DALF C1 course and exam simulator
Prepare for DALF C1 in its post-2020 single version, built around the 2h30 synthèse de documents and essai argumenté paper.
DALF C1 (Diplôme Approfondi de Langue Française) is the advanced French diploma awarded through France Éducation International. It has lifetime validity and exempts holders from French university entrance language tests. DELF is its lower-level sibling, covering A1 to B2. Since 2020 every candidate sits one common version, and the centre of the exam is the 2h30 paper: a synthèse de documents plus an essai argumenté. The Job Tests Portal French product is paid, independent preparation behind a login: seven learning modules, audio comprehension exercises, synthesis-writing practice, and a timed simulator with ten full-length mocks.
Updated 1 October 2026
📖 About This Course
DALF C1 preparation in the post-2020 single version, built around the 2h30 synthèse de documents and essai argumenté paper, with ten timed mock exams.
🗂️ DALF C1 exam format
| Section | Duration | What it contains |
|---|---|---|
| Compréhension de l'oral | ~40 minutes | 2 listening exercises |
| Compréhension des écrits | ~50 minutes | 1 reading exercise |
| Production écrite | 2h30 | Synthèse de documents + essai argumenté |
| Production orale | 1 h preparation + ~30 minutes | Exposé from documents + interaction with two examiners |
✨ Key Features
- Seven C1 modules mapped to the four DALF C1 épreuves
- The post-2020 single version — no 'lettres et sciences humaines' / 'sciences' choice
- Dedicated training for the 2h30 synthèse plus essai argumenté paper
- Long-form listening: lectures, interviews, debates and radio programmes
- Ten full-length timed mock exams with model answers
🎯 What You'll Learn
- Follow long, complex spoken French: lectures, interviews and debates
- Analyse argumentative texts — press articles, essays, reports
- Write a synthèse de documents and an essai argumenté inside 2h30
- Deliver a structured exposé and hold an argued discussion with two examiners
- Use C1 grammar and vocabulary across the exam's recurring topics
🔗 Official DALF C1 Resources
Always cross-check formats, dates and fees with the exam body, and use their free official materials alongside this course.
- Official DALF C1 sample paper (full subject, PDF)
- Candidate manual (official national commission)
- DELF/DALF reform overview (official Swiss commission)
- France Podcasts — free DALF C1 mock subjects with audio
- RFI Savoirs — authentic French listening practice
- TV5Monde apprendre — free advanced exercises
DALF is a registered trademark of France Éducation International. This independent preparation product is not affiliated with, or endorsed by, France Éducation International.
Course Overview
Course Curriculum
Compréhension de l'oral
Long, complex listening: lectures, interviews, debates and radio programmes.
Compréhension des écrits
Complex argumentative texts — press articles, essays, reports and literary writing.
Production écrite
The 2h30 paper: synthèse de documents and essai argumenté, against the DALF C1 criteria.
Production orale
The exposé from documents and the argued interaction with two examiners.
Vocabulaire avancé
Advanced vocabulary across the exam's key domains: society, environment, sciences, culture.
Grammaire avancée
C1 grammar: the subjunctive, concordance des temps, the passive and indirect speech.
Stratégies d'examen
Per-épreuve exam strategy, then the full-length timed mock exams.
Prerequisites
- Solid upper-intermediate French (around B2) — this is C1 exam preparation, not a beginner course
What's Included
Video Lessons
High-quality video tutorials covering all topics
Practice Exercises
Reinforce every lesson with realistic practice tasks
Progress Tracking
Track your advancement through the course
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a beginner French course?
No. It prepares you for DALF C1, so it assumes solid upper-intermediate French (around B2) and works at C1 level throughout.
Do I still choose between 'lettres et sciences humaines' and 'sciences'?
No. Since 2020 every DALF C1 candidate sits one common version, so the two-stream subjects in older preparation books no longer exist. The mocks use the single post-2020 format.
How is the written paper structured?
One 2h30 paper: a synthèse de documents and an essai argumenté. The course trains both task shapes separately and then together under time.
How many mock exams are included?
Ten full-length mock exams with model answers, timed as the real épreuves are.
What score do I need to pass DALF C1?
The four épreuves are marked out of 25 each, and the diploma needs at least 50 out of 100 overall plus a minimum in every épreuve (historically 5/25). Thresholds are set nationally, so confirm the current rule with your exam centre before you book.
Is the French practice free, and who scores it?
The course and the simulator are paid and need an account. France Éducation International and its national commissions publish sample subjects, linked below. Our marks are study estimates; only an accredited centre awards DALF C1.
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