Do you want to study in France? Advance your career? Start the naturalisation process?
Whether for professional or personal reasons, certain projects require you to have your level of French certified through an official, internationally recognised exam.
But with so many different tests available, it is not always easy to know which one to choose or how to prepare for it effectively.
With over 100 years’ experience in teaching French as a foreign language, the École Suisse Internationale offers personalised preparation programmes, tailored to your level and objectives.
In particular, we prepare you for the following French proficiency exams:
- DELF (Diplôme d’Études en Langue Française);
- DALF (Diplôme Approfondi de Langue Française);
- TCF (Test de connaissance du français);
- TEF (Test d’évaluation de français).
Why take a French proficiency exam?
To study in France
Are you looking to enrol at a French university or grande école? Most institutions require you to demonstrate at least a B2 level in French. In some cases, a C1 level is even mandatory.
To help you plan your studies in France, check out our guide:
To work in French
Do you want to join a major French company? Whether for your work duties or to integrate better into your future team, you need to be able to demonstrate that you can speak French. A minimum B2 level is required in most cases.
Need to master business French? Discover our specialised courses:
To obtain a residence permit
Since January 2026, the requirements for obtaining a long-term residence permit in France have changed. Do you wish to apply for a French residence card? You must demonstrate a minimum B1 level in French.
To find out more, see our comprehensive guide:
► French resident card: What is the required language level?
To apply for French naturalisation
Would you like to obtain French nationality through naturalisation? Since 2026, the procedure has changed: you must now prove that you have a minimum B2 level in French.
More information in our article:
► Guide to obtaining French citizenship: language test, civic exam, and interview
Which French test or qualification should you choose depending on your plans?
DELF
The DELF (Diplôme d’Études en Langue Française) is an official French language exam, recognised worldwide. Valid for life, it assesses French language levels from A1 to B2.
When should you take this test?
- To study in France (if level B2 is required)
- To work in a French-speaking environment (if level B2 is sufficient)
- To obtain a residence permit (DELF B1)
- To apply for French citizenship (DELF B2)
DALF
The DALF (Diplôme Approfondi de Langue Française) certifies advanced proficiency in French. Valid for life and recognised internationally, it assesses the highest levels of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages: levels C1 and C2 in French.
When should you take this test?
- To study in France (if level C1 is required)
- To work in French (if level C1 is required)
TEF
The TEF (Test d’évaluation de français) is an internationally recognised French language test issued by the Chambre de commerce et d’industrie de Paris.
It is available in different versions depending on your plans:
- TEF Études (if you wish to enrol at a French university)
- TEF IRN (for an application for a residence permit or naturalisation)
TCF
The TCF (Test de connaissance du français) is an official French language test issued by France Éducation International.
Depending on your plans, you can take:
- the TCF General (for a personal project or to apply to a university in France)
- the TCF IRN (for an application for a residence permit or French naturalisation)
Prepare for a French proficiency exam in Paris with the École Suisse Internationale
The École Suisse Internationale offers a combined programme to help you prepare for your French exam.
It is structured as follows:
- Mornings: a standard programme of 15 hours per week, in small, level-based groups in our group classes (see details of the standard programme).
- Afternoons: private lessons focused on preparing for the DELF, DALF or TEF/TCF exams (number of private lessons of your choice).
This French programme will enable you to:
- Strengthen your language skills in oral and written comprehension and expression.
- Practise speaking in exam-like situations.
- Acquire effective strategies and methodology.
- Practise with sample exams for your chosen level.
Prices and registration
From €320 to €370 per week for morning classes (depending on the duration of the chosen course) + €65 per hour for private tuition
+ Registration fees : 80 €.
Individual registration valid for one year and applicable to all our French language courses in Paris, Dijon and online. Price includes all teaching materials used in class. Price adjustments apply to national holidays (any missing classes will be deducted from the total fee).
► I wish to enrol in this course
Organise a French language certification course for groups in Dijon
The École Suisse Internationale in Dijon welcomes school groups, student groups and adult groups throughout the year for .
Are you a French teacher or a professional from abroad? We offer French exam preparation programmes designed to meet the academic objectives or specific needs of your group and your school.
Our teaching team will help you put together a fully tailored programme combining language learning, exam preparation and cultural immersion.
