How to register for DELF: centres, dates, and fees explained

Key takeaways

There is no single DELF registration portal. Registration is handled by individual accredited centres: Alliance Francaise branches, universities, cultural institutes, and other approved bodies.
Fees vary by country and centre. In Ireland, DELF B2 costs around 145 euros. In the US, prices at Alliance Francaise chapters typically range from around 135 to 190 USD. Contact your local centre for exact current fees.
Exam sessions are offered several times a year at most centres, but not every centre runs every level at every session. Confirm availability at your chosen centre before planning your study timeline.
Registration deadlines typically close four to six weeks before the exam date. Do not wait until the last minute.
Bring your registration confirmation and a valid government-issued photo ID on exam day. Your centre will tell you exactly what is required.

Registering for the DELF is straightforward once you understand how the system is structured. There is no single DELF website where you sign up. Instead, France Education international operates through a worldwide network of accredited examination centres, and each centre manages its own registration, calendar, and fees.

How the accreditation network works

France Education international designates accredited centres to administer DELF and DALF exams. These centres include Alliance Francaise chapters, universities, French cultural institutes (Institut Francais), French government schools abroad (LFAB/AEFE schools), and certain language schools and testing organisations that have applied for and received accreditation.

Each centre is responsible for scheduling its own exam sessions, setting its local fee (within guidelines), and managing candidate registration. The content of the exam is standardised worldwide by France Education international. The logistics are local.

To find the centre nearest you, use the official centre locator on the France Education international website at france-education-international.fr. Search by country or city to see the list of centres, their contact details, and the levels they offer.

Choosing your centre and level

Before you contact a centre, know two things: which level you want to sit (A1, A2, B1, or B2), and roughly when you want to take the exam. This lets you check session availability rather than having to go back and forth.

A few practical points when comparing centres:

Not all centres offer all four levels. A small Alliance Francaise chapter might run A1 and A2 but not B2. Confirm the level is available.
Fee structures vary. Urban centres in expensive cities charge more. University-affiliated centres sometimes offer reduced fees for enrolled students.
Location on exam day matters. A centre that is reachable on the morning of the test is better than a distant one you chose for a lower fee.

Register at the right level

Before you pay the fee, take the free 20-question level test and check which DELF you are ready to book.

Find your level first

Exam sessions and dates

DELF is offered multiple times per year at most centres, but the number of sessions and the levels available at each session vary by centre. Common session periods in the academic calendar include autumn (October/November), winter (January/February), spring (March/April), and early summer (May/June). Some larger centres run additional sessions.

France Education international publishes session calendars at the country level, but your centre's specific dates may differ. Contact the centre directly or check their website for their 2026 session calendar.

The exam calendar at your local centre is what matters, not the global schedule. A session listed nationally may not run at your specific centre. Confirm directly.

Registration deadlines tend to close four to six weeks before the exam date. Some popular centres fill their sessions, particularly for B1 and B2, well before the deadline. If you have a target date, contact the centre early.

Fees: what to expect

DELF exam fees are not set globally. They vary by country, city, and centre. The examples below are from specific centres and are provided as reference points only. Always contact your local centre for current fees.

Alliance Francaise Cork (Ireland): DELF B2 approximately 145 euros as of recent sessions. B1 approximately 125 euros, A2 approximately 100 euros, A1 approximately 90 euros.
Alliance Francaise chapters in the United States: fees generally in the range of 135 to 190 USD depending on the chapter and level.
University-affiliated centres in France (such as Centre de Linguistique Appliquee, Universite de Franche-Comte): exam fees around 80 euros plus an administrative fee for non-enrolled candidates.

Some centres charge additional administrative or registration fees on top of the exam fee. Ask when you contact them so there are no surprises.

Fee waivers or reductions are sometimes available for students, job seekers, or through specific local partnerships. Ask your centre whether any discounts apply.

The registration process step by step

Find your centre. Use the France Education international locator or search for Alliance Francaise plus your city.
Contact the centre. Email or call to ask about upcoming sessions for your level, the registration deadline, and the current fee.
Submit your registration. Most centres have a registration form, either online or on paper. You will typically need a scan of your passport or ID photo.
Pay the fee. Payment methods vary. Bank transfer, credit card, or in-person payment are all common depending on the centre.
Receive your convocation. A few days to a few weeks before the exam, the centre sends a convocation (the official letter confirming your exam slot, date, time, and location).

What to bring on exam day

Your official convocation letter (printed or digital, depending on what your centre accepts)
A valid government-issued photo ID that matches the name on your registration (passport is the safest choice)
Pens (usually blue or black ballpoint; the centre will specify)
Nothing else: dictionaries, phones, and electronic devices are not permitted

Your centre may have specific rules about what is allowed at each phase of the exam, including the speaking section. Read the instructions on your convocation carefully.

Your exam is booked. Now prepare.

Practice every DELF section in the actual format, timed, with feedback tied to the official marking criteria.

Start DELF B2 preparation

Frequently asked questions

Can I register for DELF online from anywhere?

Some centres accept fully online registration; others require you to appear in person or send documents by post. This varies by centre. Check with your specific centre. The exam itself must always be taken in person at an accredited location.

How far in advance should I register?

As soon as you have decided on a target session. Popular centres in large cities can fill up. Four to eight weeks before the session deadline is a reasonable safety margin. Some centres close registration six weeks before the exam date.

What happens if I fail? Can I retake DELF?

Yes. You can retake any DELF level as many times as you need. There is no limit on attempts. Each session is an independent registration with a new fee. Your previous result does not affect eligibility to re-sit.

Is DELF available outside of major cities?

Coverage depends on your country. In France and Canada, centres are numerous. In smaller countries, there may be only one or two centres. If no centre is reachable, check whether any DELF sessions are offered at official French embassies or consulates, which sometimes run sessions in countries with limited coverage.

Written by

Thomas Roy

Thomas leads content at delfprep. He writes the practical guides: which exam you actually need, how registration works, and how the DELF compares with the DALF, TCF, and TEF.