If you're eligible for both French and Italian residency, you might be wondering: which exam should you take?
The answer depends on one thing: CELI's carry-over policy. This single rule makes CELI fundamentally different from DELF - and it could save you hundreds of euros and weeks of preparation time.
The Quick Answer: CELI Is Easier to Recover From (But Harder to Pass on First Try)
DELF and CELI have similar overall pass thresholds (50/100 and 60% respectively). But CELI allows you to pass one block (written or oral) and resit only the failed block within one year. DELF requires you to retake the entire exam if you fail.
DELF A2 Scoring Rules Explained
**Pass threshold:** 50/100 overall. **Section minimums:** You must score at least 5/25 in EACH skill. If you score below 5/25 in any single skill, you automatically fail - regardless of your total score.
**The DELF trap:** Many candidates are strong in reading and writing but weak in speaking. They score 50+ overall but fail because speaking is below 5/25.
CELI 1 A2 Scoring Rules Explained
**Pass threshold:** 60% overall. **Exam blocks:** Written Block (Reading + Writing) and Oral Block (Listening + Speaking).
**The CELI advantage:** If you pass one block but fail the other, you only resit the failed block within one year. You don't retake the skills you already passed. Reduced fee for resit (~โฌ40-50 instead of โฌ80).
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Factor | DELF A2 | CELI 1 A2 |
|---|---|---|
| Overall pass score | 50/100 | 60% |
| Carry-over policy | None - retake entire exam | Yes - resit failed block only |
| Resit cost | Full fee (~โฌ80) | Reduced fee (~โฌ40-50) |
| Easiest to pass if... | Balanced across all skills | Strong in writing |
| Hardest to pass if... | Weak in speaking | Weak in both speaking AND listening |
The Carry-Over Policy Explained
**Scenario 1:** Pass Written Block, fail Oral Block. You only resit Listening and Speaking. Your Written Block score carries over.
**Scenario 2:** Pass Oral Block, fail Written Block. You only resit Reading and Writing. Reduced fee for resit.
**Bottom line:** If you are strong in writing but weak in speaking, CELI is strategically better - pass writing first, then focus only on speaking.
Related Resources
DELF A2 Preparation | CELI 1 A2 Preparation | All Four Exams Compared | CIPLE vs DELE
Sources: France Education International - Official DELF/DALF Authority CVCL - Centro per la Valutazione e le Certificazioni Linguistiche