The Polish certificate exam: structure, levels and how to prepare

The Polish state certificate exam (egzamin certyfikatowy z języka polskiego jako obcego) is the only official exam that certifies knowledge of Polish. It is run by the Państwowa Komisja at 65 authorized centres in Poland and abroad.

Levels and modules

You take the exam at one of four levels — B1, B2, C1 or C2. Every level has four written modules (listening, grammar, reading, writing) and a speaking module.

The pass rule

The most important rule: the pass threshold applies to every module separately — there is no averaging and no compensation. One weak module fails the whole exam. At B1 you need at least 50% in each module; at B2, C1 and C2 you need at least 60%.

Timing, dates and fees

The written part runs in a single block on a Saturday and the speaking exam is on the following day. Dates are fixed a year ahead, and the fee is about €150–180 plus a certificate fee. B1 is the level required for Polish citizenship.

How to prepare

Because every module counts, the best preparation is to practise all five parts under real time limits. Do full timed mock exams to get used to the structure and the "pass every module" rule.

Start free: see a B1 overview, run a timed mock, browse the question bank, and check how exam day works. For more full mocks and writing feedback, see plans.