What are the examination dates?
The examination dates are set by the PKdsPZJPjO. They are published at certyfikatpolski.pl under Examination dates approximately three months before the first examination of the year.
In which cities can the exam be taken?
The list of examination centres is published at certyfikatpolski.pl under News Approximately 2 months before the examination, after receiving a declaration from the centres of their intention to hold the examination on the date announced by the PKdsPZJPjO.
Where can I find a list of centres authorised to conduct examinations?
The current list is available at certyfikatpolski.pl under About the exam.
How do I register for the exam?
Information on registration is available at certyfikatpolski.pl under Registration for the exam.
By what date can I register for the examination and pay the examination fee?
The registration deadline does not start earlier than two months before the examination, while the payment deadline is set individually by each examination centre and is published on the centre's website.
What is the cost of the exam?
The amount of the examination fee is set by each centre individually, but the fee may not be higher than:
a. 90 euros for levels: A1, A2, B1 and B2 (exam adapted for children and young people)
b. 120 euros for levels: A1 and A2 (exam adapted for adults)
c. 150 euros for levels: B1 and B2 (exam adapted to adults)
d. 180 euros for levels: C1 and C2 (exam adapted for adults)
How many points do you need to get to pass the exam?
To pass the examination for adults is to obtain at:
* A1, A2: at least 50% marks in the written part of the examination and 50% marks in the oral part of the examination
* B1: at least 50% marks in each module of the written part of the examination and 50% marks in the oral part of the examination
* B2, C1, C2: at least 60% marks in each module of the written part of the examination and 60% marks in the oral part of the examination
Examination for children and young people is passed after scoring at least 50% in the written part of the examination and 50% in the oral part of the examination at all language proficiency levels (A1, A2, B1, B2).
What level of examination is sufficient to apply for Polish citizenship?
Information on this matter can be obtained from the local provincial office processing citizenship applications (Foreigners Division).
Where can I find sample tests for a particular level?
Sample tests are available at certyfikatpolski.pl under About the exam.
At what date after the exam is the certificate issued?
The certificate is issued within 30 days of receipt of the examination report and its annexes and payment by the examination centre of a fee of €20 per certificate for each person who has passed the examination.
What is the certificate for?
The certificate in Polish as a foreign language is the only state document certifying knowledge of Polish. The examination is taken by people who would like to document their level of proficiency in Polish. So far, this has most often been done by foreigners studying or working in Poland, but recently there have also been many people who wish to certify their knowledge of Polish when applying for Polish citizenship (based on the Act on Polish Citizenship of 15 August 2012). The certificate is also sought by Poles residing permanently abroad, who see their knowledge of Polish as a strong asset on the global labour market. More and more often, a language certificate is required from foreigners employed in Poland in the case of positions where they will use the Polish language. This is the case, among others, in the health service (e.g. Nursing Boards expect foreigners employed in Polish hospitals and outpatient clinics to certify their Polish language skills at B1 level) or in the civil service (a foreigner taking up a job in the civil service in Poland is expected to have a Polish language certificate at B2 level). There is also growing interest in the examination among secondary school graduates in e.g. Germany, Belarus or the USA. Educational authorities in some countries recognise the certificate of proficiency in Polish as another foreign language as a document entitling to additional points during the matriculation examination. The certificate is also obtained by foreign students studying in Poland or foreigners applying for a place at a Polish university. The certificate exempts those planning to continue their studies in Poland from language preparatory courses before beginning their studies. Depending on the type of studies, universities impose different Polish language requirements on foreigners. For artistic and performance faculties (studies in music, fine arts, physical education), knowledge of Polish at B1 level is required, for other university faculties it is generally necessary to know Polish at the general intermediate level - B2. Among the foreigners taking the certificate examination are also employees of international corporations, civil servants, teachers, managers, employees of foreign banks, insurance companies. A positive result in the exam makes it easier for them to obtain a permanent work contract and settle in Poland.
How long is the certificate valid?
The certificate is valid indefinitely.
After what period of time is it possible to take the exam again in the event of a negative result?
There is no set period of time to wait after a failed exam and therefore it is possible to take the exam as early as the next examination session.