Which French Exam Should I Take in Hong Kong? 2026 Complete Guide & Dates
Written by
Anthony Regent
December 10, 2025
13 min read
Last Updated: Dec 18, 2025
π₯ Quick FAQ – Find Your Perfect Exam in 30 Seconds
β I’m 12-16 years old in secondary school. Which exam?
- Recommended exams: DELF Junior (A2-B2) or IGCSE French
- Validity: Lifetime diploma
- Cost: HK$1,500-2,300
- Next session: March 2026
π Prep: Teen Courses
β I’m doing IB Diploma. Which exam?
- Recommended exam: IB French (Language A/B/ab initio)
- Exam period: April 24 – May 20, 2026
- Language A: For native or near-native speakers
- Language B: For advanced learners
- ab initio: For beginners
π Prep: IB French Courses
β I’m a HKDSE student. Which exam?
- Required exam: DELF Junior A2 or above
- Timing: Must be taken in 2024 or 2025 for 2026 HKDSE
- Rule: Exam must be taken 2 years before HKDSE year
- Accepted levels: A2, B1, B2
- Cost: HK$1,700-2,300
π Prep: HKDSE Prep Courses
β I want to move to Canada. Which exam?
- Recommended exam: TCF Canada
- Cost: HK$3,500
- Format: 4 mandatory tests (listening, reading, speaking, writing)
- Minimum level required: B2
- 2026 dates: January 20, March 17, June 2, October 20
π Prep: TCF Prep Courses
β I want a lifetime certificate. Which exam?
- Recommended exam: DELF/DALF
- Validity: Lifetime diploma (never expires)
- Issued by: French Ministry of Education
- Levels available: A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, C2 (6 levels)
- Cost: HK$1,500-3,300 depending on level
- 2026 sessions: March, April, November
π Prep: All DELF Courses
β I need quick results for a job. Which exam?
- Recommended exam: TCF (Test de Connaissance du Français)
- Results delivery: 4 weeks (electronic certificate)
- TCF Tout Public cost: HK$1,800 (compulsory tests) + optional tests
- Frequency: 7 sessions available in 2026
- Validity: 2 years
π Prep: TCF Courses
β I’m applying to UK universities. Which exam?
- IGCSE French: For ages 14-16 (secondary school)
- IGCSE exam dates: May 2026
- A-Level French: For ages 16-18
- A-Level exam dates: May/June 2026
- Recognition: Widely accepted by UK universities
π Prep: IGCSE/A-Level Courses
β I want US college credit. Which exam?
- Recommended exam: AP French Language and Culture
- Exam date: Early May 2026
- College credit: Score 3+ typically earns credit at US colleges
- Recognition: Accepted by most American universities
π Prep: AP French Courses
β When should I register?
- General rule: Register 1-2 months before exam date
- DELF/DALF: Registration deadline ~2 months before exam
- TCF: Registration deadline ~1 month before exam
- IGCSE/IB: Registration handled by your school
- Important: Registration deadlines are strict and non-negotiable
β What if I miss the deadline?
- Option 1: Wait for the next exam session
- Option 2: Consider TCF (more frequent – 7 sessions in 2026)
- Note: Exam fees are typically non-refundable
- DELF sessions: Only 3 times per year (March, April, November)
- TCF advantage: More flexibility with 7 sessions throughout the year
π 2026 French Exam Calendar – All Dates & Deadlines
January 2026
TCF Canada – Immigration Test
π
Exam Date: January 20, 2026 (Monday)
β° Time: Written 9:00amβ11:45am | Oral 12:30pmβ4:00pm
π Registration: November 17 β December 17, 2025
π° Fee: HK$3,500
π Location: Hong Kong Scout Centre
π Register: Alliance FranΓ§aise HK
π Prep Courses: Adults | All Levels
β° Time: Written 9:00amβ11:45am | Oral 12:30pmβ4:00pm
π Registration: November 17 β December 17, 2025
