TELC POLISH LANGUAGE EXAM

Table of Contents:

1. Why is it worth taking the TELC Polish language exam?
2. Structure of the TELC Polish as a Foreign Language Exam
3. Oral part of the TELC exam
4. How many points do you need to score on the exam to receive a TELC certificate?
5. Who can take the TELC Polish language exam?
6. Where can you take the TELC Polish language exam?
7. Preparing for the TELC Polish exam – what should you pay attention to?

Compared to the state certification exam, the TELC Polish language exam is often considered easier and more accessible. It is recognized by educational institutions (numerous universities and higher education schools), employers, and international organizations. Therefore, if you are considering a scholarship, an exchange program (e.g., Erasmus), or formal certification of your language skills, TELC can be an ideal choice.

The TELC exam at the B1/B2 level is a two-level exam, which means it tests skills at both the lower intermediate level – B1 – and the upper intermediate level – B2 – according to the CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages). Depending on the result, the candidate can receive a certificate at either the B1 or B2 level.

The TELC exam consists of a written and an oral part. The written part lasts 115 minutes and is divided into modules, which allow for a comprehensive assessment of the candidates’ skills:

1. Listening comprehension – tasks related to recordings are designed to assess the ability to understand spoken language. Candidates answer questions, fill in gaps, or choose the correct answers while listening to the recordings once or twice.
2. Reading comprehension – this section of the exam tests the understanding of written texts, which can include both short and more extended passages. Tasks assess the ability to grasp the general meaning of the text as well as to identify specific details.
3. Language elements – a module testing grammar knowledge, in which candidates identify correct grammatical forms or produce them. These tasks usually take the form of short, coherent texts, making it easy to spot grammatical errors.
4. Writing – in this part of the exam, candidates choose one of two available topics and write a short text. This tests the ability to express thoughts in written form, especially in the context of everyday life situations, and also assesses the coherence and clarity of the message.

After a short break following the written part, candidates proceed to the oral exam, which tests their ability to communicate in Polish in everyday situations. The oral part lasts 16 minutes, and candidates have 20 minutes to prepare for the tasks. It consists of three modules:

1. Conversation about experiences and expressing opinions – this task involves spontaneously answering questions related to a picture depicting everyday life situations.
2. Presentation – candidates prepare a short presentation on one of two topics of their choice. To assist them, they are allowed to use visual aids and questions provided on the exam sheet.
3. Discussion – in this stage, candidates express their opinion on a chosen topic and engage in a conversation with the other exam participant, which allows for the assessment of their ability to dialogue and exchange ideas.

To obtain a TELC certificate in Polish, candidates must achieve at least 50% of the total points on the exam. Results are available 6 to 8 weeks after the exam, and the certificate can be collected at the examination center, for example, at the Varia Polish Language Center. The level of the certificate awarded depends on the final score – a higher score results in a B2 certificate, while a lower score corresponds to B1.

The TELC Polish language exam is available to everyone, regardless of age. The lack of age restrictions makes it popular among both adults and young people who may need such a certificate when taking exams at Polish universities. The exam is also offered in a school version, which is an attractive option for younger learners of Polish as a foreign language.

Each examination center sets its own fee for the TELC Polish language exam. In the case of the VARIA Polish Language Center in Kraków, it is worth checking the current price directly at the center. The exam itself is paid, but once you pass it, you receive the TELC Polish certificate at no additional cost.

In Poland, there are several examination centers, and one of them is VARIA Polish Language Centre. The VARIA Examination Centre is located in Kraków and organizes telc exams in Polish at the B1/B2 level several times a year. You can find the current exam dates, pricing, and information on how to register for the exam under the “telc Polish language exam” section.

Before taking the exam, it’s worth making sure that you understand and can use the basic Polish grammar structures, have mastered vocabulary at least at the B1 level, and possess at least basic knowledge about Poland—its culture, history, and traditions. This knowledge can be useful for some of the exam tasks.

A Polish language course can be very helpful, as it allows you, under the guidance of qualified teachers, to identify your strengths and weaknesses, practice the different types of tasks that appear on the exam, and properly prepare for each part of the test.

If you have any questions or need more information, contact the telc Examination Center, where you will receive professional assistance.

The author of the article is Katarzyna Hoffmann, co-owner of the Polish Language Center Varia in Kraków. She graduated in German Philology from the Jagiellonian University in Kraków.