Language skills certification now replaces the statement used in French CVs of lu, écrit, parlé (reading, writing, speaking). Language skills certification is recognized internationally. The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) provides a scale of levels of language skill that acts as a common frame of reference (from A1 to C2).

Université Sorbonne Paris Nord is a TOEFL preparation center and an examination center for the CLES and the DELF/DALF. Some Faculties and Institutes also offers their students the means to prepare for and sit the TOEIC test. Other students can use the Languages Service which offers individual preparation modules (see TOEIC tab).

• Methodology courses for the various language skills tests (TOEFL, TOEIC, CLES, HSK and DELF/DALF) are offered by the Languages Service.
• Summary table of the various language skills certificates

  • The CLES (Certificat de Compétences en Langues de l’Enseignement Supérieur) is a state-issued certificate accredited by the Ministry of State and Higher Education, and Research. It is intended for students specializing in a discipline other than the language of certification. For example, a student doing a degree in Language, Literature, and Foreign Civilization in English cannot sit the English CLES but can sit the Spanish, German or Arabic CLES. LEA students can sit the CLES in any of the languages they are studying.

    The students of Université Sorbonne Paris Nord can sit the CLES free of charge in English, Arabic, Spanish, or German (under an agreement with Pierre and Marie Curie University) by registering here.

    Methodology courses for the English, Spanish, and Arabic CLES at levels B1 and B2 are offered by the Languages Service. These courses enable students to become familiar with the format of the test and to develop the various skills: reading comprehension, oral comprehension, written expression, oral expression and/or interaction. Registration for the course is done directly with the teacher.

    Test fates for the CLES in 2015-2016
    CLES 1
    CLES 1 EnglishThursday, November 26, 2015
    Thursday, May 12, 2016
    CLES 1 SpanishThursday, May 12, 2016
    CLES 2
    CLES 2 EnglishMonday, December 07, 2015
    Monday, December 14, 2015
    Friday, May 27, 2016
    CLES 2 SpanishFriday, May 27, 2016
  • What is the DELF/DALF?

    The DELF (Diplôme d’Études en Langue Française) and the DALF (Diplôme Approfondi de Langue Française) are official certificates issued by the Ministry of State Education in order to certify the French language skills of non-francophone candidates (http://www.ciep.fr/delf-tout-public/presentation).

    These certificates are recognized internationally and enable you to certify your skills in French as a Foreign Language. They consist of six independent certificates that correspond to the six levels of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).

    Duration of tests
    DELF/DALF
    CECRL
    User
    3:30
    4:00 AM    		DALF C2
    DALF C1    		C2
    C1    		Proficient
    2:30 AM
    1:45 AM    		DELF B2
    DELF B1    		B2
    B1    		Intermediate
    1:40 AM
    1:20 AM    		DELF A2
    DELF A1    		A2
    A1    		Elementary

    Each certificate requires tests to evaluate four skills: aural comprehension and oral expression, reading comprehension and written expression. Two options are offered for the DALF tests: humanities or science.

    Some examples of topics

    • DELF
    • DALF

    Intended for:

    • Any foreign national who wants to certify their French language skills for personal, academic or professional reasons.
    • Any student of foreign nationality who has recently spend one or more semesters at Université Sorbonne Paris Nord or another university and who wants to certify their level of French.
    • In very particular cases, French nationals can sit the tests for the DELF and DALF.

    Please note:

    The DELF B2 is required in order to register at a French university. Holders of the DELF B2 or DALF are exempt from all language tests for admission into a French university. The Student Services of Université Sorbonne Paris Nord currently offers international students who are required to certify their French language skills as a precondition of admission the opportunity to sit the TCF DAP test (). It is only valid for two years. The persons concerned can instead choose to sit the DELF B2 or DALF C1, the validity of which are permanent.

    The Languages Service can help you prepare and sit the examinations for the DELF and DALF. Registration for preparation and registration for a certification session are two different procedures.

    espace-langues1Preparing for the DELF/DALF at Université Sorbonne Paris Nord

    The Languages Service offers preparation courses for the DELF and DALF in the first and second semesters of one and a half hours per week for 12 weeks, i.e. 18 hours of teaching. Preparation courses are free of charge for the students of Université Sorbonne Paris Nord. External applicants must pay a fee (110€).

    Five levels of preparation are offered > Schedule

    Procedures for registering for the preparation courses for the DELF-DALF

    • External candidates > registration be e-mail to the following address:
    • Students of Université Sorbonne Paris Nord > registration with the secretary’s office of the Languages Service, Office G 218.

    Sitting the DELF/DALF at Université Sorbonne Paris Nord in 2015/2016

    • December 2015: Wednesday 9, Thursday 10, and Friday 11
    • May 2016: Wednesday 25, Thursday 26, and Friday 27

    Registration opens six weeks before the examination session.

    The examination can be taken at six different levels: A1; A2; B1; B2; C1; C2. The DELF and DALF can be taken and the certificates obtained independently of one another without any time limitation. A candidate can sit the tests for more than one certificate during a single session.

    Fees and registration for certification
    Fees for 2015/2016
    DELF A190€
    DELF A2105€
    DELF B1125€
    DELF B2155€
    DALF C1190€
    DALF C2190€

    Registration must be done in person at the examination center: Languages Service, Office G218 (Arts and Communications entrance, 2st floor, corridor G) 99 avenue Jean-Baptiste Clément, 93430 Villetaneuse.

    Contact > 01 49 40 31 62 or

    Examination results

    The results of the tests will be displayed about one month after the examination session on the noticeboards of the Languages Service, corridor G. The certificates will be sent by post (with acknowledgment of receipt) to your home within three months following the date on which the results are posted.