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Duration: Preparation 100–200 h ; examination 的2 h 40 ; diploma under 2–4 months
Cost: 的100–150 € for examination
On-site only
Who this guide is for
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- You if a first resident card concerned requires a B1 level proof
- You if you want to certify your level of French for work or studies
- You if you already master B1 and want an official document (life)
To be prepared in advance
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- Passport or residence permit
- Photo (for registration) and your CV in French for preparation
- Budget for the review € -100–150
Step-by-step procedure
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- 1Identify the examination centre: University, French Institute, Alliances Françaises, GRETA. List of centres on france-education-international.fr. Registration in advance — 6–12 weeks before the session.
- 2Register: fill in the registration form, attach a copy of ID and photo. Set the price of 100–150 € (B1 more expensive than A1/A2). The center sends a summons with date, time, room.
- 3Preparation: minimum 100–200 hours in autonomy or in progress. The level B1 = ability to communicate in daily life, understand newspapers, write personal letters. Use the Candidate Manual DELF B1 on the EIF website.
- 4Tests ( 4 parts, total duration 2 h 40 ) : ( 1 ) Understanding of the oral — 25 min, 25 points; ( 2 ) Understanding of the writings — 35 min, 25 points; ( 3 ) Written production — 45 min, 25 points; ( 4 ) Oral production — 15 min (+ 10 min preparation), 25 points.
- 5Minimum to pass: 50/100 in total, and at least 5/25 in each event. If a sub-test <5 — ironing the entire exam.
- 6Passage: arrive 15 minutes in advance with ID and pen. No phone. Results generally in 1 months.
- 7Receive the diploma: sent by mail under 2–4 months. The diploma is for life — attach the original to your application for naturalization.
- 8In case of failure — registration at the next session 4 – 6 per year). Strengthen the weak trials. Oral production is usually the most difficult for foreigners; practice with native speakers or a teacher.
Common mistakes
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- Believing that a B1 degree is sufficient for a naturalization by decree: the B2 level in oral and written form and the official list of supporting documents apply.
- Register too late — sessions are 4–6 per year, few places.
- Do not check the minimum of 5/25 per test — you can have 60/100 and fail because of a low sub-test.
- Neglecting oral production — often the weakness of foreigners.
- Choose an examination without checking the procedure: the first resident cards and naturalization have different levels and lists of proofs.
Official sources
Section actions
Important remark
The DELF is issued by France Éducation International. Indicative information; exact dates and rates on the examination centre's website.
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