Official French certificate The DELF Prim exam is a test of basic skills in the command of the French language that is mainly aimed at children in primary education. However, this does not exempt that it can be applied to other people of different ages who want to progressively become certified in this language.
What are DELF Prim tests?
These test models are a series of independent tests that allow students to apply as candidates based on their oral and written knowledge of the French language.
The DELF Prim measurement test corresponds to the Diploma of French Language Studies (in French, diplôme d' Études en langue française ). It is an official certificate at the international level endorsed by the Center International D´Études Pédagogiques (CIEP).
The CIEP is the institution that represents the French Ministry of National Education to accredit the knowledge of French by foreigners and fellow nationals from non-French-speaking countries.
Who is it for?
The target audience to apply for this type of test is primary school French students. However, it can also be applied to people who have the need to demonstrate knowledge of French as a foreign language.
Test levels
The DELF Prim exam is made up of three levels of measurement : DELF Prim A1.1, DELF Prim A1 and, finally, the DELF Prim A2.
It is recommended that we start with the first step (test A1.1), since this exam, being the least difficult, will allow us to evolve with more confidence in the abilities and skills in the use of the French language.
Duration and content of the levels
The estimated time of each test depends on the content. The A1.1 exam lasts 1 hour. In it, we will demonstrate our skills for both written and oral comprehension and expression. In this case, it will be divided into four parts, each lasting 15 minutes, with a value of 25 points each.
The level A1 exam lasts approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes and, like the previous one, consists of evaluating the competences and skills in the use of the language through four skills: oral comprehension, written comprehension, written production and, finally, oral production.
It is important that we emphasize that these four aspects are measured in the three levels of the test for the French qualification.
Each section has a value of 25 points out of the 100 totals that each test has. On the other hand, the skill in listening comprehension lasts for 20 minutes.
The comprehension and written production have a duration of 30 minutes each. Finally, the speaking part lasts between 15 and 17 minutes.
Passing step A1 means that we are already able to function using a simple vocabulary to express routine actions and everyday topics.
The DELF Prim A2 determines the skills to understand and write sentences that express situations, such as, for example, information related to family, places, games or entertainment. This phase of the study covers more content, so the total duration is 1 hour and 40 minutes.
Regarding the score, in the three levels we have to obtain a minimum of 5 points in each skill and a minimum total mark of 50 to pass the corresponding level.
Levels A1.1, A1 and A2 are the most basic and easy to pass. For this reason, it is very likely that our French training center will organize these exams at certain periods of its academic program.
Didactic resources for learning
The following texts are recommended by CIEP to learn and prepare for the application of the official tests:
DELF Prim A1.1: Réussir le DELF Prim A1.1 A1 free + guide pedagogique avec CD.
DELF Prim A1: Réussir le DELF scolaire et junior A1. Réussir le DELF junior et scolaire A1 - Guide pedagogique . Preparation à l'examen du DELF scolaire et junior A1.
DELF Prim A2: Réussir le DELF scolaire et junior A2 . Réussir le Delf junior et scolaire A2 - Guide pedagogique . DELF junior scolaire A2: 200 activités . Preparation à l'examen du DELF scolaire et junior A2 .
The training centers
At the international level and according to the regulations that countries, conventions and the international community follow, it is necessary that we officially validate the advance in the knowledge of the French language.
Currently, there are language academies that provide us with the entire process of teaching the French language and that prepare our children to achieve a complete learning.
The calls to carry out these tests depend on the country of location of the interested parties. For example, in Spain there are two of annual periodicity.
All students of this language who in the future plan to obtain a study scholarship in France, must look for the examining offices of the certified and accredited centers to take these tests officially certified by the French government.
Prices, exam dates and registration periods vary by exam center, although lower level exams are always much cheaper.
We cannot forget that the growth and development of our children in this era of globalization and technology begins at a very early age, so it is very important to be properly informed about the dates and the enrollment process.
In addition, we have online platforms to enroll in the official periods of the official exams for foreign languages.
In particular, for the knowledge of the French language, there is a way to start the certification from an early age and thus advance with confidence in the command of French. We must emphasize that France is one of the few European countries that grants this type of certificate in the initial phase of training in a new language.
We cannot forget that the characteristics of the teaching, learning and assessment process of the DELF French certificate are in line with the specifications of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
In conclusion, it is highly recommended for our academic and work future to take the DELF exams that certify our knowledge of French.