Obtain a state certificate in Polish as a foreign language

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Lawyer

Poland / Poland

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Publication date: 18.08.2024

One of the conditions for admission to university or employment in Poland may be the need to confirm knowledge of the Polish language. The official document confirming the level of language proficiency is the state certificate of the Polish language. It can be obtained after completing studies in Poland or passing an appropriate exam. Below we will tell you more about this exam: where and when you can take it, how to register and how to prepare.

What is a state certificate in the Polish language?

A certificate of knowledge of the Polish language, known as Certyfikat znajomości języka polskiego, is an official document that confirms the level of knowledge of the Polish language. It is issued by the relevant State Commission after successful passing of the exam or in other cases provided for by the Law on the Polish Language. For example, foreigners who graduated from Polish secondary or higher education institutions can get a certificate without an exam.

This certificate can be obtained by both foreigners and citizens of Poland who permanently live outside its borders. Official confirmation of knowledge of Polish may be necessary in the following situations:

• When applying for Polish citizenship or a long-term EU resident card - the minimum level is B1;
• For certain professions – for example, for nurses, a minimum of B1 level is required, for civil servants – a minimum of B2;
• When entering a university for a bachelor's, master's, or graduate degree. In this case, a state certificate can be one of the options for confirming knowledge of Polish. The level of requirements can vary from B1 to B2, depending on the university and specialty;
• When looking for a job in Poland, especially for positions that require a high level of Polish language skills.

The State Commission issues certificates confirming the following levels of language knowledge:

• Intermediate – średni svetnościany – B1;
• Above the average - ponad średni svetnościany - B2;
• Advanced – провечанты – C1;
• Perfect - bieghly - C2.

The certificate does not expire, that is, having received it once, you will have an official confirmation of the level of knowledge of the Polish language for life.

What is the state exam in Polish?

The most common way to obtain a certificate is to take a state exam. It is held several times a year by the State Commission for Attestation of Knowledge of the Polish Language as a Foreign Language (Państwowa Komisja do spraw Poświadczania Znajomości Języka Polskiego jako Obcego). The exam can be taken by both foreigners and citizens of Poland who permanently live outside its borders. The exam has two forms: for children and youth (aged 14-17) and for adults (from 18).

If the result of the exam is negative, it can be taken again during the next exam session. The number of attempts is unlimited, but it is worth considering that the exam is paid.

Prices for the state exam in the Polish language

The following prices are set:

• 90 euros for an exam for children and youth at levels B1 and B2;
• 150 euros for an exam for adults at levels B1 and B2;
• 180 euros for an exam for adults at levels C1 and C2.

Also, after successfully passing the exam, you will need to pay 20 euros for issuing a certificate. It should be noted that in case of a negative result, money for the exam is not returned.

The process of checking exam tasks can last 3-4 months, after which you will be notified of the results and asked to pay for the certificate. The document itself is produced in Warsaw and sent to centers throughout Poland where the exam was held. You can pick it up in person or ask for it to be sent by post. Please note that delivery may take a few extra days.

Questions and answers

Legal features

There are certain legal features and nuances that should be taken into account when preparing and taking the State Certification Exam in the Polish language.

1. Recognition of the certificate by state institutions. The certificate obtained after passing the official state exam in Polish language is recognized by the state institutions of Poland. It can be used as proof of knowledge of the Polish language when applying for Polish citizenship, obtaining an EU long-term resident card, or for other legal purposes.
2. Consolidation of certification at the legislative level. The procedure for taking the exam and issuing certificates is regulated by the Law on the Polish Language. According to this law, only the State Commission for Attestation of Knowledge of the Polish Language as a Foreign Language has the right to issue such certificates.

Other institutions or organizations do not have the right to issue official documents confirming the level of knowledge of the Polish language.

Nuances of obtaining a certificate

Payment and refund details. A fee is charged for the State Certification Exam in the Polish language, which is non-refundable in the event of an unsuccessful exam. Candidates must pay for the exam, and in case of a successful result, additionally pay for the issuance of the certificate. These rules are standard for all candidates and are usually not subject to appeal.

Timeframes and legal consequences. It is important to take into account that obtaining a certificate can take several months, including the time of examination papers and the production of the document itself. Delays can affect the process of submitting documents for obtaining citizenship or other legal procedures, so it is worth planning in advance when to take the exam.

Appeals and appeals of results. Candidates who do not agree with the results of the exam have the right to appeal to the State Commission. This process is regulated by the commission's internal rules, and usually includes re-checking of examination papers. Appeals can be submitted within the prescribed period after the announcement of the results.

Taking these legal features and nuances into account will help candidates avoid misunderstandings and successfully pass the exam and certification process.