The French Diplôme de Compétence en Langue • Français Langue Étrangère
Get level B1 to apply for French citizenship or just make your French skills stand out. Prepare for the French Diplôme de Compétence en Langue, issued by the French Ministry of National Education. Valid for an unlimited period of time, worldwide.
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100%
success*
80%
got a French level
beyond objectives*
* Stats based on DCL FLE results from our alumni since 2019.
Valuing your French level with the DCL certificate
The diplôme de compétence en langue (DCL) is a professional state certification specifically designed for adults professionals by the French Ministry of National Education .
The DCL Français Langue Étrangère certifies the gained skills in the professional and daily French language communication as commonly used in all the economic activities. Its uniqueness lies on its candidates' language level assessment process. The candidates are put in a work position close to reality and is meant to be really practical.
The DCL FLE certificate is a diploma. As such, it is recognized as a valid piece of evidence of your French level by the French State for the renewal of the residence permit (level A2 required for both oral and written) and for the French naturalization application (level B1 required for both oral and written).
ℹ️
The DCL FLE is a professional certification listed in the « Répertoire Spécifique » of France Compétences.
Name of the certification
Code RS
Certifying Authority
Registration Date
Diplôme de Compétence en Langue Étrangère Professionnelle (DCLEP) - Français Langue Étrangère
RS5454
Ministère de l'Education Nationale et de la Jeunesse
June 17, 2021
The DCL FLE in a nutshell
The Diplôme de Compétence en Langue is a 2h30 examination based on both written and spoken communication through an immersive simulation close to professional reality.
Designed for A2 to C1 levels
The DCL exam is the same whatever your French level. Unlike other French certifications, you don't need choose in advance and prepare for the specific level you are aiming at. We will however help you reach the level you need/want to reach.
About 3 sessions a year
Exam sessions are organized every 4 months in average. We will manage your registration on your behalf in the closest examination center of your place of residence. Results are usually communicated from 1 to 3 months after the exam is taken.
A lifetime certificate
Unlike other French certificates, the DCL FLE has no validity limit. Once you have it, you keep it for good! Which makes it a great piece of evidence of your French level for the renewal of the residence permit or for the French naturalization application.
Preparing for the DCL exam through our French classes
We are officially allowed to prepare you for the DCL exam through our FrenchUp Courses and the FrenchBooster Program.
We will explain you in details the conditions of the exams and you will be trained through two prep DCL tests. You will know how to maximize your chances to get the best result out of the exam. Some of your sessions will be dedicated to the exam preparation and to train you on your main difficulties.
If you prepare for the DCL FLE examination and work in France, you may be able to use your Compte Personnel de Formation (CPF) to help you finance your preparation classes with us. You can have a look at our programmes on the Compte Personnel de Formation here .
Read more on the “Compte Personnel de Formation” and the other available financing options.
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