DELF preparation in Shanghai — children, teenagers and adults
The DELF and the DALF are the official French diplomas issued by the French Ministry of Education. They never expire, they are recognised everywhere, and they are the proof of level that a French university or an employer accepts without argument. AEF prepares candidates from A1 to C1, in person in Shanghai and Suzhou or online from anywhere.
Which exam for which candidate?
DELF and DALF cover the six levels of the Common European Framework. What changes between versions is the subject matter, not the difficulty of the level.
- DELF Prim — A1.1, A1, A2 · ages 7 to 12. Topics from school and home, illustrated materials, short papers.
- DELF Junior and scolaire — A1 to B2 · ages 12 to 17. The same standard as the adult version, with teenage subject matter.
- DELF tout public — A1 to B2 · adults. Daily life, work, society.
- DALF — C1 and C2 · adults. Long texts, argued presentation, synthesis of documents — the level expected for direct university entry in France.
DELF, DALF, TCF or TEF?
The DELF and DALF are diplomas: once earned, they are yours for life. The TCF and TEF are tests, not diplomas: they give a level valid for two years and are used mainly for immigration and citizenship procedures. If you are not sure which one your project requires, ask the institution that asked you for the proof of level before you register for anything.
How we prepare you
Our DELF programme does not teach French again. It teaches the exam: its four papers and the marking grid that decides the score.
- DELF A1 to B2 (adults): 30 hours per level over 10 weeks, three full mock exams with corrections, and support with registering at the exam centre.
- DALF C1 and TCF / TEF: 40 hours over 12 weeks, with DALF mock exams and timed TCF / TEF tests.
- Children and teenagers: DELF Prim and DELF Junior are part of the children's pathways — see the Kids & Teens guide.
Our teachers are DELF-DALF accredited by France Éducation international, with ongoing training. Exam dates and fees are set by the accredited exam centre, not by AEF; we guide you through the registration.
Where and how
In person at our campuses in Shanghai and Suzhou, or online from anywhere in the world. Not sure of your level? Start with a free placement test: twenty minutes, no commitment.
Questions we are often asked
Does the DELF expire?
No. The DELF and the DALF are lifelong diplomas. The TCF and TEF are different: their result is valid for two years.
Which level should I take?
The one that matches your real level, or the one an institution requires. A placement test tells you where you stand, and what to work on to reach the next level.
Can my child take the DELF?
Yes. DELF Prim (A1.1 to A2) is designed for ages 7 to 12, and DELF Junior (A1 to B2) for ages 12 to 17.
The exams explained in detail →
DELF preparation course, A1 to B2 →