Overview
The Estonian language proficiency examinations (eesti keele tasemeeksamid) test Estonian as the official language. They are run by the Estonian Education and Youth Board (Harno) and are intended for people who want Estonian citizenship or whose job requires a proven level of Estonian. The exams assess writing, listening, reading and speaking, and they test language skill, not knowledge of Estonian culture or history. The exams hold the ALTE Quality Label.
Who can apply
Anyone who needs to prove their Estonian can sit the exam, including citizenship applicants and employees whose job sets a language requirement. The required level for a position depends on the type of post and is set by government regulation, and the Language Act sets the rules for how proficiency is assessed and controlled. For citizenship or a long-term residence permit, the Education and Youth Board's FAQ says at least B1 is needed. Harno's FAQ also says you do not need to sit the exam if you finished an Estonian-medium basic school, secondary school or university; the graduation certificate counts as proof.
Levels or stages
The national exams exist at four levels: A2, B1, B2 and C1, based on the CEFR descriptions. There is no C2 exam, because Harno says no position in Estonia requires that level. Each level has its own exam description and sample tasks on the Harno site.
Applicants for citizenship who are at least 65 years old are exempt from the essay part of the B1 exam only. They still take listening, reading and speaking, and must choose the special B1 option for citizenship applicants aged 65 and over when registering.
Exam pattern
Each exam has four parts: writing, listening, reading and speaking. Depending on the level, the written part lasts 2 to 3 hours, and after a short break it is followed by the speaking part. Depending on the number of registrants, the written and oral parts can fall on different dates.
Marking and results
To pass you need at least 60 percent of the total available points, and your score cannot be zero in any of the four parts (listening, reading, writing, speaking). Results are announced within 40 days of the exam. The certificate shows a percentage band and a verbal rating for each of the four skills, for example 60 to 75 percent is satisfactory and 91 to 100 percent is very good. The certificate is electronic and is available in the examinations information system (EIS) and from the state portal eesti.ee.
If you are absent without a valid reason, or your result is under 45 percent of the possible score, you can re-register only after six months. You cannot register for the next exam until your previous result is out.
Important dates
Exams run once a quarter. For the fourth quarter of 2026, the exams are on 7 November (A2), 8 November (B1), 14 November (B2) and 15 November (C1), with registration open until 1 October 2026. Registration for 2027 opens on 1 January 2027. Exams are held at points in Tallinn, Tartu, Narva and Jõhvi, and in Pärnu twice a year (March and September) if at least twelve people register. Exams start at 10:00.
Fees
The exam is free of charge.
How to apply
Register through Harno. Registration for an exam ends on the 1st of the month before it (see the dates above). Candidates with an Estonian personal identification code must register electronically, and others may submit a paper application; you can only register for an exam whose registration is still open. Registration can be cancelled until four working days before the exam. The exam notice with the time and place goes to the e-mail address on your application, and you must bring valid ID (ID card, passport or residence permit). Free preparation consultations are held before each exam, last up to 4.5 hours and can be joined without prior registration.
Preparation tips
Use the sample tasks and videos for your level on the Harno site and the TEST and Keeletee online environments it recommends.
Fulfil each task exactly as set: a response that completes the wrong task, such as an informal letter instead of a formal one, may not be assessed.
Attend a pre-exam consultation, which is free.
How much does the Estonian language exam cost?
Nothing. The exam is free of charge for everyone.
What score do I need to pass?
At least 60 percent of the total points, with a score above zero in each of listening, reading, writing and speaking.
Which level do I need for citizenship?
Harno's FAQ says at least B1 for citizenship or a long-term residence permit.