State certification exam in Polish and TELC exam — what is the difference and which one should you choose?

People studying Polish as a foreign language often ask one question: how does the state certification exam in Polish as a foreign language differ from the TELC exam?

And more importantly, which exam should you choose in a specific situation: for work, permanent residence, citizenship or study?

At Polish Linguistic Institute, we prepare foreigners for both the state certification exam and the TELC exam, and we also conduct both types of exams. This allows us to reliably explain the differences — without simplifications or marketing myths.

What is the state certification exam in Polish as a foreign language?

The State Certification Examination is the only examination in Polish as a foreign language that is directly regulated by the Polish state. The certificate obtained after passing the examination has the status of an official document and is recognised by all state administration bodies in Poland.

Key features of the state certification exam:
— organised on the basis of laws and regulations;
— conducted by examination boards appointed by state institutions;
— held several times a year on specific dates;
— uniform procedures and formal structure of the exam.

Levels available at Polish Linguistic Institute:
— B1, B2, C1.

What is the TELC Polish language exam?

The TELC (The European Language Certificates) exam is an international language exam organised by licensed examination centres, including the Polish Linguistic Institute.

The TELC exam is not a state exam, but its certificate is widely recognised in Europe, especially by employers and educational institutions.

Key features of the TELC exam:
— exams are organised locally, without centralised restrictions;
— more frequent exam dates and greater flexibility in registration;
— compliance with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR);
— shorter waiting times for results.

Available levels: B1 and B2.

State examination and TELC – key differences in practice

Legal status of the certificate

State certification exam:
— mandatory in administrative procedures;
— required to obtain Polish citizenship.

TELC exam:
— does not replace the state exam in official procedures;
— is accepted by employers, universities and educational institutions.

Terms and availability

State certification exam:
— several sessions per year;
— limited number of places;
— registration often closes very quickly.

TELC exam:
— exams are held regularly (several times a month at Polish Linguistic Institute);
— easier to schedule a date;
— a good solution when time is of the essence.

If it is important for you to take the exam quickly, TELC offers significantly greater flexibility.

Examination format and style

State certification exam:
— more formal in nature;
— strong emphasis on grammatical correctness, formal style and accurate written expression.

TELC exam:
— communicative approach;
— tasks based on real-life situations: work, conversation, everyday life.

For many people learning Polish "for life and work", TELC is more intuitive.

Atmosphere and stress levels

State certification exam:
— state examination commission;
— very formal procedures;
— higher stress levels.

TELC exam:
— less formal atmosphere;
— less psychological pressure.

Which exam to choose — a brief summary

Choose the state certification exam if:
— you plan to obtain long-term resident status or citizenship;
— you plan to study at a Polish university;
— you are involved in an administrative procedure;
— you need an official document.

Choose the TELC exam if:
— you are planning to become a long-term resident;
— you are planning to study at a Polish university;
— you need a certificate for work or your CV;
— you want to quickly confirm your language level.

Why you should prepare for the exam at Polish Linguistic Institute?

At Polish Linguistic Institute:
— we prepare students for state certification exams (B1–C1);
— we are a TELC examination centre;
— we offer preparatory courses at all levels (A1–C2);
— we work according to an original programme accredited by the Education Authority;
— we provide support from a specialist in administrative procedures.

If you are unsure which exam is right for you, we will help you make a decision based on your language, professional and legal goals.

You will learn more about the differences between the exams during the Polish Linguistic Institute's Open Day.

Preparatory courses for state examinations at the following levels: B1, B2, C1

Preparatory courses for the exam TELC

Intensive course before the exam: SPRINT