Estonian language proficiency examinations

Estonian language proficiency examinations are used to test the knowledge of Estonian as the official language. Proficiency examinations are intended for those who wish to apply for citizenship of the Republic of Estonia and/or in whose position it is required to prove the level of proficiency in the Estonian language.

Changes in the Estonian language proficiency examinations

The changes concern registration for exams, participation in consultations, notification of exam results.

In November 2023, the amendments to the regulation "Structure and conduct of the Estonian language proficiency exam" came into force (see also https://www.riigiteataja.ee/akt/113092012005?leiaKehtiv).
These changes update and clarify the examination procedure, which does not concern the content or structure of the proficiency exams.
The regulation regulates the procedure for registering for proficiency exams, participating in consultations, and informing about the exam results.

  • The time and venue of the exam will be notified to the examinee no later than 14 days before the exam. This change makes exam organization more flexible and helps to better plan the size of exam groups.
  • You must bring an identification document to the pre-exam consultation. Entrance to the consultation is only allowed based on an identification document or a valid travel document of the country of citizenship. The purpose of the consultations is to provide information about the structure and procedure of the exam, not to assess the person's language skills.
  • An applicant who is absent from the exam without a valid reason or whose exam result is below 45 percent of the possible score can take the exam again no earlier than six months after the exam. With this change, we want to direct people to critically evaluate their language skills in order to plan further language studies more precisely.
  • The exam result will be announced no later than 40 days after the exam.

When registering for an exam, it is important to know that you can only register for one exam at a time.
By the time the exam results are announced, registration for the next quarter's exams may be over. Regardless of the score achieved, you can only register for the exam for which registration is open. Paper applications to register for the exam submitted to the Education and Youth Board are processed in the same manner.
 

Professional language skills are measured and national exams are organized in Estonia on four levels: Estonian language level A2, B1, B2, and C1. The language proficiency requirement is determined on the basis of the type of civil  servant, the basic category of offices, the requirements for the certification of the basic category of offices, the language proficiency requirements stated in professional standards, and the nature of the employee’s work. The determination of the level of compulsory language proficiency of individuals is based on the language proficiency levels described in the European Framework of Reference for Languages.

Persons of at least 65 years of age applying for Estonian citizenship are exempt from the writing test (essay) only on the B1 level language proficiency examination, i.e., from the requirements (is able to compose a simple text on a topic which he or she is familiar with or takes an interest in) of Article 8 (2) (4) of the Citizenship Act.

He/she has to pass three parts of the exam: listening, reading, and speaking. In order to take advantage of this option, you must select the ‘B1 level* (Citizenship applicant who is 65 years of age and over)’ option in your registration application.

The requirements for the proficiency of the Estonian language, its assessment, and control are laid down in the Language Act. The structure and implementation of Estonian language proficiency examinations have been approved by a regulation of the Ministry of Education and Research. The language proficiency levels required for the position are established by a regulation of the Government of the Republic.

The times of Estonian language proficiency examinations and pre-examination consultations in 2024

Estonian language proficiency examinations and pre-examination consultations take place once a quarter at examination points in Tallinn, Tartu, Narva and Jõhvi. 
The examinations take place twice a year in Pärnu (A2 level in September, B1 level in March and September, B2 level in September) if at least twelve people have registered for the examination.

On the day of the consultation, there will be only one consultation, starting at 10.00. Please do not be late! Consultations last up to 4.5 hours (6 academic hours).

NB! A valid identification document must be brought to the consultation. Entrance to the consultation is only allowed based on an identification document (ID card, passport, residence permit).

Exams start at 10:00. Please don't be late!

Please note that you cannot register for the next exam until the results of the previous exam have been announced. The exam results will be announced no later than 40 days after the exam.

An applicant who is absent from the exam without a valid reason or whose exam result is below 45 percent of the possible score can re-register for the exam after six months. An applicant who is absent from the exam due to a valid reason (e.g., health) and who wants to take the exam before six months have passed must submit a free form explanation, proof of the reasons for the absence, and a new application to register for the next exam to Harno within 30 days.

The electronic certificate is available in the test database EIS or from the state portal www.eesti.ee.

By the time the exam results are announced, registration for the next quarter's exams may be over. Regardless of the score achieved, you can only register for the exam for which the registration is still open. Exam registration applications submitted to the Education and Youth Board are processed in the same manner.

Please take this into account when choosing the exam date.

I quarter examinations

You can register until 01.02.2024.

