DELF A1 registration — 2026 sessions
The DELF A1 is the first official diploma in French as a foreign language: it certifies an introductory level of everyday communication. Registration is 100% online, with regular sessions across the Paris region (Île-de-France).
What is the DELF A1?
The DELF A1 (Diplôme d'Études en Langue Française, level A1) is an official diploma issued by the French Ministry of National Education, designed and administered by France Éducation International. It certifies the first level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR): the candidate understands and uses familiar, everyday expressions, introduces themselves and asks simple questions.
It is the ideal diploma for absolute beginners and for people who have recently arrived in France and want official proof of their first level of French.
The DELF A1 exams
| Exam | Duration | Mark |
|---|---|---|
| Listening comprehension (CO) | ~20 min | /25 |
| Reading comprehension (CE) | 30 min | /25 |
| Written production (PE) | 30 min | /25 |
| Oral production (PO) | 5–7 min (+10 min preparation) | /25 |
| Total | ~1 h 20 min | /100 |
Minimum mark to pass: 50/100 in total, with a minimum of 5/25 per exam. Below 5/25 on any exam, the candidate fails even if their average is above 50.
How to register for the DELF A1
- From the GoDELF home page, choose an A1 session from the available dates.
- Enter your civil status and upload a valid ID document (your candidate account is created automatically at this point).
- Pay the registration fee online by bank card (secure Stripe payment).
- You receive your exam notice by email a few weeks before the session.
How to prepare
A candidate starting out can aim for the DELF A1 after 60 to 100 hours of learning French. We recommend working in particular on everyday-life situations: introducing yourself, giving a time or a date, describing your family, asking simple questions.
To prepare with confidence, see our DELF A1 candidate guide with tips, a detailed structure and examples.
Prefer to be guided? We run a one-day DELF A1 preparation at the centre where you will sit the exam — the four tests one by one, written practice with individual feedback, and a mock oral. See the programme and the coming dates.
Am I ready for the DELF A1?
This level is right for you if you can already do most of the following:
- understand and use very basic everyday expressions;
- introduce myself and others using simple phrases;
- ask and answer basic questions about where I live, people I know, and things I have;
- write short, simple messages like postcards and fill in forms with personal details;
- understand very short and simple texts with familiar names and words;
- interact in a simple way if the other person speaks very slowly, clearly, and is ready to help.
Target audience
- Non-French-speaking adults starting to learn French
- Newcomers to France seeking a first official certificate
- Children (DELF Prim A1 version available on request)
- Lower/upper secondary pupils in their 1st or 2nd year of French
Frequently asked questions — DELF A1
How do I register for the DELF A1 exam?
From the GoDELF home page, select an A1 session, complete your file (civil status, ID document, photo) and pay online. Your candidate account is created automatically. Your exam notice is sent by email around 2 weeks before the exam.
What is the DELF A1 registration fee in 2026?
The DELF A1 fee for an individual candidate is 93 € in 2026. It covers the 4 exams, marking by examiners accredited by France Éducation International and the issuing of the official diploma.
What are the DELF A1 exam dates?
Our DELF A1 sessions are held every month except in April and September. The dates open for registration can be viewed in real time on the GoDELF home page.
Is the DELF A1 suitable for beginners?
Yes. The DELF A1 is the first official CEFR diploma, ideal for complete beginners and for people who have recently arrived in France and want a first official proof of their level of French.
What is the minimum mark to pass the DELF A1?
The minimum mark is 50/100, with a pass mark of 5/25 on each of the 4 exams. A mark below 5 on any exam means the candidate fails.
How long does it take to prepare for the DELF A1?
A beginner can aim for the DELF A1 after 60 to 100 hours of learning French, working mainly on everyday-life situations: introducing yourself, giving a date, describing your family.
Is the DELF A1 diploma valid for life?
Yes. The DELF is an official diploma of the French Ministry of National Education, valid for life, unlike the TCF/TEF tests which are valid for 2 years.
Can I take the DELF A1 online?
No. The exam takes place in person at an accredited centre. Only registration is online, via GoDELF.
A preparation day before this session
A full day of practice with a trainer, before the exam. See the programme and the coming dates. 60,00 €.
DELF A1 preparation →Register for the DELF-DALF with GoDELF
Centre accredited by France Éducation International — 100% online registration.