DFP explained: CCI Paris's professional French diplomas, the 50% and 60% rule, and a certificate that does not expire
The Diplôme de français professionnel (DFP) is the work-focused French diploma of the Paris Île-de-France Chamber of Commerce. It comes in four fields and is valid for life.
To pass, you need two things: at least 50% in each of the two parts, and an average of at least 60%. Everything below is from the CCI's site, lefrancaisdesaffaires.fr, read on 5 November 2026.
Four fields, different levels
Check your level exists in your field before you plan around it. Health and international relations start at B1, and tourism stops at B2.
- Affaires (business)A1, A2, B1, B2, C1Consultants, marketing, HR, project managers, engineers
- Relations internationalesB1, B2, C1Diplomats, international civil servants, journalists
- Santé (health)B1, B2, C1Doctors, nurses, physiotherapists, pharmacists
- Tourisme-hôtellerie-restaurationA2, B1, B2Travel advisers, guides, receptionists, waiting staff
The pass rule
The exam has two series of activities, Comprendre et traiter l'information and Interagir à l'oral, each scored out of 100.
You pass with at least 50% in each and at least 60% on average. You get a mention with an average of 80% or more.
Our reading: if the two parts count equally, a 50 in one needs a 70 in the other to reach the average. So 50% is the floor, not the target.
Writing is inside the first part. Written tasks are marked on four equally weighted criteria: fit to the requested format, relevance and completeness of the information, syntax, and vocabulary. Speaking is marked on five, also equal, and one of them is your professional manner.
What the exam looks like
On a computer, 45 minutes to 2 hours by level: 3 to 7 workplace tasks based on real written and audio documents, plus writing a professional document such as an email or a report.
Face to face, 5 to 15 minutes by level, with timed preparation: two tasks with an examiner, a conversation to inform or persuade, or a spoken presentation. Everything you need for the exchange is in the task.
A paper dictionary is allowed throughout, one-language or bilingual, and you get scrap paper for notes. No phone, and you cannot leave during the computer part.
The instructions are in French. You must be at least 16, French must not be your mother tongue, and you need to read and write the Latin alphabet and type on a computer.
Results, fees and recognition
Results arrive within 1 to 10 working days of the exam, by a link to a secure online folder. There is no paper diploma. You download and print it yourself.
Fees are set by each exam centre and vary. The CCI lists 100 centres worldwide. If no date shows for your centre, contact it directly.
French residency and citizenship: the CCI says the French Interior Ministry recognises the DFP for a resident card or naturalisation, and points out that unlike the TEF it does not expire. Check the level your application needs in our guide to TCF and TEF for nationality, and confirm the diploma with the office handling your application before you book.
Complaints: if there was a serious technical problem, contact your centre. An appeal must be made within 30 days of the date on your results.
Mistakes worth avoiding
Aiming for 50% in both parts.
Aiming for an average of at least 60%.
50% in each is only the floor. The average must also reach 60%.
Assuming every field runs at every level.
Checking your field's levels first.
Health and international relations start at B1, and tourism stops at B2.
Waiting for a paper diploma in the post.
Watching your email for the link.
The CCI issues it through a secure online folder and sends no paper diploma.
Questions
What score do I need to pass the DFP?
At least 50% in each of the two series of activities, and an average of at least 60%. An average of 80% or more earns a mention.
Does the DFP expire?
No. The CCI says the Diplôme de français professionnel is valid for life.
Can I use a dictionary in the DFP?
Yes. A paper dictionary, one-language or bilingual, is allowed throughout the exam.
How much does the DFP cost?
Each exam centre sets its own fee, and it varies from centre to centre.
Can the DFP be used for French naturalisation?
The CCI says the French Interior Ministry recognises it for a resident card or naturalisation. Confirm the level and diploma with the office handling your application.
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