π° Fee: HK$3,500
π Location: Hong Kong Scout Centre
π Register: Alliance FranΓ§aise HK
π Prep Courses: Adults | All Levels
February 2026
TCF Tout Public – General French Test
π
Exam Date: February 6, 2026 (Thursday)
β° Time: Written 9:00amβ11:45am | Oral 12:15pmβ3:00pm
π Registration: December 6, 2025 β January 6, 2026
π° Fee: HK$1,800 (compulsory) + optional tests
π Location: Alliance FranΓ§aise Jordan Centre & Hong Kong Scout Centre
π Results: ~4 weeks | Valid for 2 years
π Register: Alliance FranΓ§aise HK
β° Time: Written 9:00amβ11:45am | Oral 12:15pmβ3:00pm
π Registration: December 6, 2025 β January 6, 2026
π° Fee: HK$1,800 (compulsory) + optional tests
π Location: Alliance FranΓ§aise Jordan Centre & Hong Kong Scout Centre
π Results: ~4 weeks | Valid for 2 years
π Register: Alliance FranΓ§aise HK
March 2026
DELF A1, A2, B1 – Lifetime Diplomas
π
Exam Dates: March 3β6, 2026
A1: March 3β4 β Written March 3, 09:00β10:20 β Fee HK$1,500
A2: March 4β5 β Written March 4, 09:00β10:40 β Fee HK$1,700
B1: March 5β6 β Written March 5, 09:00β10:55 β Fee HK$2,100
π Registration deadline: January 2 β February 2, 2026
π Lifetime diploma β results in ~10 weeks
π Location: Alliance FranΓ§aise Hong Kong
π Register: DELF Registration
π Prep: Teens | Adults
A1: March 3β4 β Written March 3, 09:00β10:20 β Fee HK$1,500
A2: March 4β5 β Written March 4, 09:00β10:40 β Fee HK$1,700
B1: March 5β6 β Written March 5, 09:00β10:55 β Fee HK$2,100
π Registration deadline: January 2 β February 2, 2026
π Lifetime diploma β results in ~10 weeks
π Location: Alliance FranΓ§aise Hong Kong
π Register: DELF Registration
π Prep: Teens | Adults
April 2026
DELF B2, DALF C1, C2 – Advanced Lifetime Diplomas
π
Exam Dates: April 20β29, 2026
B2: April 20β21 β Written April 21, 09:00β11:30 β Fee HK$2,300
C1: April 22β23 β Written April 23, 09:00β13:00 β Fee HK$3,100
C2: April 27β29 β Written April 27, 09:00β12:30 β Fee HK$3,300
π Registration deadline: February 13 β March 18, 2026
π Lifetime diploma β results in ~10 weeks
π Register: DALF Registration
B2: April 20β21 β Written April 21, 09:00β11:30 β Fee HK$2,300
C1: April 22β23 β Written April 23, 09:00β13:00 β Fee HK$3,100
C2: April 27β29 β Written April 27, 09:00β12:30 β Fee HK$3,300
π Registration deadline: February 13 β March 18, 2026
π Lifetime diploma β results in ~10 weeks
π Register: DALF Registration
IB French Exams Begin
π
Start Date: April 24, 2026
Courses: Language A, Language B, ab initio
Age: 16β18 years (IB Diploma students)
π Registration: Via IB schools
π Official: IB Organization
π Prep: IB French Prep
Courses: Language A, Language B, ab initio
Age: 16β18 years (IB Diploma students)
π Registration: Via IB schools
π Official: IB Organization
π Prep: IB French Prep
May 2026 – Peak Exam Month
IB French Continues
π
Final Dates: May 19, 2026
French SL Paper 1 & 2, French HL Paper 2 β target levels B1βC1 depending on course
French SL Paper 1 & 2, French HL Paper 2 β target levels B1βC1 depending on course
IGCSE French Written Exams
π
Written Exams: May 18β22, 2026
Cambridge 0520: Paper 1 (Listening) & Paper 3 (Reading)
Edexcel 4FR0: Papers 1β4 β target level A2βB1
π Teen Prep: IGCSE Courses
Cambridge 0520: Paper 1 (Listening) & Paper 3 (Reading)
Edexcel 4FR0: Papers 1β4 β target level A2βB1
π Teen Prep: IGCSE Courses
A-Level French & AP French
π
A-Level: May/June 2026 series β speaking in April 2026
π AP French: Early May 2026
Levels: A-Level B2βC1 | AP B1βB2
π A-Level: Cambridge | HKEAA
π AP: College Board
