Evaluate & certify your proficiency level
Before or after taking an FLE course, you may have to show your level of French proficiency. In particular, private employers may want to see proof of your language skills. Here are some useful resources to find out more.
Common European Framework of Reference for Languages
To self-assess your level of language proficiency, you can delve into the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). The CEFR has developed a global scale that describes the three categories of language users and the six corresponding language levels, from complete beginner to near native.
The CEFR is used by the Council of Europe’s 47 member states as well as by other countries. It serves as the basis for developing language programmes, training courses, and assessment approaches.
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French proficiency tests
You may need to certify your level of French proficiency for a variety of reasons: it is important for your personal life, you are starting an academic programme, your employer has requested it, you wish to include it on your CV, or you want to apply for French citizenship. Here are a few useful websites to help you with this task:
- At France Éducation International, you will find a list of French language tests (TCFs) for assessing your skills and a directory of test centres (both in French).
- The Language Performance Test is a certification exam that evaluates how well a person can communicate orally in professional settings. The results are used as part of hiring decisions, language training programmes, international transfers, and job searches, to cite a few examples.
Certification & degree programmes in French as a Foreign Language
The French Ministry of Education has FLE tests and degree programmes for certifying French proficiency in a range of learners, from complete beginners to near-native users. All the ministry’s certification methods utilise the CEFR global scale, and there are options for all ages and needs. Here are two examples:
- Professional Language Competency Degree (diplôme de compétence en langue, or DCL) in FLE—Available in a total of 13 languages, the DCL certifies that individuals possess the language skills needed to function in professional settings. It specifically focuses on five areas of competency: 1) reading comprehension, 2) oral comprehension, 3) oral expression, 4) written expression, and 5) interactive oral communication.
The DCL meets an important need in the professional world. Since earning a DCL relies on skill mastery beyond the more simplistic categories of reading, writing, and speaking, companies can better gauge the linguistic proficiency of current or potential employees.
- DILF, DELF, and DALF degrees—These three degrees certify language proficiency in four skill categories. They never expire and are internationally recognised. Indeed, they are often used by the ministries of education in foreign countries.
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