DELF B2 practice test: run the official papers on the clock

A DELF B2 practice test is only useful if it copies the real exam, and the exam body publishes the material to do that: two sample papers per level, with answers, a listening transcript, MP3 files and marking grids [2]. This page turns them into a timed run. For what the level means, read B2 French. For the other levels, see French levels explained. For what the diplomas count for in Canada, see DELF and DALF for Canadian immigration.

Sources: France Éducation international pages, opened 5 November 2026 (parent read in browser); neither shows a date modified [1][2].

What does DELF B2 mean?

DELF is the French language test run by France Éducation international, and B2 is the level it certifies [1]. In the Council of Europe’s scale, B2 is the upper independent level: a user can understand the main ideas of complex text, interact with native speakers without strain and write clear, detailed text on many subjects [3].

The exam body’s “I choose the DELF B2 if I can” list is close to that. It names defending an opinion with arguments and examples, developing a point of view with pros and cons, expressing cause and consequence, taking notes, and understanding the gist of a current-affairs document [1].

What are the four papers of the DELF B2 exam?

The DELF B2 exam has three collective papers, taken with other candidates in the same room, and one individual paper [1]. Each paper is out of 25 points [1].

All figures are from the exam body’s DELF B2 page [1]. The three collective papers add up to 2 hours 30 minutes (30 + 60 + 60 minutes, our sum). The speaking paper is a separate slot.

How is the DELF B2 certificate marked?

The DELF B2 certificate rests on 100 points, 25 for each paper [1]. To pass you need at least 50 out of 100 overall and at least 5 out of 25 on every paper [1]. A mark below 5 out of 25 on any one paper is eliminatory [1].

This page says nothing about fees, dates, centres, results or re-sits. Those are on the exam body’s own pages.

Where are the official DELF B2 practice exam papers?

They sit on the exam body’s “exemples de sujets” page for B2 [2]. It has two examples of the collective papers and one example of the speaking paper [2]. Each collective example shows one of the two formats of the listening and reading papers used in official sessions [2].

The page says the formats differ in the number of exercises and questions, the length of the documents and the form of the questions. It also says neither format helps or hurts your chances of passing [2]. So practise both.

What you get with each example [2]:

The page also explains each writing criterion: task completion, coherence and cohesion, sociolinguistic fit, vocabulary and grammar [2]. It does not say whether answers are explained beyond the marker’s document [2].

How do you run a timed DELF B2 practice exam?

Use the real timings from the table above and do it in two sittings.

1. Sitting one: the collective papers, 2 hours 30 minutes. Pick one example. Do listening for 30 minutes, reading for 1 hour and writing for 1 hour [1]. Play each MP3 from the page and keep the transcript closed.
2. Mark listening and reading with the marker’s document. Each paper is out of 25, so keep your score per paper, not just a total [1][2].
3. Mark your writing against the writing grid, one criterion at a time [2]. Count your words: the task asks for at least 250 [1].
4. Sitting two: speaking. Prepare for 30 minutes, then speak for 20, in two parts: a monologue, then an interaction [1]. Record yourself, and score the recording against the speaking grid [2].
5. Open the transcript only now, to see what you missed in listening [2].
6. Check the pass rule on your own scores: 50 out of 100 and no paper under 5 out of 25 [1].
7. Repeat with the other example, which shows the other format [2].

How do you plan DELF B2 exam preparation?

Start from the weakest paper, since the 5 out of 25 floor applies to each one [1]. A simple order built from the exam body’s materials:

• Listening. Play one listening MP3, answer, mark it, then read the transcript to find the words you missed [2].
• Reading. Do one exercise in 30 minutes, half the paper’s hour [1].
• Writing. Write 250 words or more from a sample subject, then read the criteria on the grid before you check your text [1][2].
• Speaking. Practise the structure the exam asks for: a sustained monologue, then an interaction. B2 means defending a point of view with arguments and examples [1].

Linking words carry a lot of an argument. Practise these aloud: d’abord, ensuite, enfin, parce que, puisque, pourtant and ainsi. They are our picks for B2 argument, not a list from the exam body.

Try four quick questions on the exam figures above.

See also: DELF B1 sample papers and DALF C1 and C2.

Common mistakes

• Practising one format only. The exam body says both listening and reading formats are used in official sessions, and the two examples each show one [2].
• Looking at the total and ignoring the floor. Below 5 out of 25 on any paper is eliminatory [1].
• Opening the transcript before marking. The supervisor’s document is for review after the attempt, not during it [2].
• Skipping the speaking paper because it is hard to practise alone. Record yourself and use the examiner-side grid [2].
• Stopping writing early. The writing task asks for at least 250 words [1].
• Relying on this page for exam facts. The exam body’s pages show no date modified, so compare their current content with the 5 November 2026 reading date at the top of this page before you plan around it [1][2].

Sources