Overview
The State Certificate in Polish as a Foreign Language is the only state document that proves knowledge of Polish. The exams are set at levels of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR): B1, B2, C1 and C2. They are run by universities that the Minister of Education and Science has authorised to hold them. The rules come from the 1999 Act on the Polish language and a 2016 regulation of the Minister of Science and Higher Education on Polish as a foreign language exams.
The certificate is accepted when applying for Polish citizenship, and is required for foreigners working in some posts, such as in health care or the civil service. Universities set their own Polish requirements for foreign applicants. The certificate does not expire.
Who can apply
Foreigners and Polish citizens permanently living abroad can sit the exam. The adult group is for people who are 18 or older on the exam day. Some centres also run groups for children and young people.
Exam pattern
Each level has a written part with four modules and an oral part with one module. Times are in minutes.
Level B1
| Module | Time | Tasks | Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| Listening | 30 | 4-5 | 30 |
| Reading | 40 | 4-5 | 30 |
| Grammar | 45 | 8 | 30 |
| Writing | 75 | 3 | 30 |
| Speaking | up to 15 | 3 | 40 |
Level B2
| Module | Time | Tasks | Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| Listening | 30 | 5 | 40 |
| Reading | 60 | 5 | 40 |
| Grammar | 60 | 8-9 | 40 |
| Writing | 90 | 3 | 40 |
| Speaking | up to 15 | 3 | 40 |
Level C1
| Module | Time | Tasks | Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| Listening | 30 | 5 | 40 |
| Reading | 60 | 5 | 40 |
| Grammar | 60 | 8-9 | 40 |
| Writing | 90 | 3 | 40 |
| Speaking | up to 20 | 2 | 40 |
The Siedlce centre is also authorised to examine C2 (it lists a C2 exam in October 2026), but the sources used here do not publish a C2 exam format, so none is given.
In the listening module, candidates hear recordings and tick answers, fill gaps or answer questions. In reading, they answer questions on texts. In grammar, they pick or write the correct form. In writing, they choose one task set and write texts to the instructions; topics need no specialist knowledge. In the oral part, they draw one of three sets and speak to an examination board.
Marking and results
To pass in the adult group, a candidate needs at least 50 percent at B1, and at least 60 percent at B2 and C1, in each module of the written part and in the oral part. After the exam the centre sends an email with the results.
Important dates
The 2026 sessions are 14-15 February (B1, B2), 25-26 April (B1, B2, C1), 27-28 June (B1, B2), 17-18 October (B1, C1) and 5-6 December (B1). The Siedlce centre also lists C2 in October and a B2 children and youth group in December. Which levels run in a session can differ by centre.
For the Szczecin December 2026 B1 session, registration opens on 5 October 2026 at 8:00 and closes by 3 November 2026 or when the 100 places are full. Full refunds on written withdrawal are possible until 2 November 2026.
Fees
As published by the centres in 2026, the exam costs the equivalent of EUR 150 at B1 and B2 and EUR 180 at C1 (Siedlce also lists C2 at EUR 180). Issuing the certificate costs the equivalent of EUR 20. Payment is made in Polish zloty, converted at the National Bank of Poland average euro rate on the last day of the month before payment.
How to apply
Choose an authorised centre and a session that offers your level.
Fill in the centre's online registration form.
Wait for the email that confirms a place or puts you on the reserve list, and gives payment details.
Pay the exam fee, then send the centre the proof of payment. The certificate fee is paid later, after the results email.
Bring photo identification to the exam.
Preparation tips
Check your level against the CEFR self-assessment scales on the certyfikatpolski.pl site, which the centres link to.
Work through the sample tests and task collections the centres link to.
Practise writing with a time limit and speaking to a set of prompts.
How long is the certificate valid?
It has no expiry date.
Which level do I need for Polish citizenship?
The Siedlce centre states that a certificate of at least B1 allows an application for Polish citizenship.