Contents on this Page
Assessment and Evaluation
Diploma of French Language Studies (Diplôme d’études en langue française – DELF)
A Local Decision, July 2014
What is the DELF?
The Diploma of French Language Studies (Diplôme d’études en langue française– DELF) is an internationally recognized French Language Proficiency Certificate awarded by France’s national Ministry of Education. The Centre international d’études pédagogiques – CIEP (International Centre for Studies in Education), under the Ministry of Education’s Higher Education and Research sector in France, runs the program of diplomas of French as a foreign language both in France and abroad.
Designed for teenagers, the DELF scolaire consists of four diplomas, each of which corresponds to a particular level of language proficiency:
- DELF level A1 recognizes basic knowledge where the student is able to interact in a simple way;
- DELF level A2 recognizes the linguistic competency of a basic user considered as a social actor;
- DELF level B1 qualifies a student who becomes independent and is able to maintain interaction;
- DELF level B2 qualifies a student who has a degree of independence that allows the construction of arguments to defend opinions, to explain viewpoints and to negotiate.
In Manitoba, some schools and school divisions administer the DELF exams to interested students.
Why get such a certification?
These assessments are established and internationally recognized tools which provide additional information on the student’s French language proficiency.
The DELF level B2 is a requirement for admission to universities in France, francophone universities in Europe and some universities in Canada for non native French speakers. The Université de Saint-Boniface in Manitoba administers its own French language entrance requirements.
Who can be assessed for DELF?
The DELF scolaire is open to students learning French in school.
Other versions of the DELF are available for those not accessing the exams through school:
- DELF junior (for adolescents)
- DELF tout public (for adults)
- DALF (Diplôme approfondi de langue française [Advanced Diploma of French Language Studies] — for adults)
Where can students be assessed?
The Centre DELF des divisions scolaires du Manitoba (DELF Centre for Manitoba School Divisions) was established in 2013 as a collaborative project by four school divisions (Pembina Trails, River East Transcona, St.James-Assiniboia and Seine River) to administer and mark the DELF exams for interested students. The DELF Centre’s exam administrators-evaluators (teachers) were trained and accredited by the CIEP. The DELF Centre also trains teachers wanting to become accredited DELF Evaluators.
Space permitting, the Centre offers DELF assessment opportunities to students from non-member school divisions. For more information, please visit the DELF Centre for Manitoba School Divisions website.
DELF and DALF exams for all ages and levels of language proficiency are also offered at the Alliance Française (French Language School and Cultural), 934 Corydon Avenue, Winnipeg, Manitoba. For more information, visit the Alliance Française website.
When are the exams administered?
The Centre organizes one or two sessions annually, but this may vary from year to year.
Alliance Française offers three sessions annually: one in March, one in April and one in October.
How do you register?
Interested students should talk to their French teacher to decide at which language proficiency level to be assessed and for registration information.
For further information on how to register, visit the DELF Centre for Manitoba School Divisions website or the Alliance Française website.
Schools and school divisions can apply for financial support through the Manitoba Education and Early Childhood Learning’s French Second Language Revitalization Program. For more information and application form, visit the French Second Language Revitalization Program website.
Administration of DELF Exams in Manitoba – A Local Decision
Manitoba Education and Early Childhood Learning recognizes that a French language proficiency certificate (Diplôme d’études en langue française – DELF), issued to a student by France’s national Ministry of Education, provides additional information on the student’s French language proficiency.
Over the past years, through its French Second Language Revitalization Program, the Department has provided financial support for the administration of the DELF Scolaire to schools and school divisions who request funding. The Department also financially supported the establishment of the Centre DELF des divisions scolaires du Manitoba (DELF Centre for Manitoba School Divisions) under this same funding program.
Although the Department financially supports the administration of the DELF exams at the local level, it does not intend to assume the responsibility for the administration of the DELF exams at the provincial level. The Department has its own mandated provincial assessment program that follows the Manitoba curricular outcomes and, to further support the teaching, learning and assessment of students’ thinking skills and French language proficiency, it also develops teaching resource materials and offers training sessions in the use of these resources as well second language teaching methodology.
Therefore, the administration of the exams DELF is a local decision. Students and parents interested in this assessment can communicate with the French teacher at their school.
