Certificate of Attainment in GreekΕλληνομάθεια

Overview

The Certificate of Attainment in Greek (Ellinomatheia) is the Greek state certificate of proficiency in Greek as a foreign or second language. It was established by presidential decree in October 1998, and the Centre for the Greek Language (KEG) is the official body that grants it, working through exam centres it has approved in Greece and abroad. Exams have run every year since 1999.

Levels or stages

Candidates are examined at six levels: A1, A2, B1, B2, C1 and C2. A1 has two versions, one for children aged 8 to 12 and one for adolescents and adults. There is also an A2 version for special professional purposes. The Greek names are A1 elementary, A2 basic, B1 moderate, B2 good, C1 very good and C2 excellent knowledge. Certificates issued under the older A, B, C, D levels remain valid and correspond to A2, B1, B2 and C1.

Exam pattern

Candidates are assessed in four or five skills: understanding and producing written text, understanding and producing spoken language, and language use. The oral exams are held straight after the written ones. Listening texts are played twice. The KEG publishes a structure guide for each level and sample papers on its site.

Who can apply

According to the KEG exam guide, candidates must have reached the age of 8 by 31 May of the exam year. Children aged 8 to 12 sit the A1 children's exam, and older candidates sit the A1 adolescents and adults exam. There are no formal age limits for the other levels, but candidates under 16 are advised not to attempt B2, C1 or C2.

Important dates

For May 2027 the KEG lists these written exam dates:

Registration for May 2027 runs from 1 February to 14 March 2027. Cyprus dates are announced separately.

An October 2026 session was held only in Greece for A2 for professional purposes and B1, on Friday 23 October 2026, with registration from 1 to 15 September 2026.

Results are announced by exam centres in the second half of July, and certificates are awarded by the centres later in the autumn.

Fees

The KEG lists 90 euros for A1 (both versions), A2 and B1, and 100 euros for B2, C1 and C2, for May 2027 in the sessions it announces. The sources reviewed do not state fees for centres abroad.

How to apply

Applications are submitted electronically through the KEG application system, and centres are contacted directly for exam details. Candidates receive a candidate card with a code number after registering. Bring valid photo ID, arrive at least 15 minutes early, and note that dictionaries, books and papers are not allowed in the room; answers are written in blue or black pen.

Preparation tips

• Use the self-assessment table and sample papers from the KEG.

• Practise listening to each recording only twice, as in the exam.