The Diplôme de Français Professionnel (DFP), or Professional French Diploma, is a series of French language proficiency exams that assess skills required in professional settings. This internationally recognized diploma is awarded by the Chambre de Commerce et d'Industrie de Paris (CCI Paris Île-de-France). It is based on the levels A1 to C1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).

DFP French exams assess the four key language skills: listening, reading, speaking, and writing, and can be taken by anyone who wishes to demonstrate their professional competence in French, specifically for educational purposes and career advancement. This diploma recognizes the ability to work in French across various fields, including business, hospitality, tourism, catering, healthcare, and international relations. The DFP certification is valid for life and is recognized by the French Ministry of the Interior for applications for resident permits (carte de résident) or French citizenship.

DFP Exam Specializations (Spécialisations de l'examen DFP)

The DFP test offers significant specialization fields tailored to individual professional needs, allowing candidates to choose the exam most appropriate for their career objectives.

1. DFP Affaires (Business): Designed for individuals proficient in commercial and business French.

2. DFP Secrétariat (Secretarial): Focuses on practical French skills required for secretarial roles.

3. DFP Tourisme-Hôtellerie-Restauration (Tourism/Hospitality/Catering): Emphasizes language skills for the tourism, hospitality, and restaurant industries.

4. DFP Scientifique et Technique (Scientific and Technical): Covers specialized terminology for science and technology fields.

5. DFP Juridique (Legal): Focuses on legal French for professionals in the legal sector.

6. DFP Médical (Medical): Tailored for professionals working in healthcare settings.

7. DFP Relations Internationales (International Relations): Prepares candidates for effective professional communication in international relations.

8. DFP Fashion (Mode): Designed for professionals in fashion and design, focusing on industry-specific vocabulary and communication skills in areas such as clothing production, marketing, textile design, and retail.

   
   

DFP Exam Structure (Structure de l'examen DFP)

The DFP Exam consists of two sections:

1. Understanding and Processing Information

Format: This is an online, computer-based section.

Duration: Between 45 minutes and 2 hours, depending on the level.

Content: You will be presented with authentic materials, such as product sheets, graphs, and audio files (e.g., answering machine messages, expert debates, etc).

Tasks: You will need to interpret these documents and produce a professional written output, like a summary or an email in response to a request. The number and nature of the documents to be processed or produced vary according to level.

2. Oral Interaction

Format: An in-person, one-on-one oral interview with an examiner.

Duration: Between 5 and 15 minutes, depending on the level, with an equivalent preparation time.

Content: The interview includes preparation time and a conversation (role-playing).

Tasks: You may need to organize information from an oral message or convey a message to a colleague.

DFP Exam Scoring and Passing Criteria (Notation et critères de réussite de l'examen DFP)

Each section (written and oral) is marked out of 100 points. To earn the DFP diploma, candidates must score at least 50 out of 100 in each of both the written and oral components. An overall average of 60 or higher is required to receive the diploma. Candidates who achieve an overall score of 80 or above will receive the DFP certificate with distinction (avec mention). These requirements apply to all DFP specializations.

CEFR Levels Offered for Different DFP Exam Domains (Niveaux proposés pour différents domaines d’examen DFP)

The DFP (Diploma in French for Professionals) offers exams for five different CEFR levels, ranging from A1 (Beginner) to C1 (Advanced).

Who Should Take the DFP? (Qui devrait passer le DFP?)

You should consider taking the DFP Exam if:

• You are a non-French speaker who wants to demonstrate your French language skills for use in your professional field (business, law, healthcare, etc).

• You are applying for a job in a Francophone country or an international organization that requires proficiency in the French language.

• You are aspiring to study or work in a field where French is essential (e.g., tourism, secretarial roles, international trade).

  
  

How to Prepare for the DFP Exam? (Comment se préparer à l’examen DFP ?)

An effective DFP preparation involves targeted study and practice relevant to your chosen professional sector. Consider the following steps to prepare:

• Understand the Format: Familiarize yourself with the exam format specific to your chosen DFP variant.

• Practice with Mock Tests: Take official DFP practice tests to get accustomed to the exam structure and question types.

• Focus on Professional Vocabulary: Study the relevant terminology for your professional sector (business, healthcare, law, etc.).

• Practice Speaking: It is advisable to practice speaking with a language partner or tutor.

• Improve Writing Skills: Focus on crafting clear and professional emails and reports, as this is a crucial aspect of various DFP variants.

Enroll in Langma’s DFP Exam Preparation Course that offers expert guidance, structured training, and personalized feedback for the Diplôme de Français Professionnel (DFP). Whether you aim to pass the exam at A2, B1, B2, or C1, Langma’s experienced instructors help you build the professional language skills needed in your chosen domain, such as Business, Tourism, International Relations, or Health. The course provides comprehensive practice sessions, realistic exam simulations, and one-on-one feedback to enhance your written and oral communication skills in professional contexts. With targeted support and proven strategies, you will gain the confidence and skills to meet or exceed the scoring thresholds and aim for a distinction. 

Join Langma today and take the next step toward your certified professional French success.