What is the difference between LILATE and DALF?
You will find below a summary table of the attributes of LILATE VS DALF to help you compare them:
Criteria | LILATE® | DALF |
|---|---|---|
Eligible languages | French as a foreign language and 13 other foreign languages | French as a foreign language |
Mode of taking the test | Remotely via videoconference | In an accredited center |
Skills assessed | Professional scenarios in the form of role-plays that assess all language skills: speaking, listening comprehension, writing comprehension and written expression | Collective tests (Listening comprehension, Written comprehension, Written production) plus an individual test (Oral production) |
Levels assessed | All levels (A1 to C2) | C1 to C2 |
Target level(s) | Certified from B1 level | C1 to C2 |
Test duration | 1 hour for any level | 4 hours for the collective test plus approximately 1h30 for the individual test (oral production) |
Validity of certification | Unlimited duration | Unlimited duration |
Result turnaround time | Within 24 hours | Results available 1 to 2 months after the exam |
Test organization | Organized year-round on weekdays and weekends (examiner availability) | Depends on accredited centers (limited number of sessions per year) |
Evaluation mode | Skills evaluated by level, conducted by native language examiners. Between A1 and B1 the candidate receives a level attestation; between B2 and C2 LILATE can certify their ability to work in the language. | The maximum score per test section is 25 points, evaluated using a grading rubric. A total minimum score of 50 points is required to pass DALF. |
Eligible for CPF | NO | NO |
Price | €150 excl. VAT (all languages and levels) | May vary depending on the center, on average between €180 and €200 depending on the level. |
Conclusion
The LILATE certification and the DALF are both exams designed to assess the competencies in French as a foreign language. Although they share the common objective of measuring French proficiency, these two certifications present significant differences that may influence your choice based on your specific needs.
Firstly, LILATE stands out for its approach geared towards the ability to learn a foreign language in a professional context. In contrast, the DALF focuses more specifically on mastering language skills from level C1 to C2. LILATE assesses an individual's general capacity to effectively assimilate and use a language.
Moreover, LILATE tends to offer a much more individualized evaluation aligned with the candidate’s level, thus allowing a deeper understanding of the candidate’s language skills. On the other hand, DALF, with its standardized test format and scoring grid, may not always capture the unique nuances of each individual’s linguistic abilities as precisely.
In conclusion, the choice between the LILATE and DALF certification largely depends on your individual objectives. If professional recognition and personalized assessment of linguistic skills are your priorities, LILATE is the ideal choice.
Updated on: 11/09/2025
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