π AP French: Early May 2026
Levels: A-Level B2βC1 | AP B1βB2
π A-Level: Cambridge | HKEAA
π AP: College Board
June 2026
TCF Canada – Second Session
π
Exam Date: June 2, 2026 (Monday)
π Registration: April 1 β May 1, 2026
π° Fee: HK$3,500
π Location: Hong Kong Scout Centre β ideal for Canada immigration applications
π Registration: April 1 β May 1, 2026
π° Fee: HK$3,500
π Location: Hong Kong Scout Centre β ideal for Canada immigration applications
September 2026
TCF Tout Public – Back to School Session
π
Exam Date: September 8, 2026 (Tuesday)
π Registration: July 8 β August 8, 2026
π° Fee: ~HK$1,800 β good timing for university applications
π Registration: July 8 β August 8, 2026
π° Fee: ~HK$1,800 β good timing for university applications
DELF/DALF Registration Opens
π Registration Period: September 2 β October 3, 2026
π For November 2026 session β all levels available A1βC2
π For November 2026 session β all levels available A1βC2
October 2026
TCF Canada – Third Session
π
Exam Date: October 20, 2026 (Tuesday)
π Registration: August 20 β September 20, 2026 β fee HK$3,500
π Registration: August 20 β September 20, 2026 β fee HK$3,500
November 2026 – Biggest Session
DELF Junior & All Public (All Levels A1βC2)
π
Exam Period: November 3β18, 2026
A1: Nov 3β4 β fee ~HK$1,500; A2: Nov 3β5 β fee ~HK$1,700; B1: Nov 4β5 β fee ~HK$2,100; B2: Nov 9β10 β fee ~HK$2,300; C1: Nov 11β13 β fee ~HK$3,100; C2: Nov 16β18 β fee ~HK$3,300
π Registration deadline: Sep 2 β Oct 3, 2026 β perfect for HKDSE 2027 candidates π Prep: Kids | Teens | Adults
A1: Nov 3β4 β fee ~HK$1,500; A2: Nov 3β5 β fee ~HK$1,700; B1: Nov 4β5 β fee ~HK$2,100; B2: Nov 9β10 β fee ~HK$2,300; C1: Nov 11β13 β fee ~HK$3,100; C2: Nov 16β18 β fee ~HK$3,300
π Registration deadline: Sep 2 β Oct 3, 2026 β perfect for HKDSE 2027 candidates π Prep: Kids | Teens | Adults
TCF Tout Public – Year-End Session
π
Exam Date: November 24, 2026 (Tuesday)
π Registration: September 24 β October 24, 2026 β fee ~HK$1,800
π Registration: September 24 β October 24, 2026 β fee ~HK$1,800
December 2026 – Preparation Month
HKDSE 2027 Preparation
DELF Junior A2 required for 2027 HKDSE β must be completed by November 2026 (taken two years before the HKDSE). Accepted levels: A2, B1, B2.
π Info: DELF Junior
π IGCSE & IB French – Exact Exam Dates Hong Kong 2026
π± Optimized for mobile: Scroll down to see all exam details
IGCSE French – Cambridge 0520 A2-B1
Speaking (Paper 2)
π
Mar 1 – Apr 30, 2026 | β° School schedule | β 10-12 min
Listening (Paper 1)
π
May 18, 2026 (Monday) | β° AM session | β 45 min
Reading (Paper 3)
π
May 21, 2026 (Thursday) | β° AM session | β 1h
Writing (Paper 4)
π
May 22, 2026 (Friday) | β° PM session | β 1h
IGCSE French – Edexcel 4FR0 A2-B1
Listening & Understanding
π
May 18, 2026 (Monday) | β° AM session | β 35 min + 5 min reading
Speaking
π
Mar 1 – Apr 30, 2026 | β° School schedule | β 8-10 min
Reading & Understanding
π
May 20, 2026 (Wednesday) | β° AM session | β 50 min
Writing
π
May 22, 2026 (Friday) | β° PM session | β 1h 20 min
IB French A – Language & Literature (HL/SL) C1-C2
Paper 1 (Analysis)
π
May 1, 2026 (Friday) | β° 2:00 PM | β SL: 1h 15min | HL: 2h 15min
Paper 2 (Essay)
π
May 5, 2026 (Tuesday) | β° 2:00 PM | β SL & HL: 1h 45min
Individual Oral (IO)
π
Apr 24 – May 20, 2026 | β° School schedule | β SL: 10min | HL: 15min
HL Essay
π Internal assessment | β 1,200-1,500 words
π HL students take Paper 1 (longer), Paper 2, IO, and HL Essay. SL students take Paper 1 (shorter), Paper 2, and IO only.
