DELF A1 exam-day guide
DELF A1 · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Convocation or exam notification
Print or download the convocation sent by your centre and check the date, reporting time, room and address. If you have not received it, contact the centre well before the exam.
Valid photo ID
Bring the original ID document used at registration. The name must match your registration exactly. Confirm with your centre which ID types are accepted.
Two black or blue ballpoint pens
Bring spare pens for the written papers. Check with your centre whether pencil, eraser or correction fluid are permitted.
Watch (non-smart)
A simple watch can help you track time if the room clock is not visible. Smart watches are not allowed. Confirm with your centre whether any watch may be worn.
Clear water bottle
Bring water in a clear bottle with the label removed. Confirm with your centre whether drinks are allowed at your desk.
Transport plan and tickets
Plan your route and aim to arrive at the reporting time, which is usually before the start of the test. Confirm the exact reporting time with your centre.
Phone switched off and stored
Leave your phone and any smart device switched off and out of reach, as instructed by the invigilator. Do not keep them on your desk.
Oral practice notes
Prepare a short self-introduction, common questions and a short message for the writing task. Do not bring notes into the exam room unless the invigilator explicitly allows it.
Snack for after the test
The written tests are short, but the oral test may be scheduled separately. Bring a small snack for after the session if your centre allows food outside the exam room.
Contact details of your centre
Save the centre's phone number and address in case of travel problems or last-minute questions.
Plan the day
Confirm the exam address, reporting time and room with your centre. Print your convocation. Check that your ID is valid and matches your registration name. Practise the oral format: self-introduction, simple questions and a short presentation.
Pack your bag: convocation, ID, pens, water, transport tickets. Review the format and timing of the four parts rather than trying to learn new material. Sleep well and set an alarm.
Eat a normal breakfast. Leave early enough to arrive at the reporting time. Keep your phone off and stored. Have your convocation and ID ready for checking.
Listen carefully to the invigilator's instructions. Read each task before answering. Keep an eye on the time and move on if a question is taking too long. Write clearly and check your answers if time allows.
Use the preparation time to note key words. Speak clearly and at a steady pace. If you do not understand a question, ask the examiner politely to repeat it. Stay calm and use simple sentences you know well.
Rules to check
Bring the original valid photo ID used at registration. A name mismatch or expired document may prevent you from sitting the exam. Confirm accepted ID types with your centre.
Arrive at the reporting time set by your centre. Candidates who arrive late may be refused entry. Confirm the late-arrival policy with your centre.
Switch off all phones and smart devices and store them as instructed. Do not keep any device on your desk or on your person during the test.
Do not bring dictionaries, notes, textbooks or unauthorised materials into the exam room. Only use items the invigilator permits.
Follow all instructions from the invigilator. Do not communicate with other candidates during the test. Any cheating or disruption can lead to your result being cancelled.
DELF A1 is scored out of 100, with 25 points for each of the four skills. To pass, you normally need at least 50/100 overall and a minimum score in each skill. Confirm the exact pass rules with your centre.
The written tests and the oral test may be scheduled at different times or on different days. Check your convocation carefully and confirm your oral appointment with your centre.
Breaks are not normally allowed during the written tests. If you need to leave the room, raise your hand and wait for the invigilator. Confirm the centre's policy on breaks and toilet visits before the exam.