The DELF B2 at a glance
The DELF B2 (Diplôme d'études en langue française) certifies level B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. It is awarded by France Education international (formerly CIEP) for the French Ministry of Education, in the same family as the DELF B1 and the DALF C1.
A B2 candidate understands the main ideas of complex texts, argues a point of view and interacts with native speakers with ease. It is often the level required to study at a French university, obtain French citizenship or work in a French-speaking environment. See also: what the French B2 level means.
- papers marked out of 25
- 4papers marked out of 25
- points in total
- 100points in total
- group papers + speaking
- ≈ 3 h 20group papers + speaking
- the diploma never expires
- For lifethe diploma never expires
The 4 DELF B2 papers
The three group papers (listening, reading and writing) are taken back to back on the same day — 2 h 30 in total. The speaking test is individual and often scheduled on another day.
Listening (compréhension de l'oral)
Several exercises on authentic recordings (radio programmes, interviews, debates), with comprehension questions. The number of exercises and the form of the questions depend on the paper's format; in some formats, some recordings are played only once.
Tip: Read the questions before each recording and note the key words: they tell you what to listen for.
Full guide: ListeningReading (compréhension des écrits)
Several exercises on authentic texts, such as press articles or opinion pieces, with comprehension questions. The number of exercises and the form of the questions depend on the paper's format.
Tip: Identify the author's position and the structure of the text before looking for details.
Full guide: ReadingWriting (production écrite)
An argued text of at least 250 words — article, formal letter, essay or forum contribution — on a social issue. A text that is far too short is heavily penalised.
Tip: Keep 5 minutes to proofread: agreements, linking words and punctuation.
Full guide: WritingSpeaking (production orale)
Based on a short prompt document, you present and defend a viewpoint (monologue), then debate it with the examiner (interaction).
Tip: Announce your outline in the introduction and back each argument with a concrete example.
Full guide: SpeakingMarking and pass mark
Each paper is marked out of 25, for a total out of 100 (details and score bands in What is a good DELF B2 score?). To obtain the DELF B2 you need both:
- at least 50/100 overall;
- at least 5/25 in each of the four papers — a lower mark is eliminatory, even if your total is above 50.
Two examples
- CO14/25
- CE16/25
- PE11/25
- PO13/25
54/100 and no paper below 5/25.
- CO22/25
- CE21/25
- PE4/25
- PO16/25
63/100, but 4/25 in writing: eliminatory mark.
The writing and speaking marking grids
The production papers are marked with an official 5-criterion grid, each criterion scored 0, 1, 3 or 5.
Writing
- Task completion
- Coherence and cohesion
- Sociolinguistic register
- Vocabulary (range and control)
- Grammar (morphosyntax)
Speaking
- Monologue: defending a viewpoint
- Interaction: debate with the examiner
- Vocabulary (range and control)
- Grammar (morphosyntax)
- Pronunciation and intonation
The new DELF B2 format: two comprehension formats
According to France Éducation international, two formats of the listening and reading papers are currently used in official sessions. They differ in the number of exercises and questions, the length of the documents and the form of the questions, and neither helps or hurts candidates. The writing and speaking papers are the same in both.
| Paper | What varies with the format | What stays the same |
|---|---|---|
| Listening | Number of exercises (3 in the first official example, 2 in the second), number of questions, length of the recordings, form of the questions | About 30 min, marked out of 25 |
| Reading | Number of exercises and questions, length of the texts, form of the questions | 1 h, marked out of 25 |
| Writing | Nothing | Argued text of at least 250 words, 1 h, marked out of 25 |
| Speaking | Nothing | Presentation and debate, 30 min preparation, marked out of 25 |
France Éducation international publishes a sample paper for each of the two formats: practise with both. Past papers are still useful, especially for writing and speaking. See where to find these DELF B2 sample papers.
DELF B2 tout public, junior, scolaire and Pro
Every version awards the same DELF B2 diploma with the same exam structure. Only the topics of the documents change.
- DELF B2 tout public
- For adults: study, citizenship, work. The most common version.
- DELF B2 junior
- For teenagers (about 12–17) registering at an exam centre, with age-appropriate topics.
- DELF B2 scolaire
- The junior version organised through schools and partner institutions.
- DELF B2 Pro
- To certify your French in a professional context.
Registration, dates and results
You register for the DELF B2 at an approved exam centre: an Institut français, an Alliance Française or another centre recognised by France Education international. Each centre sets its sessions, registration deadlines and fees, which vary by country. Our DELF B2 registration guide: dates, fees and centres covers each step.
On exam day, arrive early with photo ID. Results are released by the centre a few weeks after the session; a certificate of achievement is issued before the diploma itself.
You can retake the exam as many times as you need. To arrive ready, start with the free placement test, then practise with mock exams in the official format.
Questions about the exam
How long is the DELF B2 exam?
About 3 h 20 in total: 2 h 30 of group papers (30 min listening, 1 h reading, 1 h writing) and 20 minutes of speaking after 30 minutes of preparation.
What is an eliminatory mark in the DELF B2?
A mark below 5/25 in any of the four papers. It prevents you from obtaining the diploma, even if your total reaches 50/100.
How many words should I write in the writing paper?
At least 250 words. A text that is too short is penalised; a far too short text may receive 0 on every criterion.
Are DELF B2 past papers still useful?
Yes, especially for writing and speaking. For comprehension, two formats are currently in use, so also practise with both sample papers published by France Éducation international.
Does the DELF B2 junior lead to the same diploma?
Yes. The junior and scolaire versions award the same DELF B2 diploma as tout public; only the topics differ.
Can I take the DELF B2 without the B1?
Yes. Each diploma is independent: you can register directly for the DELF B2.
What is a good DELF B2 score?
You pass with 50/100 and at least 5/25 in each paper. Many universities ask for 50 or more; a score of 70/100 and above shows a comfortable B2 and is a strong result.
How does the DELF B2 exam work on the day?
The three group papers (listening, reading, writing) are taken one after the other on the same day. The speaking paper is individual: 30 minutes of preparation, then 20 minutes with two examiners, on the same day or another day depending on the centre.
How much does the DELF B2 exam cost?
Each exam centre sets its own fee, which varies by country and city. Check your Institut français or Alliance Française website before the registration deadline.
Does the DELF B2 expire?
No. The DELF B2 is valid for life, although some universities or authorities may ask for a recent certificate.
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