IB French B – Language Acquisition (HL/SL) B1-B2 (SL) B2-C1 (HL)
Paper 1 (Productive Skills)
π
Apr 29, 2026 (Wednesday) | β° 2:00 PM | β SL: 1h 15min | HL: 1h 30min
Paper 2 (Receptive Skills)
π
May 7, 2026 (Thursday) | β° 8:30 AM | β SL: 1h | HL: 2h
Individual Oral (IO)
π
Apr 24 – May 20, 2026 | β° School schedule | β SL: 12-15min | HL: 15min
π Paper 1 covers writing tasks (SL: 1 task, HL: 2 tasks). Paper 2 includes listening and reading comprehension.
π Target Level: SL students typically reach B2 (Upper-Intermediate). HL students reach C1 (Advanced).
π Target Level: SL students typically reach B2 (Upper-Intermediate). HL students reach C1 (Advanced).
IB French ab initio – Beginner (SL only) A2-B1
Paper 1 (Productive Skills)
π
Apr 28, 2026 (Tuesday) | β° 2:00 PM | β 1h
Paper 2 (Receptive Skills)
π
May 6, 2026 (Wednesday) | β° 8:30 AM | β 1h
Individual Oral (IO)
π
Apr 24 – May 20, 2026 | β° School schedule | β 15 min (10min prep + 5min presentation)
π± For beginners: ab initio is for students with little or no prior French knowledge. Completes 2-year IB programme at A2-B1 level.
π French Exams Explained – Quick Overview
DELF & DALF π
A1
A2
B1
B2
C1
C2
Lifetime diploma issued by the French Ministry of Education. DELF covers A1βB2 levels; DALF covers C1βC2. DELF Junior is for ages 11β17. Results typically in ~10 weeks; diplomas arrive in a few months.
π Register: DELF/DALF |
DELF Junior
π Prep: All DELF Courses
TCF π
Multi-level A1βC2
Certificate valid for ~2 years. TCF Tout Public is typically HK$1,800; TCF Canada is ~HK$3,500 for immigration purposes. The test is multi-level; results usually available within a few weeks.
π Register: TCF Registration
π Prep: TCF Courses
IGCSE French π
A2βB1
Cambridge 0520 & Edexcel 4FR0. For ages 14β16. Speaking tests in MarchβApril and written exams in May. Target level generally A2βB1 (CEFR).
π Register: HKEAA |
Cambridge |
Edexcel
π Prep: Teen Courses
IB French π
B1βC1
Language A (native/near-native), Language B (learners) and ab initio (beginners). Exams run in late AprilβMay. Intended for IB Diploma students (ages 16β18).
π Official: IB Organization
π Prep: IB French Prep
HKDSE French π
A2+
Often requires DELF Junior A2 or similar taken in prior years. Accepted levels include A2, B1 and B2.
π Info: HKEAA | DELF Junior
A-Level & AP French π
B2βC1
A-Level (Cambridge International) runs in May/June; AP French is an Advanced Placement option in early May for US college credit.
π A-Level: Cambridge | π AP: College Board
TEF π
Multi-level
Similar to TCF; usually two-year validity. Not currently offered regularly at Alliance Française HK.
π Official: Le FranΓ§ais des Affaires
π How to Register & Prepare
Registration Steps
- Choose your exam based on purpose (see FAQ above)
- Check registration deadline (1β2 months before exam)
- Register online or at exam center
- Pay non-refundable exam fee
- Receive admission notice ~2 weeks before
- Prepare with our courses
Preparation Time
- π A1: 3β6 months (60β100 hours)
- π A2: 6β9 months (100β200 hours)
- π B1: 9β12 months (200β350 hours)
- π B2: 12β18 months (350β550 hours)
- π C1: 18β24 months (550β800 hours)
- π C2: 24+ months (800+ hours)
β‘ Intensive courses can reduce time by ~30β40%
π Where to Take Exams in Hong Kong
π’ Alliance FranΓ§aise Hong Kong
DELF, DALF and TCF exams
- Jordan Centre: 123 Waterloo Road, Kowloon
Contact & Map - Shatin Centre: New Territories
- Wanchai Centre: Hong Kong Island
- Hong Kong Scout Centre: For larger exam sessions
Alliance Française HK Website
ποΈ HKEAA & School-Based
IGCSE, A-Level and HKDSE exams
- HKEAA Centres: Various locations across Hong Kong
HKEAA Website - School-Based: IB, IGCSE, A-Level at your school
- Specific venue confirmed ~2 weeks before exam
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