Language levels on a French CV: the CEFR scale recruiters actually read
French CVs state language skills on the CEFR scale — A1, A2 (beginner), B1, B2 (independent), C1, C2 (proficient) — optionally backed by a certificate (DELF, DALF, TCF for French ; TOEIC, IELTS for English). Subjective labels like « fluent » or « conversational » carry no weight with French recruiters.
How to write it
Format each language as: language — CEFR level — certificate and year if you have one. Example: « Anglais — C1 (TOEIC 945, 2025) · Français — B1 (en cours, cours intensifs) · Espagnol — A2 ».
Native languages: write « langue maternelle » rather than C2. Bilingual upbringing: « bilingue français-anglais » is understood and credible.
Be honest to the level you can defend live: French interviewers commonly switch language mid-interview to check a claimed level. An honest B1 with a stated learning trajectory reads better than a C1 that collapses in the first exchange.
Which certificates matter in France
For French as a foreign language: DELF (A1-B2) and DALF (C1-C2) are the official lifetime diplomas ; TCF and TEF are score-based tests, also used for residency and citizenship applications. If you hold any of them, put it on the CV — it is verifiable and rare among expat candidates.
For English: TOEIC dominates French corporate expectations, IELTS and TOEFL are equally understood. For other languages, the CEFR level alone is fine.
The CEFR grid itself is a Council of Europe standard, public and self-assessable — if you have never mapped your level, the official descriptors take ten minutes and prevent both under- and over-claiming.
Frequently asked questions
What CEFR level do I need to work in France?
It depends on the role: B1-B2 covers most French-speaking workplaces' day-to-day needs, C1 is expected for client-facing or writing-heavy roles, and English-speaking tech roles may need none — but every level of French widens your options.
Can I self-assess my CEFR level without a test?
Yes — the Council of Europe publishes an official self-assessment grid, and self-assessed levels are accepted on CVs. A certificate simply adds proof.
Where do language levels go on the CV?
A dedicated « Langues » section near the bottom, one line per language. For international roles where language is central, you can surface it in the title line too.