{"id":10714,"date":"2026-01-21T17:53:46","date_gmt":"2026-01-21T16:53:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/instytutjezykowy.pl\/blog\/panstwowy-egzamin-certyfikatowy-egzamin-telc-roznica\/"},"modified":"2026-01-29T17:19:10","modified_gmt":"2026-01-29T16:19:10","slug":"panstwowy-egzamin-certyfikatowy-egzamin-telc-roznica","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/instytutjezykowy.pl\/en\/blog\/panstwowy-egzamin-certyfikatowy-egzamin-telc-roznica\/","title":{"rendered":"State certification exam in Polish and TELC exam \u2014 what is the difference and which one should you choose?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

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?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And more importantly, which exam should you choose in a specific situation: for work, permanent residence, citizenship or study?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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 \u2014 without simplifications or marketing myths.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\"Egzamin
Egzamin pa\u0144stwowy a egzamin TELC z j\u0119zyka polskiego jako obcego \/ Polski Instytut J\u0119zykowy<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

What is the state certification exam in Polish as a foreign language?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Key features of the state certification exam:
\u2014 organised on the basis of laws and regulations;
\u2014 conducted by examination boards appointed by state institutions;
\u2014 held several times a year on specific dates;
\u2014 uniform procedures and formal structure of the exam.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Levels available at Polish Linguistic Institute:
\u2014 B1, B2, C1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is the TELC Polish language exam?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Egzamin
Egzamin TELC z j\u0119zyka polskiego jako obcego \/ Polski Instytut J\u0119zykowy<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

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

The TELC exam is not a state exam, but its certificate is widely recognised in Europe, especially by employers and educational institutions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Key features of the TELC exam:
\u2014 exams are organised locally, without centralised restrictions;
\u2014 more frequent exam dates and greater flexibility in registration;
\u2014 compliance with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR);
\u2014 shorter waiting times for results.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Available levels: B1 and B2.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Egzamin
Egzamin TELC z j\u0119zyka polskiego jako obcego \/ Polski Instytut J\u0119zykowy<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

State examination and TELC \u2013 key differences in practice<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Legal status of the certificate<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

State certification exam:
\u2014 mandatory in administrative procedures;
\u2014 required to obtain Polish citizenship.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

TELC exam:
\u2014 does not replace the state exam in official procedures;
\u2014 is accepted by employers, universities and educational institutions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Terms and availability<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

State certification exam:
\u2014 several sessions per year;
\u2014 limited number of places;
\u2014 registration often closes very quickly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

TELC exam:
\u2014 exams are held regularly (several times a month at Polish Linguistic Institute);
\u2014 easier to schedule a date;
\u2014 a good solution when time is of the essence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If it is important for you to take the exam quickly, TELC offers significantly greater flexibility.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Examination format and style<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

State certification exam:
\u2014 more formal in nature;
\u2014 strong emphasis on grammatical correctness, formal style and accurate written expression.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

TELC exam:
\u2014 communicative approach;
\u2014 tasks based on real-life situations: work, conversation, everyday life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For many people learning Polish “for life and work”, TELC is more intuitive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Atmosphere and stress levels<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

State certification exam:
\u2014 state examination commission;
\u2014 very formal procedures;
\u2014 higher stress levels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

TELC exam:
\u2014 less formal atmosphere;
\u2014 less psychological pressure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Egzamin
Egzamin pa\u0144stwowy z j\u0119zyka polskiego jako obcego \/ Polski Instytut J\u0119zykowy<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Which exam to choose \u2014 a brief summary<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Choose the state certification exam if:
\u2014 you plan to obtain long-term resident status or citizenship;
\u2014 you plan to study at a Polish university;
\u2014 you are involved in an administrative procedure;
\u2014 you need an official document.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Choose the TELC exam if:
\u2014 you are planning to become a long-term resident;
\u2014 you are planning to study at a Polish university;
\u2014 you need a certificate for work or your CV;
\u2014 you want to quickly confirm your language level.<\/p>\n\n\n

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<\/div>\n
TELC POLISH LANGUAGE B1\u2013B2<\/div>\n
STATE CERTIFICATE EXAMINATION IN POLISH AS A FOREIGN LANGUAGE B1<\/div>\n <\/div>\n
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\n ACKNOWLEDGMENT <\/div>\n