Exam Day
A practical checklist for your DELF or DALF session. Most exam-day problems come from small things you can sort out in advance.
Your convocation decides
Your centre's convocation states the place, the times and the rules, including what you may bring. Read it the day you get it, and again the night before. If anything differs from this sheet, the convocation wins.
The speaking appointment is often separate from the collective papers, sometimes on another day. Check both.
The week before
Taper your work, and don't start new topics.
| Task | Why |
| Check the route and the travel time | A late arrival may mean you can't enter |
| Do one timed mock, then stop | Keep the rhythm but avoid exhaustion |
| Reread your error log | Fix common mistakes at the last minute |
| Review your set phrases | Openings, connectors, closings |
| Listen to French daily | Keep your ear active |
| Protect your sleep | It does more than a late-night cram |
What to bring
Confirm on your convocation. Usually you'll need:
| Item | Note |
| Convocation | Printed if the centre asks for it |
| Valid photo ID | The one used at registration |
| Pens | Several, in the colour asked for. Avoid erasable ink |
| Watch | A simple one, in case there's no visible clock. Phones are normally not allowed |
| Water, a snack | If allowed: the session can feel long |
| Glasses, medication | And any arrangements agreed in advance |
| Dictionary | Only if the convocation or rules allow it for your level |
On arrival
Get there early. Find the room, toilets and water, and get settled. Listen to the instructions and turn your phone fully off. Fill in identification details carefully, and only where asked. Papers are usually anonymous.
During the collective papers
Listening usually comes first, with a recording you can't pause or restart. Then reading and writing. C2 differs, because listening belongs to the oral paper. Read the rules on the paper and ask about any you don't understand before the start.
| Paper | Key habit |
| Listening | Read every question in advance. Answer as you go. Try not to leave a blank |
| Reading | Read the questions before the texts. Move on from hard items and come back |
| Writing | Plan, write, check. Respect word limits and write legibly |
| All | Watch the clock. Keep your answers in the right place |
Share your time
Don't let one question or document eat up your paper. If reading and writing share one block of time, plan it by the marks: each paper is worth the same at DELF and DALF C1. Keep at least a few minutes at the end of each paper to check.
Speaking appointment
Arrive early and bring your convocation and ID. If there's a preparation period, use it for a plan, not a script. Greet the examiners when you enter, and use vous. They may help with short prompts: answer them fully.
Don't let a rough start spoil the rest. Each part counts. If you misunderstand, ask for repetition: it shows good interaction.
- Bonjour, je m'appelle Anna. Enchantée.Hello, my name's Anna. Pleased to meet you.
- Pourriez-vous répéter la question, s'il vous plaît ?Could you repeat the question, please?
- Merci beaucoup, bonne journée.Thank you very much, have a good day.
If things go wrong
You can recover from most problems.
| Problem | What to do |
| Blank in listening | Move on immediately. Make your best guess at the end |
| Running out of time in reading | Answer the rest quickly. A guess usually beats a blank |
| Stuck for a word | Rephrase it, or use a simpler word |
| Panic | Breathe out slowly, three times. Read the next instruction |
| Illness or lateness | Contact the centre at once. It has its own rules |
| Technical problem with the audio | Raise your hand right away and tell the invigilator |
Remember the pass rule
You need 50/100 with at least 5/25 per paper (10/50 at DALF C2). So every paper counts, and a weak one still needs its minimum. Keep fighting for points, even if a paper feels bad: other candidates found it hard too.
Afterwards
Results come through your centre, and dates vary. Your diploma won't expire. If you don't pass, look at your marks per paper and use them to target your preparation before you register again.