French exams for Ethiopia
Understand the four main French exams, work out which one you need for study in France, Canada or Quebec, and prepare with a guided course and AI feedback on Writing and Speaking.
Tests and diplomas: the key difference
There are four main French exams, and the first thing to understand is that they split into two kinds. The TEF and TCF are levelling tests: they place you on the CEFR scale and the result is valid for two years. The DELF and DALF are diplomas: you earn one at a fixed level and keep it for life.
Which you take depends on your goal. For study in France, a DELF B2 diploma or the TCF DAP is the usual route; for Canada or Quebec, the TEF or TCF Canada versions. The course below is built around the CEFR, so your preparation counts whichever exam you end up sitting.
The CEFR scale, the anchor for every exam
The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) sorts French into six levels. Every exam reports your result against this scale, so once you know your CEFR level you can read any result.
| Level | Band | Can do |
|---|---|---|
| A1 | Basic user | Can understand and use familiar everyday expressions and very basic phrases for concrete needs. |
| A2 | Basic user | Can understand sentences and common expressions about immediate areas like shopping, family and work. |
| B1 | Independent user | Can understand the main points of clear standard input on familiar matters met at school, work and leisure. |
| B2 | Independent user | Can understand the main ideas of complex text on concrete and abstract topics, including in a field of specialisation. |
| C1 | Proficient user | Can understand a wide range of demanding, longer texts and recognise implicit meaning. |
| C2 | Proficient user | Can understand with ease virtually everything heard or read. |
The four exams
TEF
Test, 2 yearsTest d’évaluation de français
A modular levelling test of general French. You sit only the parts your goal requires, and each part maps to a CEFR level rather than passing or failing you. First created in 1998.
For study: TEF Études
Explore TEFTCF
Test, 2 yearsTest de connaissance du français
A levelling test of general French, mapped to the CEFR. It places you on the scale rather than passing or failing you. Three compulsory multiple-choice parts, plus optional writing and speaking.
For study: TCF DAP
Explore TCFDELF and DALF
Diploma, for lifeDiplôme d’études / Diplôme approfondi de langue française
Official diplomas of French. Unlike the TEF and TCF, they are valid for life and never expire. Each diploma certifies one CEFR level and tests all four skills.
For study: DELF junior/scolaire, building to DELF B2
Explore DELF and DALFWhich exam do I need?
Study at a French university (first year, Licence)
Take: TCF DAP (aim for B2), or a DELF B2 / DALF C1 diploma
A DELF B2 or DALF C1 exempts you from the language test in the DAP procedure and never expires.
Study in Canada or Québec
Take: TEF Canada or TCF Canada (TEFAQ or TCF Québec for Québec)
These are the tests Canadian and Québec authorities recognise for admission and the later settling-in pathway.
A lifelong, portable proof of your French level
Take: A DELF (A1 to B2) or DALF (C1, C2) diploma
Recognised worldwide, tests all four skills, and never expires. For teens, DELF junior/scolaire is the right track.
Honest rule of thumb: TEF and TCF expire after two years, DELF and DALF never do. If you are a school student building toward France, a DELF B2 diploma is often the smartest target.
The Atenu French course
One guided course, 12 weeks long, about 8 hours a week, roughly 96 hours in total. Fully online and self-paced, built and tested for phones and low-bandwidth connections. It is built around the CEFR, so your work counts toward DELF, TCF or TEF, whichever you sit.
| Weeks | Focus |
|---|---|
| 1 to 2 | Foundations and a CEFR placement: find your starting level (A1 to B1) |
| 3 to 4 | Listening (comprehension orale): everyday and academic audio |
| 5 to 6 | Reading (comprehension ecrite) and grammar (structures de la langue) |
| 7 to 8 | Writing (expression ecrite): the formats DELF and TCF reward |
| 9 to 10 | Speaking (expression orale): the interview and monologue tasks |
| 11 to 12 | Full mock exams to your target (DELF B2 or TCF DAP) and review |
What makes this course different
AI feedback on every writing and speaking task, with a CEFR-level estimate and the top fixes to make next
Built around the CEFR, so the same work counts toward DELF, TCF and TEF goals
Localised for Ethiopian students, including the first-language interference patterns that cost Amharic and English speakers marks in French
Honest guidance on which exam to sit and where, given that not every French exam is offered in Addis Ababa
How the program works
The teaching is free. You pay only when you want your work graded and your level assessed. Start free, upgrade when you are ready.
Free
No cost- The full lesson curriculum across all four skills
- A CEFR placement to find your starting level
- Guidance on which exam to sit and where
- Learn at your own pace, on your phone
Full program
Paid- Full timed mock exams targeted to DELF B2 or TCF DAP
- AI feedback on every writing and speaking task
- Question-bank practice for each skill
- Progress dashboard and a certificate
Pricing for the full program is shared on Telegram. Atenu does not sell the French exams themselves.
Taking French exams in Ethiopia
The Alliance Éthio-Française d’Addis-Abeba is the leading French-language institution in Ethiopia and the accredited official exam centre, with exams run under the supervision of the French Embassy.
DELF and DALF, including the junior and scolaire diplomas for school-age students, can be sat in Addis Ababa. The TEF is listed by the Alliance, and TCF availability is not clearly confirmed, so check directly with the Alliance for the TEF and the TCF before you rely on sitting them locally.
French exams frequently asked questions
What is the difference between TEF, TCF, DELF and DALF?
TEF and TCF are levelling tests: they place you on the CEFR scale rather than passing or failing you, and the results are valid for 2 years. DELF and DALF are diplomas: they are valid for life and never expire. DELF covers levels A1 to B2, DALF covers C1 and C2, and each tests all four skills.
What is the CEFR?
The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages is the European six-level scale, from A1 (beginner) to C2 (mastery). Every French exam reports your level against it, so once you know your CEFR level you can read any exam result.
Which French exam do I need to study in France?
For first-year admission to a French public university you usually need the TCF DAP at level B2, or a DELF B2 or DALF C1 diploma. The diploma route is attractive because a DELF B2 both proves your level and exempts you from the TCF DAP, and it never expires.
Which French exam do I need for Canada or Quebec?
For Canada, TEF Canada or TCF Canada. For Quebec specifically, TEFAQ or TCF Quebec. These are the tests Canadian and Quebec authorities recognise for admission and the later settling-in pathway.
Can I take these exams in Ethiopia?
DELF and DALF, including the junior and scolaire diplomas for school-age students, can be sat in Addis Ababa. The TEF is listed by the Alliance, and TCF availability is not clearly confirmed, so check directly with the Alliance for the TEF and the TCF before you rely on sitting them locally. Register through the Alliance Éthio-Française directly. Sessions open in fixed windows ahead of each sitting and change each year, so confirm the current dates with the centre.
Do French exam results expire?
TEF and TCF results expire after 2 years. DELF and DALF are diplomas and never expire. That is one reason a DELF B2 is often the smartest single target for study in France.
How is the Atenu French course delivered?
Fully online and self-paced, built and tested for phones and low-bandwidth connections. It runs over 12 weeks, around 8 hours a week, and gives you AI feedback on every writing and speaking task. It is built around the CEFR, so the same work counts toward DELF, TCF and TEF goals.
How do I join?
Start with the free lessons, then message us on Telegram for intake details and the graded program. Pricing is shared on Telegram, never on this site.
Start preparing today
Find the right exam, then begin the free lessons, or message us on Telegram with any question.