Prices on request: Please contact us
They chose the École Suisse to help them prepare for their French proficiency exam
Ana P.
(Translated) Studying at this school was a wonderful experience. The quality of life and the warm welcome from the teachers and staff make you feel like part of the family. Excellent teachers, small groups and well-structured lessons covering all aspects of the language. In just one month, I learnt a lot and gained the confidence to sit the B2 exam and pass it with ease. A good coffee to refresh my mind during lessons, off-the-beaten-track excursions every Wednesday, and no more treats on Fridays… [...] I am keen for more. I hope to return for the C1. A huge thank you to the whole of the Swiss School! See you soon!
Eri
I studied at the school for two months. I quickly improved from A2 to B1 and passed the DELF B1 exam at the end. I liked the fact that you had a different teacher every day, so you never got bored. The class was always small in the mornings, with about five to eight people, so everyone had plenty of time to speak. Even though I only attended morning classes, they let me have lunch with them at the school, during which we spoke in French. It depends on the students, but most of us tried to speak French amongst ourselves as much as we could. The classmates were very international, without too many students from the same country. The teachers were very knowledgeable and always fun. I really appreciate the director, who helped me prepare for the DELF exam. The school is in a very lively but not touristy part of Paris with lots of interesting shops and theatres, and I love the area. I can certainly recommend this school to everyone, but especially to those who want to learn quickly in a friendly atmosphere. Last but not least, the administrative staff are very efficient and thorough…
Julia
I attended Ecole Suisse Internationale for 10 days in June, as I wanted to have a complete francophone immersion to improve several aspects before a DALF exam. I was fully satisfied with my choice, as the methodology was just what I needed, and both the teachers and classmates were so supportive and fun, that the hours passed rapidly and everyone kept on talking in French during breaks. Special thanks to Veronique, who went out of her way to provide support in exercises, as she wanted to make sure that I’d succeed on the exam.I wouldn’t have succeeded at DALF without their classes and this total immersion.
I recommend it 100% and I will go back for additional months of practice whenever they have my level again.
Do you have a question about a French proficiency exam or test?
Which French exam should I choose depending on my goal?
To study in France, qualifications such as the DELF B2 or DALF C1 are often required. For administrative purposes (residence permit or naturalisation), you can take a test such as the TCF IRN or TEF IRN, which are perfectly suited to the requirements of these procedures.
Not sure which test to choose? Our team can help you select the most suitable exam based on your plans and your level. Get in touch!
What is the difference between the TCF and the TEF?
The TCF and the TEF are two internationally recognised official tests that allow you to quickly assess your level of French. They are quite similar and are both accepted for administrative procedures such as naturalisation or applying for a residence permit.
What level of French is required to sit an exam?
There is no minimum level required to register for an exam, but each project requires a specific level:
- B1: compulsory for a residence permit application
- B2: required for naturalisation or to study in France
- C1: required by certain universities or for skilled jobs
You can also simply take a French exam to assess your level and your progress in learning the language.
How long does it take to prepare for a French proficiency exam?
It depends on your current level, your goal and the time you can devote to your preparation. For example, progressing from A2 to B1 or from B1 to B2 can take several weeks, or even several months, depending on your learning pace and immersion. To be sure of achieving your goals, there’s nothing better than following a specific preparation programme. With guidance and support from experienced French teachers, you’ll progress more quickly and with confidence.
Can you prepare for a French exam without taking a course?
Yes, but it may take longer and be less effective. French exams follow specific formats that it is important to be familiar with. Guidance helps you to:
- structure your learning;
- target your weak points;
- practise under real exam conditions.
What is the difference between a qualification (DELF/DALF) and a test (TCF/TEF)?
Diplomas such as the DELF or DALF are valid for life and certify a specific level. Tests such as the TCF or TEF are valid for two years and assess your level at a given point in time. The choice depends on your plans: studies, work, administrative procedures or personal projects.
Can École Suisse Internationale help me choose and prepare for my proficiency exam?
Yes! Our school offers exam preparation programmes that are 100% tailored to your level and objectives. Contact us to find out more.
Is the École Suisse an exam centre?
No, we are not authorised to administer French language exams. However, we support you at every stage of your learning to give you the best possible chance of success in your exam. We can also help you find an authorised centre to register for your French exam.