Why is it worth taking the B1 Polish language certification exam?
30 May | 2025
Why is it worth taking the B1 Polish language certification exam? Are you thinking about taking a state exam in Polish? Would you like to pass it in Krakow? You've come to the right place! In this article, you will learn exactly what the state certificate exam at B1 level is, why it is worth passing it, what its structure looks like, and how and where to register. We focus exclusively on level B1, because this is the exam that enjoys the greatest interest - especially among people applying for Polish citizenship or planning a longer stay in Poland. The B1 exam is an official document confirming knowledge of the Polish language at a level of linguistic independence. It is required in many formal situations - and passing it can open many doors for you.


Table of content
Introduction – why take the B1 Polish language certification exam?
Benefits of having a B1 certificate in Polish
2.1. Citizenship and legal aspects
2.2. Education and professional career
2.3. Personal development and motivation to learnWhy is it worth taking the state exam at the VARIA Polish Language Center in Krakow?
Structure of the Polish state exam at level B1 – what does the exam look like?
4.1. Listening
4.2. Reading
4.3. Writing
4.4. Grammar and Vocabulary
4.5. SpeakingHow to register for the B1 certification exam in Krakow?
What happens after the certification exam?
How to best prepare for the B1 Polish exam?
Registration for the Polish language certificate exam 2025
Price of the Polish language certification exam at B1 level
Dates of Polish as a Foreign Language Certification Exams 2025
Frequently asked questions about the B1 certification exam in Krakow
Sign up for the Polish state exam

Here's why it's worth doing:
Firstly – citizenship and legal issues. If you want to apply for Polish citizenship or long-term EU residence, you must present a certificate of knowledge of the Polish language at least at B1 level. This is a document that confirms that you can communicate in everyday situations – in a shop, office, work or at university.
Secondly – education and career. More and more universities and employers require foreigners to have an official document confirming their knowledge of the language. The B1 certificate proves that you can handle Polish in practical professional and academic situations. Thanks to it, you gain an advantage on the job market and find your place in the scientific community more easily.
Thirdly – personal deveThirdly – personal development. Even if you learn Polish “for yourself”, getting a certificate is a confirmation of your hard work and progress. It is a motivation for further learning and language development. And preparing for the exam itself is a great opportunity to organize your knowledge.lopment. Even if you learn Polish “for yourself”, getting a certificate is a confirmation of your hard work and progress. It is a motivation for further learning and language development. And preparing for the exam itself is a great opportunity to organize your knowledge.
It is also worth adding that:
- The B1 certification exam is organized only a few times a year and registration is short – places fill up very quickly!
- A positive exam result is valid indefinitely.
Why is it worth taking the B1 exam at our VARIA Polish Language Center in Kraków?
If you are looking for a place where you can pass your B1 exam in a calm, friendly atmosphere and with full professionalism – you have come to the right place. Our VARIA Center is an official examination center with many years of experience in working with foreigners. Here is what sets us apart:
- State qualifications – we organize certification exams at levels B1. B2, C1, C2 as an accredited center of the Ministry of Education and Higher Education.
- Over 20 years of experience – we have been teaching Polish as a foreign language for over two decades and we know how to effectively prepare for the exam.
- Passionate Examiners – Our team is made up of experienced teachers who are also certified examiners. They know how to support candidates before and during the exam.
- Comfortable exam conditions – clear rules, a calm atmosphere and friendly organization – all so that candidates can focus on demonstrating their skills.
- Great feedback from our students – hundreds of people from all over the world have trusted us. Check out our online reviews!
- International recognition – we are a licensed TELC centre, winner of the Eagles of Education award and winner of many awards for excellent teaching quality.
What does the B1 certification exam look like?
The B1 level exam consists of five main parts:
- Listening – you listen to recordings (e.g. announcements, conversations, dialogues) and then answer questions. It is important to understand the main idea and details.
- Reading – you analyze short texts (announcements, emails, instructions) and your task is to pick out key information.
- Writing – you write a short text, usually an email, a note or an argumentative statement. What counts is the coherence, correctness and accuracy of the statement.
- Grammar and vocabulary – a test checking knowledge of grammatical structures and vocabulary necessary for everyday communication.
- Speaking – a conversation with the examiners, which lasts several minutes and includes questions, statements based on illustrations and a dialogue with the second candidate.
🔎 Sample topics in the oral part:
- Description of places and journeys
- Plans for the future
- Lifestyle and health
- Culture and social events
- Ecological problems
- Experience from work or study
To pass the exam, you must score at least 50% in each section (listening, reading, writing, grammar and speaking counted separately).
How to register for the B1 certification exam in Krakow?
It’s very simple:
- Choose level B1 – this is the most frequently chosen exam, especially in the context of citizenship.
- Check the date – the next exam at our VARIA Center will be held on November 15–16, 2025.
- Complete the online application form
- Pay for the exam – after registration you will receive all necessary information.
- Wait for organizational details – we will send them by email before the exam.
📍 We organize the B1 Kraków exam in the heart of the city, with easy access and great conditions for candidates.
Registration for the Polish language certification exam: https://varia-course.com/kursy-w-szkole/polish-language-certificate-exam

