Overview
TORFL, known in Russian as TRKI (Testirovanie po russkomu yazyku kak inostrannomu), is the Russian state system for testing Russian as a foreign language. The certificate is of state standard and is recognised in Russia and in some other countries. The system has six levels that match the CEFR scale from A1 to C2.
The details below come from the Pushkin Institute in Moscow, which tests in its own premises. At centres abroad the price is set by an agreement between the Institute and the centre, so check with the centre you plan to use.
Levels or stages
| Level | Name | CEFR | Total testing time |
|---|---|---|---|
| TEU | Elementary | A1 | 3 hours 30 minutes |
| TBU | Basic | A2 | 4 hours |
| TRKI-1 | Level I | B1 | 4 hours 45 minutes |
| TRKI-2 | Level II | B2 | 5 hours |
| TRKI-3 | Level III | C1 | 5 hours 30 minutes |
| TRKI-4 | Level IV | C2 | 5 hours 30 minutes |
The Institute states that TRKI-1 is the level needed to enter Russian universities for bachelor's programmes and TRKI-2 the level needed for master's programmes. Higher levels are for free communication in professional and academic work.
Exam pattern
Every level has five subtests: Reading, Writing, Vocabulary and Grammar, Listening and Speaking. Sample tests for each level are published on the Institute's page.
Marking and results
If a candidate fails one subtest, only that subtest needs to be retaken. The retake must be done within two years, at half the price of the full test.
Important dates
The Institute shows a calendar of its nearest test dates on its page, and you choose a date from it. Information on taking the test in a remote format is on a separate page of the Institute.
Fees
As listed on the Pushkin Institute site in 2026, in-person testing at the Institute costs the following:
| Level | Fee (Russian roubles) |
|---|---|
| TEU (A1) | 5,500 |
| TBU (A2) | 6,000 |
| TRKI-1 (B1) | 6,000 |
| TRKI-2 (B2) | 6,500 |
| TRKI-3 (C1) | 6,500 |
| TRKI-4 (C2) | 6,500 |
A duplicate certificate, if one is lost or wrongly issued because of the candidate, costs 900 roubles. A one-subtest retake costs 50% of the full test fee. These prices apply only to testing at the Institute itself.
How to apply
Choose the test type, level and one of the dates shown on the Institute's calendar.
Email the testing office, at the address given on the Institute's page, with your full name in Russian, the type and level of testing and the date you chose.
Wait for the reply. It confirms your booking and lists the documents to bring, the time and place, and a link to pay in the Institute's online shop.
Arrive for registration, which starts at 10:00 on the day.
Candidates who arrive late, or who did not book by email beforehand, are not admitted. Accompanying persons are not allowed on the Institute's premises.
Preparation tips
Download the sample test for your level and time yourself on all five subtests.
Book the date early, since registration is by email and confirmed individually.
Which TORFL level do I need for a Russian university?
According to the Pushkin Institute, TRKI-1 (B1) is needed for bachelor's programmes and TRKI-2 (B2) for master's programmes.
Can I retake just one subtest?
Yes. If you fail one subtest you can retake it within two years for 50% of the full test fee.