What is the State Certificate Examination in Polish?

The State Certificate Examination in Polish for foreigners is an official exam that assesses the ability to use the Polish language by people for whom Polish is not their native language. It is an exam developed by the Polish Centre for Polish Language and can be conducted at various levels of language proficiency: basic level (A1 or A2), intermediate level (B1 or B2), and advanced level (C1 or C2).

What does the B1 exam look like?

The B1 intermediate level exam is intended for people who have a solid foundation in the Polish language. At this level, candidates are able to communicate in everyday situations and understand written and spoken texts on various topics.

The certificate exam at this level tests four basic language skills: reading, listening, speaking, and writing.

• Reading involves understanding a text and answering questions about its content.
• Listening involves understanding spoken Polish based on an audio recording and answering questions related to it.
• Speaking requires expressing opinions on specific topics or answering questions asked by the examiner.
• Writing involves writing a short text or letter according to the exam guidelines.

Where can you obtain a B1 certificate in Polish?

The certificate from the Polish language proficiency exam for foreigners is issued by the Polish Centre for Polish Language (PCJP) and other institutions or schools authorized to conduct the exam.

To obtain the certificate, you must register for the exam at a chosen examination center and pass it at the appropriate level.

To register for the exam at our school, you can use this link:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdwGEFMp5dPu07RFMjp1ziy1eppw_a1Bt2Svo16u2Wsbg-SAw/viewform
https://certyfikatpolski.pl/rejestracja-na-egzamin/

How much does the B1 exam cost?

The cost of the B1 Polish exam for foreigners may vary depending on the country and the institution organizing it. However, the price cannot exceed the maximum amount set by law. For levels B1 and B2, the cost is €150, which is also the price of the exam at our school.

How long does the B1 exam last?

The B1 certificate exam in Polish for foreigners usually has a fixed duration of about 3–4 hours.

It’s important to note that the exact description, length, and order of individual parts of the exam may vary depending on the institution. You should always check the information provided by your chosen exam center. At our school, the total duration of the exam is 3 hours and 40 minutes.

Is the B1 certificate exam difficult?

Well, the difficulty of the Polish language certificate exam for foreigners can be relative. It mostly depends on your level of language proficiency and preparation. If you have a good command of grammar, vocabulary, and can communicate freely in Polish, the exam should not be a problem.
Regular practice, study, and exam preparation will certainly help you achieve a positive result. The key is not to panic, stay confident, and approach the exam with a positive mindset. After all, the exam is meant to assess your language skills and give you the opportunity to confirm your proficiency.

Kiedy są wyniki egzaminu B1 z języka polskiego?

The results of the B1 Polish exam for foreigners are usually announced about three months after the exam date.

After the exam, your answers are assessed by examiners who carefully evaluate your language abilities in each section. Once the assessment process is complete, the examination institution sends the results to participants.

Results may be delivered in various ways — by regular mail, email, or through an online examination system. At our school, results are sent to participants via email.

What if the exam result is negative? Can you retake the exam?

If you receive a negative result on the certificate exam, you can of course retake it to improve your score. The terms and timing of retaking the exam may vary depending on the organizing institution. Usually, it is possible to register again after a certain waiting period.

How to prepare for the exam?

Here are the 4 most important things to consider when preparing for the Polish B1 certificate exam:

1. Systematic learning: Dedicate regular time to studying Polish. Create a schedule that allows you to practice all key areas — reading, listening, speaking, and writing.
2. Practice tests: Find and regularly complete available sample B1 tests. This will help you become familiar with the exam format and difficulty level. Analyze your answers and learn from your mistakes.
   You can find sample certificate exam tests here:
   https://certyfikatpolski.pl/o-egzaminie/przykladowe-testy-zbiory-zadan/
3. Communication practice: Look for opportunities to practice speaking Polish. Remember that fluency in communication is key during the exam!
4. Focus on vocabulary and grammar: Expand your vocabulary and grammar skills. Review topic-based vocabulary lists, learn new expressions and idioms, and practice creating various sentence types.

A preparatory course for the Polish B1 certificate exam offered by our school can also be very helpful. Thanks to experienced instructors-examiners, personalized attention, and practical small-group sessions, you’ll gain confidence and excellent preparation to successfully obtain your B1 certificate and achieve your language goals.

If you want to learn more tips on how to prepare for the exam, click here:

WITH THESE TIPS, YOU WILL PASS THE B1 CERTIFICATE EXAM EASILY!

Sources:

• egzamin.certyfikatpolski.pl
• pcjp.edu.pl

Justyna Kotlarczyk