All about Language proficiency certifications accepted by International community

1. DILF

The DILF, issued by the French Ministry of Education, is a diploma of French as a foreign language that assesses the primary knowledge and validates a first level of mastery in French. Corresponding to level A1.1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), DILF is an initial step towards DELF and DALF, making it possible for older beginners or those recently arrived in France to begin their integration process with a rewarding and successful method. It is integral to the French policy for integration which places mastery of the language at its center.

2. DELF

The DELF, or Diplôme d'études en langue française, is a well-rounded evaluation of French proficiency, testing levels from A1 to B2 for beginner and intermediate learners. This exam is composed of four tests: DELF A1, DELF A2, DELF B1 and DELF B2. The DELF diploma is highly valued when applying for French jobs or university degrees - undergraduate programs may accept either a B1 or B2 certificate whereas graduate programs require a B2. As for work environments with some French language use, employers usually look for applicants presenting at least a B1 or a B2 diploma.

3. DALF

The DALF, or Diplôme approfondi de langue française, is an advanced language diploma similar to the DELF. It consists of two tests: C1 and C2. While a C1 is necessary for some master's or doctorate courses, completing a C2 is much rarer as, by that point, it is typically outweighed by another degree such as a French master's. Moreover, achieving a C2 usually requires extended periods of intense study in France - or being already entrenched in the language through university study or work experience.

Each of the tests examines four different elements of French language, highlighting cultural comprehension as well as linguistic comprehension. The four elements are: reading comprehension, listening comprehension, written and oral expression.

4. TEF

The Test d'Evaluation de Français is an internationally-recognized assessment which gauges your knowledge and proficiency in French. Validity for the results of this test persists for a period of two years and it has been acknowledged by educational and governmental entities such as the French Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation, the Interior Ministry, the Department of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship of Canada, the Quebec Ministry of Immigration, Francisation and Integration, as well as the Swiss State Secretariat for Migration.

TEF CANADA

For immigration and citizenship application procedures, the Federal Government of Canada requests proof of the applicants’ linguistic knowledge of French. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada has recognized the TEF for these purposes since 2002. The TEF format that applies to these procedures is TEF Canada.

TEF QUÉBEC (TEFAQ)

In the framework of immigration procedures in Quebec, the Quebec Ministry for Immigration, Francisation and Integration (MIFI) requests proof of the applicants’ linguistic knowledge of French. For these procedures, it recognizes the TEF Québec (TEFAQ) examination. The TEFAQ is also recognized by IRCC to apply for Canadian citizenship. TEF INTÉGRATION, RÉSIDENCE, & NATIONALITÉ

The TEF Intégration, Résidence, Nationalité is recognised by the French Ministry for the Interior and is indispensable for anyone applying to the French State for a resident card or a naturalisation. It is designed to measure the level of oral/written comprehension and oral/written expression in French.

DELE and SIELE, which are both globally recognised Spanish language proficiency tests, enable you to prove your fluency in the language. These exams enable you to qualify as a good or fluent Spanish speaker, allowing you to study at several Latin American or Spanish universities and work for businesses in Hispanic-speaking countries. Additionally, other international Spanish tests such as TELC (The European Language Certificate), CELU (Certificate of Use of Language in Spanish), and DIE (Diploma Internacional de Español) exist but aren't as widespread as DELE or SIELE.

Both exams follow the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) levels; however, there is one major difference between them - while DELE uses the old pen-and-paper method, SIELE is online. The Cervantes Institute administers DELE on behalf of the Ministry of Education, Culture and Sports; while the Instituto Cervantes, National Autonomous University of Mexico, University of Salamanca and University of Buenos Aires jointly endorse SIELE. Universities highly value DELE diplomas as they are essential for studying at some colleges and universities. They also provide a lifelong qualification that signifies Spanish expertise up.

The SIELE provides an advantage with no expiration, while the latter is increasingly becoming accepted as proof of Spanish proficiency, with a duration of five years. DELE emphasizes European Spanish while SIELE encompasses all varieties of the language. DELE can involve pass/fail results, whereas SIELE is a points-based system. Although both are endorsed by reputable organizations such as the Cervantes Institute and universities, it's important to consider which suits you best based on your needs.

The SIELE is a relatively new exam that began in 2016, but despite the lack of recognition by some organizations worldwide, it offers many benefits to learners. Notable privileges include a limited validity of 5 years and no cut off near-native C2 level. In addition, SIELE allows students to take as many points (from 0 to 1000) as possible throughout the year on a one-size-fits-all basis. It also behaves similarly to English language tests such as IELTS and TOEFL - if you pass any modules (A1, A2, B1, B2, C1 and C2), you will receive certification; however if unsuccessful you do not receive anything. On the other hand, DELE certifies those with European or Standard Spanish from Spain at lower levels, whereas SIELE is pan-Hispanic incorporating all Spanish dialects and varieties.