SUL Certifications

1. Presentation of French level certifications

The SUL is an examination center approved by France Education International (FEi). It organizes each year several sessions for the DALF C1 and the TCF for the general public, as well as the annual TCF session for the DAP. General presentation :

• TCF for the general public

This test allows you to evaluate and validate your level in French, whatever it may be. The certification is valid for 2 years.

• TCF for the DAP

Specific test for entry into the first year of a university degree in France or in a architecture school, also valid for 2 years.

• The DALF

Official diploma of higher level French, valid for an unlimited period of time and internationally recognized.

ATTENTION : the SUL examination center does not organize sessions for other types of TCF (naturalization, resident card, Canada...) nor the DELF or DALF C2 diplomas. For these certifications, see the France Education international website.

1.1 Test de connaissance du français tout public (TCF)

The TCF, Test de Connaissance du Français, is a level test in French as a general language delivered by France Education International (FEi). It allows non-French speaking people to evaluate and validate their knowledge of French in a simple and quick way. It functions as a photographic snapshot of an individual's language skills at a given moment in his or her life and is valid for 2 years. This certification is recognized by the French Ministry of Education, by the European Community and by international organizations.
The test is composed of :

• 3 compulsory tests (MCQ = Multiple Choice Questionnaire): oral comprehension, mastery of the structures of the language, written comprehension.
• 2 complementary tests: written expression, oral expression.

More details on the TCF TP page

1.2 French language test for prior application (TCF DAP)

Any foreign student* who wishes to register in France for the first year of a Bachelor's degree (L1) at a university or in a school of architecture must take a TCF specific to the Demande d'Admission Préalable (DAP) called "TCF pour la DAP". This certification of the level of French accompanies the DAP file (or green file, see the information on this file on the page of the Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation).

• Each year, only one TCF session for the DAP is organized by the University of Aix-Marseille, usually in January or February.

Please note : If you wish to enroll in a bachelor's or master's degree, a Sciences Po, a Grande École or a business school, please take a TCF for the general public, a DELF or a DALF.

* Exceptions and other information on the TCF DAP page

1.3 Diplôme Approfondi de Langue Française (DALF C1)

The DALF, Diplôme Approfondi de Langue Française, is a certification issued by France Education international (FEi) and recognized internationally. It is an official diploma of higher (advanced) level French.

• It is valid for an unlimited period of time (for life).
• It is sometimes required to enter university at the master's or doctoral level, or at the bachelor's level in certain fields, such as Law and Political Science or Sports Science (STAPS).

The SUL examination center organizes a single session per year of the DALF C1, in May, and does not currently offer other levels.

More details on the DALF C1 page