What Is The Difference Between DELF/DALF And French Exams For Professional Certification?

DELF and DALF are academic diplomas used mainly for study or personal achievement. Professional exams like DFP or TEF are workplace-oriented and recognized by employers, chambers of commerce, and governments for career or immigration purposes.

Which French Exam Should I Take If I Want To Immigrate To Canada?

For Canadian immigration, you must take TEF Canada or TEF Québec. The written and oral sections are mandatory, and the certificate is valid for two years. These exams are required to claim points for Express Entry or Quebec immigration.

Are French Professional Diplomas Valid For Life, or Do They Expire?

DFP diplomas are valid indefinitely, making them a permanent credential for your career. TEF and TCF certificates expire after two years because they measure current proficiency levels for immigration or citizenship.

Which French Exam Is Best For Corporate Careers In French‑Speaking Countries?

The DFP Affaires diploma at B2 or C1 level is the most recognized option. It simulates real workplace tasks such as emails, reports, and meetings, and is widely accepted by multinational companies.

French Exams for Professional Certification: TEF, DFP, and More

December 02, 202516 MinutesGlobal Opportunities, Articles

French is not only a language of culture and diplomacy, but it’s also widely used in business, healthcare, tourism, and immigration. If you need to show your level for work, career growth, or government requirements, you’ll have to take one of the recognized professional French exams.

Unlike academic diplomas like DELF or DALF, these exams are designed for needs such as work, immigration, and professional use.

In this blog, we list the main French exams for professional certification, explain where they’re recognized, and help you choose the one that fits your goals.

1. Diplôme de Français Professionnel (DFP)

The Diplôme de Français Professionnel (DFP), issued by the Chambre de Commerce et d’Industrie de Paris Île‑de‑France (CCI Paris), is one of the most recognized professional French certifications.

It covers levels A2 to C2 and is valid for life. Unlike general exams, the DFP is built around real workplace tasks: writing emails and reports, taking part in meetings, handling negotiations, and dealing with sector‑specific scenarios.

It’s widely accepted by multinational companies and HR departments. It’s a versatile choice for professionals working in French‑speaking environments.

Main Variants of DFP

DFP Affaires (Business) – B1–C2; workplace simulations; recognized by L’Oréal, Airbus, TotalEnergies.
DFP Tourisme‑Hôtellerie‑Restauration (Hospitality) – B1–B2; hotel check‑in, restaurant service; recognized by Accor, Club Med.
DFP Santé (Healthcare) – B2; doctor–patient dialogues, medical reports; used in hospitals in France, Belgium, Switzerland.
DFP Relations Internationales (Diplomacy) – C1–C2; diplomatic correspondence, negotiations, recognized by the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs and NGOs

2. TEF Canada & TEF Québec

The Test d’Évaluation de Français (TEF) is required for immigration purposes, but there are two versions depending on where you apply:

TEF Canada – used for immigration to Canada outside of Quebec (federal programs, Canadian citizenship, Express Entry, etc.).
TEF Québec (TEFAQ) – used specifically for immigration to Quebec, as the province has its own requirements and points system.

Both versions measure proficiency across the NCLC scale (A1–C2) and are valid for two years.

Mandatory sections: Written and Oral Expression (needed for immigration points)
Optional sections: Reading and Listening.
Best for: Skilled workers, professionals, and anyone applying for Canadian citizenship or Quebec immigration.

TEF Vs. DFP

Here’s a comparison table of TEF and DFP to help you understand their differences:

Feature	TEF (Test d’Évaluation de Français)	DFP (Diplôme de Français Professionnel)
Purpose	General French proficiency test; widely used for immigration, citizenship, and academic entry	Professional certification, focused on workplace and sector‑specific skills
Levels Covered	A1–C2 (aligned with NCLC for Canada)	A2–C2 (lifetime validity)
Validity	2 years	Valid for life
Format	Multiple sections: Reading, Listening, Writing, Speaking, Lexique/Structure	Practical workplace tasks: emails, reports, meetings, negotiations, industry scenarios
Recognition	Immigration authorities (Canada, Quebec), universities, and employers	Multinational companies, HR departments, professional sectors (business, healthcare, tourism, diplomacy)
Best For	Immigration, citizenship, academic admission, and general proof of French level	Career advancement, professional contexts, and sector‑specific certification
Variants	TEF Canada, TEFAQ (Quebec), TEF Naturalisation, TEF Études	DFP Affaires, DFP Santé, DFP Tourisme, DFP Relations Internationales

Other Professional Certifications

While DFP and TEF are the most widely recognized, there are also regional options worth mentioning:

Certificat de Français Professionnel (CFP): Issued by Alliance Française; levels B1–C1; recognized in local job markets where AF has partnerships; valid for life.
CicloPro (CICLO): Issued by French chambers abroad; levels B1–C1; tailored to local business culture; recognized regionally in Latin America, Africa, and Asia.

How to Choose the Right Exam

If you’re unsure which French exam best matches your career goals, here’s a quick breakdown:

Business and Corporate Careers → The recommended exam is DFP Affaires, ideally at level B2–C1.
Hospitality and Tourism → Choose DFP Tourisme-Hôtellerie, with a target level of B1–B2.
Healthcare Professions → The best option is DFP Santé, at level B2.
Diplomacy and NGOs → Go for DFP Relations Internationales, aiming for C1–C2 proficiency.
Immigration to Canada → You’ll need TEF Canada (Written + Oral Expression), with NCLC 7 or higher recommended to maximize points.

Conclusion

Learning French can open doors to new opportunities. For many professionals, proving their level of French isn’t just about passing a test; it’s about meeting the requirements of employers, universities, or immigration programs.

That’s where professional French exams come in. These certifications show how well you can use French in real situations, from the workplace to official applications, and they’re recognized around the world.