DELF for children and teenagers in Shanghai
The DELF Prim and the DELF Junior are the official French diplomas for children and teenagers, issued by the French Ministry of Education. They never expire. AEF prepares children from age 7 to 17, in person in Shanghai and Suzhou, or online from anywhere in the world.
Two diplomas, two age groups
- DELF Prim — ages 7 to 12 · Levels A1.1, A1 and A2. Topics drawn from school and home life, illustrated materials, short papers. Designed for young learners: no child is put in front of an adult exam paper.
- DELF Junior — ages 12 to 17 · Levels A1 to B2. The same standard as the adult DELF, but with subjects built for teenagers: studies, friends, free time, social media.
Both diplomas are lifelong — once earned, they stay on the CV for ever.
Is the DELF useful for my child?
The DELF Prim and Junior serve three purposes:
- A concrete goal. Children progress faster when they are working towards something real. The exam gives a deadline and a clear objective.
- An official proof of level. Useful for school applications, international programmes, and later for university or employment in French-speaking countries.
- Motivation and confidence. Passing an official exam — at any level — is a genuine achievement for a child living abroad.
How AEF prepares children
DELF Prim and Junior preparation at AEF is built into the children's pathway, not bolted on at the last minute. Children in the FLAM and FLE programmes work towards their level from the start of the year. When a teacher considers a child ready, they contact the family directly.
- In workshops: 4-session modules of about 20 hours, in small groups.
- In one-to-one or semi-private lessons: preparation follows the child's pace.
- Three full mock exams with corrections before the real session.
Our teachers are DELF-DALF accredited by France Éducation international.
Exam sessions in Shanghai
DELF Prim and DELF Junior have their own sessions, separate from the adult DELF, including one session in October. Registration for the October session opens in late August. The 2027 calendar is published by NEEA at the end of the year — we pass it on to families as soon as it appears.
How registration works at AEF
- The exams organised by AEF are reserved for our own students. We do not accept external applications.
- For students in the after-school programme, the registration fee is already included in the tuition. Entry is on the teacher's recommendation.
- Students in one-to-one or small-group lessons may also sit the exam, paying the standard exam fee, after a minimum of 40 hours of tuition with AEF.
- Not enrolled with us? The official directory of exam centres will point you to the nearest accredited centre.
Questions parents often ask
At what age can a child take the DELF?
The DELF Prim starts at age 7, at level A1.1. There is no upper age limit for the DELF Junior (A1 to B2).
Does my child need to be enrolled at AEF to take the exam?
To sit the exam through AEF, yes — a minimum of 40 hours of tuition with us, or enrolment in one of our programmes. For external candidature, contact an accredited exam centre directly.
DELF Prim or DELF Junior — which one?
Age decides: Prim for ages 7 to 12, Junior for ages 12 to 17. If your child is on the borderline, a placement test will tell you which version fits better.
Does the DELF expire?
No. The DELF is a lifelong diploma — at any level, for any version.