DELF, DALF, TCF, or TEF — what's the difference?
Four names that get thrown around interchangeably, and they're not interchangeable. Here's what each one really is, in plain language.
Lerniyo issues none of these exams — DELF, DALF, TCF, and TEF are run by France Éducation international, the CCI Paris Île-de-France, and other official centers. Requirements vary by consulate and program and change over time — always confirm the current rule with the official source for your specific file.
The 4 exams
DELF
A diploma covering A1 to B2 — pass one level once, and the certificate is valid for life.
A1 · A2 · B1 · B2
General proof of level; often accepted for French residency and some naturalization files
DALF
A diploma covering C1 and C2 — the advanced continuation of the DELF, also valid for life.
C1 · C2
Advanced/academic proof of level, university admission in France
TCF
A scored test, not pass/fail, that places you on the full CEFR scale from A1 to C2 in one sitting.
A1 → C2 (scored)
France naturalization and residency files, and TCF Canada for Canadian immigration
TEF
Another scored test, similar structure to the TCF, run by the CCI Paris Île-de-France.
A1 → C2 (scored)
France residency files, and TEF Canada — the test most Express Entry French-track candidates use
So which one do you actually need?
If your goal is a permanent, one-time diploma and you're comfortable committing to a single level, DELF (up to B2) or DALF (C1-C2) is the simpler path. If your goal is Canada — citizenship or Express Entry — you almost always need a scored, dated TCF Canada or TEF Canada result converted to the NCLC, not a DELF/DALF diploma; check the current validity window (commonly around two years) before relying on an old score. If your goal is France specifically, both a diploma and a scored test can work depending on the program — the deciding factor is usually the specific permit or naturalization file's own rule, not a general preference for one exam over another.
Canada's NCLC — and Quebec's separate scale
Canada doesn't use the CEFR scale directly for federal programs. The NCLC (Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens) is Canada's own scale, and it's what a TCF Canada or TEF Canada score gets converted into for citizenship (NCLC 4 minimum, ages 18-54) or Express Entry (NCLC 7 is the common target for full French points). Quebec runs its own, separately maintained scale — the échelle québécoise des niveaux de compétence en français — for programs specific to settling in Quebec. The three scales (CEFR, NCLC, échelle québécoise) are related in spirit but not the same numbering, so double-check which one the program you're applying to actually asks for.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use a DELF diploma for Canada?
For federal economic programs like Express Entry, no — the French-language points come from a scored TCF Canada or TEF Canada result converted to the NCLC. Other proofs of French knowledge may still be accepted elsewhere — check the specific program.
Do TCF and TEF scores expire?
Yes, typically — results are usually only accepted for around two years from the test date. Confirm the exact window with the program you're applying to.
Is the DALF harder than the DELF?
The DALF (C1-C2) covers the two most advanced CEFR levels — it comes after finishing DELF B2, and it targets academic/highly fluent use of French, so yes, it aims higher.
Does Lerniyo prepare me specifically for the TEF or TCF format?
Lerniyo's curriculum builds your real CEFR level (A1-C1), and its mock exams are styled after the DELF/DALF format. That gives you the language level every one of these exams actually tests — but practicing the specific TCF/TEF question format happens through their own official prep materials.