by France Éducation international, across France (universities, Alliances françaises, language centres). source
Official sources
Checked on 2026-09-29. Rules change — the official page always wins.
- [1]Carte de résident et carte de séjour pluriannuelle : niveau de français (vérifié le 10 février 2026) Service-Public.fr (DILA) · page date 2026-02-10
- [2]Règlement des épreuves du DELF et du DALF (BO n°29, 2005, annexe) Ministère de l’Éducation nationale (Bulletin officiel)
- [3]Certifications DELF DALF Institut français d’Allemagne
- [4]Calendrier DELF-DALF Université de Limoges (Maison des Langues)
- [5]RS1697 – DELF A1 tout public France compétences
- [6]Conditions d’obtention d’un titre pluriannuel ou de résident (maîtrise de la langue) Préfecture de l’Hérault
- [7]CEFR self-assessment grid (EN) European Union (Europass)