The State Certificate Examination in Polish vs. the TELC Polish Exam — Which One Should You Choose?

Table of content

1. The State Certificate Examination vs. the TELC Polish Exam – What’s the Difference?
2. Who Organizes the Exams and How to Register
3. Polish Language Exam Dates – When Can You Take the Exam?
4. Costs and Payment Methods
5. Who Are These Exams For?
6. What Levels Are Available for the Polish Language Exam and What Is Its Structure?
7. Duration and Structure of the Polish Language Exam
8. Results, Certificate, and the Possibility of Appeal
9. Uses of Polish Language Certificates
10. Preparatory Courses for Polish Language Exams
11. Which Exam Should You Choose – the State or TELC Polish Exam?

Although both exams share the same goal — to confirm proficiency in Polish as a foreign language — they differ in status and character. The State Certificate Examination is organized by the State Commission for the Certification of Proficiency in Polish as a Foreign Language, operating under the National Agency for Academic Exchange (NAWA). It is the only official state-recognized exam, and it is required if you wish to apply for Polish citizenship.

The TELC Polish Exam (The European Language Certificates) has an international character. It is organized by the German institution TELC GmbH, and in Poland, it is conducted at authorized examination centers, such as Varia Polish Language Center in Kraków. The TELC certificate is recognized throughout Europe and is often required by employers and universities.

Both exams are recognized in Poland and across the European Union, but they differ in scope, levels, and organization. The State Certificate Examination follows a strict structure and is held only a few times a year, while the TELC exam is more flexible, with multiple available dates throughout the year.

Both the State Certificate Examination and the TELC Polish Exam can be taken at Varia Polish Language Center, which is an official examination center. However, the registration process for each exam differs slightly.

You can register for the TELC exam at any time. The registration form is available year-round on the school’s website. Your exam spot is confirmed only after payment, which can be made by bank transfer, card, or in cash. The payment must be completed no later than twenty days before the exam date.

For more information about the TELC Polish Exam and to register, visit: https://kurspolskiego.pl/egzamin-telc-z-jezyka-polskiego/

In the case of the State Certificate Examination, the registration process is more formalized. The registration form becomes available two months before the exam date. Once the candidate receives a confirmation of acceptance, they have 24 hours to make the payment — only then is their exam spot guaranteed.

One of the biggest differences between the TELC exam and the State Certificate Examination is the number of available dates. The TELC exam is organized several times throughout the year, and the exact dates are set by each examination center. In practice, this means that at Varia Polish Language Center, you can usually find an available exam date almost every month.

The State Certificate Examination, on the other hand, is held only four times a year — usually in February, May, July, and November. The dates are set by NAWA and are the same for all examination centers across Poland.

Thanks to its flexible scheduling, the TELC exam is a great choice for those who need to obtain a language certificate quickly. The State Certificate Examination, on the other hand, is a better option if you need an official document recognized by Polish authorities.

The cost difference between the two exams is quite noticeable. The TELC exam at Varia Polish Language Center costs approximately 1150 PLN, and the certificate is included in the price. The final amount may vary slightly depending on the euro exchange rate and organizational conditions set by the school.

The State Certificate Examination is priced in euros, and the cost depends on the exam level. The fee is €120 for levels A1 and A2, €150 for levels B1 and B2, and €180 for levels C1 and C2. In addition, there is a €20 fee for issuing the certificate.

In both cases, payment can be made by bank transfer, card, or in cash at the school’s office. It’s important to note that your exam spot is guaranteed only after the payment has been processed.

The exams also differ in terms of who can take them. The TELC exam is available to adults as well as younger learners, provided they have written parental consent. The State Certificate Examination, however, is restricted to adult candidates only.

The State Certificate Examination holds special significance for foreigners applying for Polish citizenship, as it is the only certificate officially recognized by Polish authorities. To qualify for citizenship, candidates must pass the exam at the B1 level.

Both the TELC and State Certificate Examinations are open to candidates with disabilities. For the State Certificate Examination, however, it is necessary to provide a valid medical certificate confirming the need for accommodations.

The TELC Polish Exam is a dual-level B1/B2 exam, which means that candidates do not need to declare their level in advance. The exam results automatically determine whether the candidate has achieved level B1 or B2.

The State Certificate Examination, however, requires candidates to choose their level in advance. This means that before taking the exam, you must decide whether you want to sit for level B1, B2, or a higher level.

Both exams consist of similar components: listening comprehension, reading comprehension, grammar, writing, and speaking. In the TELC exam, the oral part is conducted in pairs, which encourages more natural communication. In contrast, the State Certificate Examination is conducted individually, in front of an examination board.

The duration of the exams also differs. The TELC exam is shorter, lasting about two hours for the written part and an additional several minutes for the oral part. The State Certificate Examination is significantly longer — depending on the level, it can take between three and even five hours to complete.

In most cases, the TELC exam is conducted in a single day. If there are many candidates, the oral part may be held separately, but typically the entire exam is completed on the same day. The State Certificate Examination, however, is often spread over two days — the written part takes place on the first day, and the oral part on the following day.

The TELC exam results are usually available within about two months. The certificate can be picked up at the school or sent by post.
For the State Certificate Examination, the waiting time is longer — results are published after approximately four to five months, and the certificate is issued around one month after the document fee has been paid.

To pass the TELC exam, candidates must achieve at least 50% of the total points.
In the State Certificate Examination, the requirements are more detailed:
At levels A1 and A2, you need at least 50% in both the written and oral parts.
At level B1, you must score 50% in each section of the exam.
For higher levels (B2, C1, C2), a minimum of 60% is required to pass.

You can appeal the result of the TELC exam, but this applies only to the written part of the test.

Polish language certificates can be used in many situations. The State Certificate Examination is required when applying for Polish citizenship, but both exams are recognized by employers, universities, and institutions in Poland and other European Union countries.

The TELC certificate is widely recognized internationally — it confirms practical language proficiency and is often required when applying for jobs or university programs. The State Certificate Examination, on the other hand, serves as an official document confirming Polish language proficiency and has legal validity in Poland.

To prepare effectively for the exam, it’s worth enrolling in a Polish exam preparation course at Varia Polish Language Center in Kraków. The school offers both in-person and online courses, designed for candidates planning to take either the State Certificate Examination or the TELC Polish Exam.

For the B1 level, special group preparation courses are available, during which participants practice all parts of the exam – reading comprehension, listening, writing, and speaking. For other levels, the school offers individual lessons, tailored to each student’s needs and learning pace.

On the Varia Polish Language Center website, you can also find sample tests and supporting materials. These resources allow you to familiarize yourself with typical exam tasks and better prepare for the exam.

The decision on which exam to choose depends on the purpose for which you need the certificate. If you require a document that will allow you to apply for Polish citizenship, the State Certificate Examination is the best choice.

If you value faster certification, flexible exam dates, and recognition across Europe, the TELC exam is an excellent choice. It’s also ideal for those who want to prove their language proficiency for professional or academic purposes.

Many candidates start with the TELC exam to gain initial experience and become familiar with the exam format, and then later decide to take the State Certificate Examination.

Both the State Certificate Examination and the TELC Polish Exam are reliable ways to certify your proficiency in Polish as a foreign language. Each has its own advantages and differs in requirements and organization.

If you need an official document recognized by Polish state institutions, choose the State Certificate Examination. However, if you’re looking for an internationally recognized certificate that can help you in your career or studies in Europe, the TELC exam is the right choice.

No matter which exam you choose, good preparation is key. At the Varia Polish Language Center, you’ll find professional preparation courses, experienced teachers, and a friendly atmosphere that will help you pass your exam successfully.

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.