Blog
Language proficiency certificates
- December 6, 2024
- Posted by: admin
- Category: Other
A language proficiency certificate is an official document that verifies a person’s ability to understand, speak, read, and write in a specific language at a certain level. These certificates are often required for academic, professional, or immigration purposes to demonstrate that an individual has a certain level of fluency in the language.
There are several well-known language proficiency certificates for various languages, each recognized internationally and used for academic, professional, or immigration purposes. Some of the most common language proficiency certificates include:
1. English
- TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language): Measures English language proficiency for non-native speakers, often required for university admissions.
- IELTS (International English Language Testing System): A widely recognized test for English proficiency used for academic, immigration, and professional purposes.
- Cambridge English Qualifications: Includes exams like the FCE (First Certificate in English), CAE (Certificate in Advanced English), and CPE (Certificate of Proficiency in English).
- TOEIC (Test of English for International Communication): A test for assessing English language skills in the workplace.
Some useful links:
https://www.ets.org/toefl.html
2. French
- DELF (Diplôme d’Études en Langue Française): A diploma awarded by the French Ministry of Education for proficiency in French, available at several levels.
- DALF (Diplôme Approfondi de Langue Française): An advanced-level certification for French learners who have mastered the language.
Some useful links:
https://www.france-education-international.fr/en/diplome/delf-tout-public
3. Spanish
- DELE (Diplomas de Español como Lengua Extranjera): A Spanish language proficiency certificate offered by the Spanish Ministry of Education, recognized worldwide.
- SIELE (Servicio Internacional de Evaluación de la Lengua Española): A newer, more flexible Spanish proficiency test.
Some useful links:
4. German
- Goethe-Zertifikat: A series of German language proficiency exams administered by the Goethe Institute, available at different levels (A1 to C2).
- TestDaF (Test Deutsch als Fremdsprache): A German language proficiency test required for university admission in Germany.
Some useful links:
5. Italian
- CELI (Certificato di Conoscenza della Lingua Italiana): A certification of Italian language proficiency awarded by the University for Foreigners of Perugia.
- CILS (Certificazione di Italiano come Lingua Straniera): Another widely recognized Italian language proficiency exam.
Some useful links:
https://www.unistrapg.it/en/certification-of-italian-as-a-foreign-language
https://cils.unistrasi.it/home.asp
6. Chinese
- HSK (Hanyu Shuiping Kaoshi): A Chinese proficiency test for non-native speakers, widely recognized by academic institutions and employers.
Some useful links:
https://old.chinesetest.cn/gosign.do?id=1&lid=0
7. Arabic
- ALPT (Arabic Language Proficiency Test): A test to measure Arabic language proficiency, especially useful for academic or professional purposes.
8. Japanese
- JLPT (Japanese-Language Proficiency Test): A well-known certification to measure the proficiency of non-native Japanese speakers, ranging from N5 (beginner) to N1 (advanced).
Some useful links:
9. Russian
- TORFL (Test of Russian as a Foreign Language): A series of exams that assess the proficiency of non-native speakers in the Russian language.
Some useful links:
https://testingcenter.spbu.ru/en/exams/russian/torfl.html
10. Portuguese
- CELPE-Bras (Certificado de Proficiência em Língua Portuguesa para Estrangeiros): The official certificate for proficiency in Portuguese, recognized by the Brazilian Ministry of Education.
Some useful links:
https://caple.letras.ulisboa.pt/exame/2/ciple
These certificates are often required for various purposes, such as higher education admissions, visa applications, and professional certifications. The exams are designed to test reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills at different levels.
The Scandinavian languages (Danish, Norwegian, and Swedish) also have recognized language proficiency certificates that are used for academic, professional, and immigration purposes. Here are the main language proficiency certificates for each of the Scandinavian languages:
1. Danish
- Danish Language Test (Prøve i Dansk): A series of tests designed to assess proficiency in Danish for non-native speakers. It has three levels:
- Prøve i Dansk 1 (PD1): Basic level.
- Prøve i Dansk 2 (PD2): Intermediate level.
- Prøve i Dansk 3 (PD3): Advanced level, often required for citizenship or university admission in Denmark.
- Studieprøven: A more advanced proficiency test, typically used by people who are seeking admission to universities in Denmark.
Some useful links:
https://danskogproever.dk/borger/danskproever/om-proeve-i-dansk-3-og-krav-til-at-bestaa
2. Norwegian
- Bergenstest (Bergenstesten): A proficiency test in Norwegian, administered by the University of Bergen. It is available at different levels:
- Bergenstesten – Intermediate Level: This is the most common test used for university admission in Norway.
- Bergenstesten – Advanced Level: For higher-level proficiency.
- Norwegian for Foreigners (Norskprøve): A series of tests designed for learners of Norwegian, available in different levels (A1 to B2) and often used for citizenship or residency purposes.
