Overview
The Origó exam system is run by the ELTE Origó Language Centre in Budapest. Since April 2000 it has offered a state-recognised monolingual exam in Hungarian. The exam is built around the CEFR and the ALTE framework. This page covers Hungarian as a foreign language, which is meant for people who are not Hungarian citizens. The centre also offers exams in other languages.
Who can apply
Only non-Hungarian citizens can apply for the Hungarian as a foreign language exam. Hungarian citizens can take the centre's exams in other accredited languages.
Levels or stages
The B1, B2 and C1 exams are accredited. A2 is not accredited, but a certificate is issued for a successful result. The centre gives study-hour estimates for each level: 150 to 250 hours for A2, 350 to 450 for B1, about 650 for B2, and 900 to 1,000 for C1 plus time spent in a Hungarian-language environment.
Exam pattern
Each exam has an oral part (speaking and listening) and a written part. B1, B2 and C1 can be taken as an oral exam, a written exam, or a complex exam that includes both. All parts are in Hungarian.
| Level | Oral: speaking | Oral: listening | Written | Marks (oral / written / complex) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A2 | 10 min, guided conversation and picture-based talk | 15 min | 45 min | 30 / 50 / 80 |
| B1 | 10 min | 30 min | 120 min | 60 / 50 / 110 |
| B2 | 15 min | 30 min | 180 min | 70 / 60 / 130 |
| C1 | 20 min | 40 min | 240 min | 90 / 80 / 170 |
Oral speaking. At A2 it is a conversation with the examiner and a short picture-based chat, not a prepared talk. From B1, it adds a picture-based talk and a role-play on a drawn situation. At C1 there is also a task interpreting a short text.
Written. At A2 it covers reading, vocabulary and grammar, and a short writing task such as a card, message or form. B1 to C1 test reading, writing (a letter of about 100 words at B1, about 150 at B2, and about 200 at C1, with a second text-interpretation writing task at C1) and a grammar and vocabulary section (a 20-item set at B1 and a 40-item set at B2 and C1).
Marking and results
Marks are given per skill, and a minimum is needed in each skill. At B1, minimum marks apply to speaking (16 of 40), listening (8 of 20), writing (8 of 20) and reading (8 of 20), with no minimum for the language knowledge section. B2 requires 18 in speaking, 10 in listening, 8 in writing and 8 in reading. C1 requires 24 in speaking, 12 in listening, 16 in writing and 8 in reading. See the level description for the full breakdown.
Fees
Fees below apply from 1 February 2025, in Hungarian forint (Ft).
| Level | Oral only | Written only | Complex |
|---|---|---|---|
| A2 (non-accredited) | not offered separately | not offered separately | 30,000 Ft |
| B1 | 34,900 Ft | 34,900 Ft | 49,900 Ft |
| B2 | 42,400 Ft | 42,400 Ft | 59,800 Ft |
| C1 | 43,900 Ft | 43,900 Ft | 61,800 Ft |
A late registration fee of 8,900 Ft and a fee of 9,000 Ft for moving an exam date also appear on the schedule.
How to apply
Register through the centre's online exam account. Exam dates and the full exam description for each level are on the centre's website.
Preparation tips
Use the sample tasks and answer keys the centre publishes.
Practise conversation, because the speaking tasks are interactive and not recited topics.
Check the topic list in your level's exam description.
Can Hungarian citizens take this exam?
No. The Hungarian as a foreign language exam is only open to non-Hungarian citizens.