What happens after the exam?
How long does it take to get the results of the Polish certification exam?
After completing the exam:
- The written part is assessed by a committee. All modules are checked.
- The oral part is assessed directly by examiners, who create an assessment sheet and justify the result.
- Score – You must score at least 50% in each section to receive a certificate.
- You will receive the certificate after about 4.5–5 months. It is valid indefinitely.
Preparing for the B1 state exam – what is the best way to study?
Here are some proven methods:
✅ Regular vocabulary learning ✅ Listening to authentic language recordings ✅ Practicing writing short texts ✅ Speaking with a teacher or language partner ✅ Working with sample exam papers
And best of all? Sign up for a B1 certification exam preparation course at our VARIA Polish Language Center in Krakow.
The classes are taught by experienced lecturers specializing in preparation for certification exams, and many of them are also active examiners. This means we know exactly what the test looks like, what to expect and how to prepare for it.
During the course, you will practice all parts of the exam: listening, reading, writing, speaking and language correctness. You will receive practical tips, strategies for solving tasks and regular feedback. We practice not only the language, but also self-confidence – so that the exam is not a surprise, but a natural end to preparation.
For more information about the Polish B1 exam preparation course, click here. https://kurspolskiego.pl/kursy-online/kurs-przygotowujacy-do-egzaminu-b1/
Registration for the Polish language certificate exam 2025
Registration for the state certificate exam in Polish as a foreign language at level B1 in 2025 takes place exclusively online, via the websites of selected examination centers. Each center independently sets the start and end dates of registration, and the number of places is limited, so it is worth following the announcements and signing up as soon as possible after the recruitment opens.
One of the examination centers authorized to conduct certificate exams is the Polish Language Center VARIA from Krakow. Registration at Varia is done via a form available on the school’s website https://varia-course.com/kursy-w-szkole/polish-language-certificate-exam
To take part in the exam, you must complete the application form, pay the exam fee and provide the required documents (e.g. a copy of your passport or other ID document).
Price of the Polish language certification exam at B1 level
The fee for taking the Polish as a foreign language certificate exam at B1 level for adults is 150 euros (or the equivalent in zlotys according to the exchange rate provided on the organizer’s website). Additionally, after passing the exam, it is necessary to pay a fee for issuing a certificate in the amount of 20 euros.
Dates of Polish as a Foreign Language Certification Exams 2025
In 2025, Polish as a foreign language certification exams at B1 level will be organized on November 16-17. In the autumn session, the VARIA Polish Language Center will offer a B1 level exam for adult foreigners seeking confirmation of their knowledge of Polish, e.g. in connection with obtaining Polish citizenship. The exam consists of five parts: listening comprehension, reading comprehension, grammatical correctness, writing, and speaking.
Frequently asked questions about the B1 Krakow certification exam:
- What is the most difficult thing about the B1 certification exam?
The written part of the exam is definitely the most difficult for most candidates. First of all, because many people learn Polish by talking to people – whether in their family, at work, or “on the street”. In everyday life, we rarely need to use longer or shorter written forms. But then we most often use ubiquitous AI tools that improve our written statements or even write for us. - Can the Polish language certification exam be taken online?
No – Polish language certification exams are held in-person only. - How long does it take to get certification exam results?
From 4.5 to 5 months. It is worth taking this into account, for example, when planning an application for citizenship. - How long is the state certificate in Polish valid?
The state certificate in Polish as a foreign language is valid indefinitely – it does not expire and does not need to be renewed. This means that regardless of when you pass the exam, your certificate remains valid for life. You can therefore use it at any time – for example, when applying for citizenship, work, studies or recognition of professional qualifications. - Is it possible to improve the result of the certification exam?
No, that’s not possible. If you don’t pass the exam, you have to retake it on a new date and pay for it again. You can’t retake just one section either – you always have to take the entire exam.
Registration for the state exam in Polish as a foreign language Kraków
Take the first step to officially confirming your knowledge of Polish – sign up for the B1 exam in Krakow!
https://kurspolskiego.pl/kursy-w-szkole/egzamin-certyfikatowy-z-jezyka-polskiego/
Our VARIA Center is a place where quality meets experience. Open up new possibilities for yourself – whether you want to gain citizenship, continue your studies or simply confirm your language skills.
Contact and registration: 📞 +48 664 092 374 ✉️ info@kurspolskiego.pl 🌐 www.varia-course.com
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.