DELF A1 Exam Format 2026: Sections, Timing, Scoring and How to Pass
17 octobre 2026 · Sonali Aggarwal
The DELF A1 is the first official French diploma from the French Ministry of Education, and it never expires. You pass with 50 out of 100, as long as you score at least 5 out of 25 in every section.
As a DELF A1 and A2 examiner, I see the same small mistakes cost students marks every session. This guide explains what happens on exam day and how to prepare.
The four sections of DELF A1
The exam has four parts, each marked out of 25. The first three are done together in one written session of about 1 hour 20 minutes. The speaking test is a separate, one-to-one appointment.
| Section | What you do | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Compréhension de l'oral (listening) | Answer questions on short recordings: announcements, messages, simple conversations | /25 |
| Compréhension des écrits (reading) | Answer questions on short texts: emails, ads, signs, timetables | /25 |
| Production écrite (writing) | Fill in a form, then write a short message or postcard | /25 |
| Production orale (speaking) | Introduce yourself, ask questions, role-play a simple situation | /25 |
Listening: what to expect
You hear each recording twice. Read the questions before the audio starts and underline key words such as times, prices and places. Most questions ask for a simple piece of information: a number, a day, an object.
Examiner tip: numbers lose more marks than anything else. Practise 60–99 (soixante-dix, quatre-vingts, quatre-vingt-dix) and telephone numbers read in pairs.
Reading: what to expect
The texts are short and practical. You may need to find an opening time, choose the right picture or say who is writing. You do not need to understand every word. Look for the answer to the question.
Writing: what to expect
There are two tasks:
- A form (fiche d'inscription): your name, nationality, address, hobbies and similar details.
- A short message of about 40–50 words, for example a postcard to a friend or an email inviting someone.
Examiner tip: answer every point in the instructions. If the task asks for the date, the place and what to bring, the examiner checks for all three. Start with Salut or Bonjour and end with À bientôt or Bises.
Speaking: what to expect
The speaking test lasts about 5–7 minutes, with about 10 minutes of preparation beforehand. It has three parts:
- Entretien dirigé: the examiner asks about you, such as your name, age, family and hobbies.
- Échange d'informations: you pick cards with words on them and ask the examiner questions (Tu as un animal ?).
- Dialogue simulé: a role-play, such as buying something in a shop, using pictures of objects and prices.
Examiner tip: in part 2, use a different question form each time: Est-ce que…, Tu aimes…, Quel est…. Variety is rewarded.
A 6-week preparation plan
| Week | Focus |
|---|---|
| 1 | Numbers, dates, time, alphabet, and introducing yourself |
| 2 | Listening practice: announcements and phone messages |
| 3 | Reading practice: ads, emails, timetables |
| 4 | Writing: forms and 40–50 word messages, with correction |
| 5 | Speaking: question cards and role-plays |
| 6 | Two full mock exams under timed conditions |
Practise online
Our DELF A1 course prepares you theme by theme, with listening, reading, writing and speaking practice and instant feedback. Theme 1 is free.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the DELF A1 exam?
About 1 hour 20 minutes for the written part, plus a 5–7 minute speaking test with about 10 minutes of preparation.
What is the pass mark for DELF A1?
50 out of 100, with at least 5 out of 25 in each of the four sections.
Does the DELF A1 expire?
No. The DELF diploma is valid for life.
Can I take DELF A1 without a course?
Yes. Anyone can register at an exam centre. Regular practice with real exam-style tasks makes the biggest difference.