Overview
The Certifikovaná zkouška z češtiny pro cizince (CCE, the Certified Exam in Czech for Foreigners) is a standardised test of Czech as a foreign language. It is provided by the Institute of Language and Preparatory Studies of Charles University (ÚJOP UK), whose Research and Testing Centre oversees its design, and it is built around the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR). According to ÚJOP UK, it has twice passed an independent ALTE audit since 2009.
The exam is offered at five levels, A1, A2, B1, B2 and C1. It is separate from the Czech citizenship language exam, which ÚJOP UK also provides under its own legal basis.
Who can apply
The exam is open to foreigners older than 16 who want or need to check how well they can communicate in Czech. Many Czech public universities accept it in their admissions process, and the Masaryk University exam centre notes that a B1 or B2 certificate is what candidates present when enrolling in a Czech-language degree programme, depending on the university's own requirement.
Exam pattern
CCE tests the basic language skills at levels A1 to C1. ÚJOP UK lists the following subtests, with the grammar and vocabulary test included only at B2 and C1.
| Subtest | Levels | What it covers |
|---|---|---|
| Reading comprehension | A1 to C1 | Understanding written texts |
| Listening comprehension | A1 to C1 | Understanding spoken Czech |
| Grammar and vocabulary test | B2 and C1 | Accuracy in language use |
| Writing | A1 to C1 | Producing a written text |
| Speaking | A1 to C1 | Spoken production and interaction |
Check the published exam specification for your level for timings and task details.
Levels
A1 and A2: entry levels of the CEFR scale. Masaryk University's Brno centre offers A2 but not A1.
B1 and B2: the levels most often asked for by universities. Brno offers both.
C1: advanced level. ÚJOP UK states that B2 and C1 certificates are also accepted as proof of Czech for foreigners applying to join the Czech civil service. For foreign teachers, there is no statutory level; the school head decides, and CCE is accepted for this purpose.
Important dates
The Brno centre of Masaryk University listed these sittings for 2026: 14 March (level A2) and 25 April (levels A2, B1 and B2). It notes that CCE was not held in Brno in 2025. Other centres and ÚJOP UK in Prague set their own dates, so check the registration site.
Fees
At the Masaryk University centre in Brno, the 2026 fees are 3,500 CZK for A2, 4,000 CZK for B1 and 4,600 CZK for B2. Fees at other centres may differ.
How to apply
Registration and payment go through the website of ÚJOP UK (Charles University). The Brno centre is on the 4th floor of Building D, Faculty of Arts, Arna Nováka 1, Brno.
Preparation tips
Choose the level that fits your actual Czech, and check which level your university or employer asks for before booking.
Practise all the tested skills, not just reading, since writing and speaking are tested separately from the receptive skills.
At B2 and C1, practise the grammar and vocabulary test format as well.
Is CCE the same as the exam for Czech citizenship?
No. ÚJOP UK describes the citizenship exam as a separate exam provided under the Czech citizenship act, although its B1 specification was originally derived from CCE.
Which CCE levels exist?
A1, A2, B1, B2 and C1. Not every centre offers every level at every sitting.
Who can take CCE?
Foreigners older than 16 who want to demonstrate their Czech communication skills.