Some useful links:
https://lingovato.com/product/vocabulary-practice-norwegian/
https://lingovato.com/product/panda-languages-english-norwegian-dictionary/
https://lingovato.com/product/norwegian-language-perfect-reading-practice/
3. Swedish
- Swedish for Immigrants (SFI): The Swedish government offers a language education program that is widely used by immigrants. While the program itself is not a certificate, it prepares individuals for official tests. The courses are divided into different levels (A to D), and completing certain levels leads to certification.
- TISUS (Test in Swedish for University Studies): An advanced-level test for those who want to study at a Swedish university. It assesses the ability to understand and use Swedish in an academic setting.
- Swedish Language Proficiency Test (Swedex): A proficiency test that is recognized internationally, with levels ranging from A2 (beginner) to C1 (advanced). It is useful for people who need proof of Swedish language proficiency for work or immigration.
Some useful links:
https://www.folkuniversitetet.se/in-english/swedex-swedish-examinations
https://lingovato.com/product/swedish-stories-for-learners/
https://lingovato.com/product/vocabulary-practice-swedish-language/
https://lingovato.com/product/swedish-language-perfect-reading-practice/
Summary of Proficiency Levels:
- A1 and A2: Beginner levels
- B1 and B2: Intermediate levels
- C1 and C2: Advanced levels
These certificates are often required for immigration, university admissions, and proving professional language proficiency in Denmark, Norway, and Sweden.
The recognized language proficiency certificates for Romanian, Greek, Turkish, Dutch, and Polish:
1. Romanian
- Certificate of Proficiency in Romanian (Certificat de Proficiency în Limba Română): Offered by the Romanian Ministry of Education, this certificate assesses the proficiency of non-native speakers at various levels (A1 to C2). It’s often used for university admissions, immigration, or employment in Romania.
- Test of Romanian as a Foreign Language (Testul de Limba Română pentru Străini): This exam is designed for foreigners wishing to study in Romania or obtain Romanian citizenship.
Some useful links:
https://litere.univ-ovidius.ro/educatie-programe-de-studii/certificate-de-competenta-lingvistica
https://lingovato.com/product/romanian-stories-for-learners/
2. Greek
- Certificat de Compétence en Langue Grecque (CCLG): A series of exams designed to test proficiency in the Greek language, administered by the Centre for Greek Language in Greece. The test is available in multiple levels, ranging from A1 (beginner) to C2 (advanced).
- Greek Language Certificate (Πιστοποιητικό Ελληνομάθειας): The official Greek language proficiency test for foreigners, organized by the Centre for the Greek Language. It is widely recognized and is used for academic, professional, and immigration purposes in Greece.
Some useful links:
3. Turkish
- TÖMER (Turkish and Foreign Languages Research and Application Centre): Offered by universities in Turkey, TÖMER exams assess proficiency in Turkish, with levels ranging from A1 to C2. The exam is commonly used for university admissions and professional certifications in Turkey.
- Turkish Proficiency Test (Türkçe Yeterlilik Sınavı – TYS): An official proficiency test that assesses the ability of non-native speakers to use Turkish for academic, work, and daily life purposes.
Some useful links:
https://www.yee.org.tr/tr/turkce/turkce-yeterlik-sinavi-tys
4. Dutch
- Staatsexamen Nederlands als tweede taal (NT2): The official Dutch language proficiency exam for non-native speakers, widely recognized in the Netherlands and Belgium. There are two parts:
- Staatsexamen NT2 Programma I: Intermediate level, for people looking to work or study in the Netherlands.
- Staatsexamen NT2 Programma II: Advanced level, often used for university admissions or professional certification.
- Inburgeringsexamen (Civic Integration Exam): A Dutch language exam for immigrants in the Netherlands, which tests both language skills and knowledge of Dutch society and culture. It is typically required for citizenship applications.
Some useful links:
https://ilt.kuleuven.be/english/certificaten/cert_ned_vreemdetaal.php
5. Polish
- State Commission for the Certification of Proficiency in Polish as a Foreign Language (Państwowa Komisja do Spraw Poświadczenia Znajomości Języka Polskiego jako Obcego): This official certification program offers exams for different proficiency levels (A1 to C2) and is used for academic, professional, and immigration purposes in Poland.
- POLSKI TEST: An alternative proficiency exam, also offered by various institutions, assessing knowledge of Polish for non-native speakers at different levels.
Some useful links:
https://e-polish.eu/test-jezyka-polskiego-online
The language proficiency certificates for Estonian, Czech, Slovakian, Farsi, Indonesian, Hungarian, Armenian, and Latvian:
1. Estonian
- Eesti Keele Eksami (Estonian Language Exam): This exam is administered by the Estonian Ministry of Education and is required for citizenship and residency applications in Estonia. It is available at multiple levels, from A1 to C2.
