DELF DALF exams for French as a foreign language

A DELF or DALF certificate is important and beneficial for many reasons:

• The DELF or DALF certificate is an internationally recognized French language qualification that is accepted worldwide;
• DELF–DALF examinations are developed by France Éducation international, a member of ALTE, the European organization whose mission is to study, improve, and implement common standards for language assessment across Europe;
• DELF and DALF certificates are valid for life and do not require renewal;
• An officially recognized language certificate is often a requirement for admission to universities in French-speaking Switzerland and in other French-speaking countries such as France, Belgium, and Canada;
• DELF and DALF certificates provide official proof of language skills that can be used in academic, professional, and personal contexts;
• The examinations assess the four key language competencies in a balanced way: listening comprehension, reading comprehension, speaking, and writing

In the Canton of Ticino, DELF DALF examinations are held four times a year.

• In Bellinzona, at the SCC Cantonal School of Commerce Bellinzona, in March, June and November. Levels: from A2 until C1. Detailed information is available in the Examination Centres website.
• In Lugano, at the Università della Svizzera italiana, in September. Levels: from A1 until C2. Detailed information is available in the Examination Centres website.

All the dates for DELF DALF exams in Switzerland can be find here: https://www.delfdalf.ch/calendrier

The September 2026 DELF DALF examination session, held at Università della Svizzera italiana, is open to anyone interested in taking the examination; even individuals who are not enrolled at the University may register. The DELF DALF examination for each level will only be held if a minimum number of 5 candidates is reached. If this number is not reached, the DELF DALF Examination Centre will cancel the examination. Candidates will however have the opportunity to take the November exam session in Bellinzona at no additional cost, but only from level A2 to level C1. Examination sessions for the A1 and C2 levels will no longer be offered in the Canton of Ticino; however, these certifications will remain available through the corresponding examination sessions organized in other cantons.

• Date of DALF C2: Friday 18 September 2026;
• Date exams from level A1 until C1: Saturday 19 September 2026;
• Deadline for registering for the September exam session in Lugano: Friday 7 August 2026 (NB: it will still be possible to register after the national deadline until 14 August 2026, subject to a fee of CHF 50.00 to cover the additional costs associated with late registration).

Exam registrations must be made exclusively via the official DELF DALF website. Registrations sent via other channels will not be considered.

Exams are subject to a fee and the rates applied are fixed, as established by the official examination centre. For further information, please consult the website below: