What score do I need to pass the DELF and how soon will I get my result?
To pass the DELF you need at least 50 out of 100 overall and a minimum of 5 out of 25 in every section. Scoring below 5 in any one section is eliminatory, even with a high total. Centres announce results within two months at most, and some publish earlier.
You pass the DELF by scoring at least 50 out of 100 overall and at least 5 out of 25 in each of the four sections. Results are generally communicated by your examination centre within a maximum of two months, though the exact timing varies by centre and session.
DELF Passing Criteria
| Requirement | Minimum score | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 50 out of 100 | The lowest total that earns the diploma |
| Each section | 5 out of 25 | Applies to listening, reading, writing and speaking |
| Below 5 in any section | Eliminatory | No diploma, even if the total is 50 or higher |
Result Timeline
| Stage | Expected timing |
|---|---|
| Exam | On the exam day |
| Evaluation by examiners | After the exam |
| Jury validation | After evaluation |
| Result declared by centre | Within a maximum of 2 months |
| Diploma or provisional certificate | After results are confirmed, with collection details from the centre |
- The two-month period is a ceiling, not a fixed wait.
- Once earned, a DELF diploma is valid for life, so you never need to renew it.
My Advice
Do not treat 50 as a comfortable target if one skill is weak, because a single section below 5 can cost you the diploma. If you need the result for an application deadline, book your exam at least two to three months before it. Ask your centre how and when it will publish results.
Still have doubts?
Speak to a LeapScholar expert — free, no obligations.