- Estonian Language Proficiency Certificate: This is a certificate of proficiency in Estonian that is used for academic and professional purposes in Estonia.
Some useful links:
https://harno.ee/eesti-keele-tasemeeksamid
2. Czech
- Czech Language Certificate (Čeština pro cizince): A language exam that tests the proficiency of non-native speakers, available in levels ranging from A1 to C2. It is recognized for various purposes, including immigration, work, and study in the Czech Republic.
- State Exam in Czech for Foreigners: This official exam is used for higher levels of proficiency (B2, C1, and C2), and it is required for university admissions and some professional certifications in the Czech Republic.
Some useful links:
3. Slovakian
- Slovak Language Proficiency Test (Test zo slovenčiny): This is the main language proficiency exam for non-native speakers wishing to prove their Slovak language skills. The exam has different levels and is required for citizenship and certain work permits in Slovakia.
- Slovak Language Certificate: Recognized for academic and professional purposes, this certificate assesses proficiency in Slovak at various levels (A1 to C2).
Some useful links:
4. Farsi (Persian)
- Dehkhoda Persian Language Proficiency Exam: This exam assesses proficiency in Persian (Farsi), and it is offered by various language centers and institutions. It evaluates the ability to use Persian in academic, social, and professional settings.
- Tehran University’s Persian Language Proficiency Test: A test designed by Tehran University, recognized for academic and professional purposes, assessing different levels of proficiency.
Some useful links:
https://international.ut.ac.ir/en/page/668/international-center-for-persian-studies
5. Indonesian
- Test of Proficiency in Indonesian (Uji Kemahiran Bahasa Indonesia – UKBI): The official proficiency test for non-native speakers of Indonesian. It is used for academic, professional, and immigration purposes. The test assesses listening, reading, writing, and speaking abilities.
- Indonesian Language Proficiency Certificate: This certificate is awarded by Indonesian language schools and universities to assess proficiency at various levels.
Some useful links:
6. Hungarian
- Origo Language Exams: A series of Hungarian language proficiency exams available at levels from A1 to C2, administered by the National Centre for Foreign Language Examinations. The exams are widely used for academic, work, and immigration purposes in Hungary.
- Hungarian Language Certificate (Magyar Nyelvi Tudasigazolvány): A certificate offered by various Hungarian institutions that assesses language proficiency for non-native speakers. The certificate is used for university admissions and professional certifications.
Some useful links:
7. Armenian
- Test of Armenian Language Proficiency: Administered by universities and language institutes, this test evaluates proficiency in Armenian (Eastern or Western dialect) for non-native speakers. It is often used for academic, professional, or citizenship purposes.
- Armenian Language Proficiency Certificate: Available through various institutions, this certificate verifies proficiency in reading, writing, speaking, and understanding Armenian.
Some useful links:
8. Latvian
- Latvian Language Proficiency Exam (Latviešu Valodas Eksāmens): This official exam is required for Latvian citizenship and residency. It is available at different levels and assesses proficiency in reading, writing, and speaking Latvian.
- Latvian Language Certification: This is a certificate issued by the Latvian Language Agency, required for those applying for work permits or residency in Latvia. It is available in levels ranging from A1 to C2.
Some useful links:
https://www.visc.gov.lv/en/state-language-proficiency-testing
These certificates are commonly required for various purposes, such as university admissions, professional qualifications, immigration, and citizenship applications in their respective countries.
Language proficiency certificates for Korean, Croatian, and Hebrew are typically issued by recognized institutions or organizations. Here’s a brief overview of the certificates available for each language:
- Korean:
The Test of Proficiency in Korean (TOPIK) is the official Korean language proficiency test. It is widely recognized for assessing non-native speakers’ ability in reading, writing, and listening to Korean. TOPIK has two levels:- TOPIK I (beginner): Level 1 & 2
- TOPIK II (intermediate to advanced): Level 3 to 6
Some useful links:
http://niied.go.kr/user/nd95750.do
- Croatian:
The Croatian Language Proficiency Exam is administered by various institutions in Croatia, like the Institute of Croatian Language and Linguistics. This test is used for individuals who want to prove their Croatian language skills, particularly for citizenship or academic purposes. There is no widely standardized international exam like TOPIK for Croatian.
Some useful links:
- Hebrew:
The Israeli Ministry of Education offers the Matan Hebrew Proficiency Test, which is recognized for proving proficiency in Hebrew, especially for non-native speakers. Additionally, the Ulpan Hebrew Courses often offer certificates after completing various levels of Hebrew language study. For academic purposes, some universities also provide their own Hebrew proficiency exams.
Some useful links:
https://www.nite.org.il/other-tests/yael/?lang=en
If you are planning to take any of these tests, check the official websites of the institutions offering the certifications for details on test dates, preparation materials, and registration procedures.