02.03.2024 A2 level Estonian language proficiency examination
03.03.2024 B1 level Estonian language proficiency examination, also in Pärnu if at least twelve persons have registered

NB: The written part of the Estonian B1-level exam will take place in Tallinn on 03.03.2024 at two different examination centres:

  • Tallinna Pae Gümnaasium (Tallinn Pae Gymnasium), Pae 5;
  • Tallinna Tehnikaülikool (Tallinn University of Technology), Ehitajate tee 5. 

For examinees who will take the written part of the exam at Tallinna Pae Gümnaasium (Pae 5), the oral (speaking) part will take place on the same day after the written part; i.e. 03.03.24.
For examinees who will take the written part of the exam at Tallinna Tehnikaülikool (Ehitajate tee 5), the oral (speaking) part of the exam will take place on 09.03.2024 (Saturday) at Tallinna Pae Gümnaasium (Pae 5).
The general starting time for the oral part on 09.03.24 is at 10:00 a.m.; a reminder and more detailed information about the approximate starting time of the oral part of the exam will be sent to each candidate by e-mail with the exam notice within a week before the speaking part of the exam takes place.
The venue and date(s) of the exam will be in the exam notice. It will not be possible to change the examination venue and/or time.
If the exam date(s) are not suitable, you must cancel your registration!

16.03.2024 B2 level Estonian language proficiency examination
17.03.2024 C1 level Estonian language proficiency examination

I quarter pre-examination consultations

You can also participate in the consultation without prior registration.

A2-level consultation Tallinn, Tartu, Narva, Jõhvi 10.02.2024
B1-level consultation Jõhvi 10.02.2024; Tallinn, Narva, Tartu 11.02.2024; Pärnu 18.02.2024
B2-level consultation Tallinn, Narva, Jõhvi 17.02.2024; Tartu 02.03.2024
C1-level consultation Jõhvi 17.02.2024; Tallinn, Narva 18.02.2024; Tartu 03.03.2024

II quarter examinations

A2 and B1 level - you can register until 01.04.2024
B2 and C1 level - you can register until 01.05.2024

04.05.2024 A2 level Estonian language proficiency examination
05.05.2024 B1 level Estonian language proficiency examination
08.06.2024 B2 level Estonian language proficiency examination
09.06.2024 C1 level Estonian language proficiency examination

II quarter pre-examination consultations

You can also participate in the consultation without prior registration.

A2-level consultation Tallinn, Tartu, Narva, Jõhvi 13.04.2024
B1-level consultation Jõhvi 13.04.2024; Tallinn, Narva, Tartu 14.04.2024
B2-level consultation Tartu 04.05.2024; Tallinn, Narva, Jõhvi 18.05.2024
C1-level consultation Jõhvi 18.05.2024; Tallinn, Narva 19.05.2024; Tartu 05.05.2024

III quarter examinations

You can register until 01.08.2024.

07.09.2024 A2 level Estonian language proficiency examination, also in Pärnu if at least twelve persons have registered
08.09.2024 B1 level Estonian language proficiency examination, also in Pärnu if at least twelve persons have registered
21.09.2024 B2 level Estonian language proficiency examination, also in Pärnu if at least twelve persons have registered
22.09.2024 C1 level Estonian language proficiency examination

III quarter pre-examination consultations

You can also participate in the consultation without prior registration.

A2-level consultation Tallinn, Tartu, Narva, Jõhvi, Pärnu 24.08.2024
B1-level consultation Jõhvi 24.08.2023; Tallinn, Narva, Tartu, Pärnu 25.08.2024
B2-level consultation Tallinn, Narva, Jõhvi, Pärnu 31.08.2024; Tartu 07.09.2024
C1-level consultation Jõhvi 31.08.2024; Tallinn, Narva 01.09.2024; Tartu 08.09.2024

IV quarter examinations

You can register until 01.10.2024.

09.11.2024 A2 level Estonian language proficiency examination
10.11.2024 B1 level Estonian language proficiency examination
16.11.2024 B2 level Estonian language proficiency examination
17.11.2024 C1 level Estonian language proficiency examination

IV quarter pre-examination consultations

You can also participate in the consultation without prior registration.

A2-level consultation Tallinn, Tartu, Narva, Jõhvi 19.10.2024
B1-level consultation Jõhvi 19.10.2024; Tallinn, Narva, Tartu 20.10.2024
B2-level consultation Tallinn, Narva, Jõhvi 26.10.2024; Tartu 09.11.2024
C1-level consultation Jõhvi 26.10.2024; Tallinn, Narva, 27.10.2024; Tartu 10.11.2024

Examinations and consultations are held at:

Estonian language proficiency examinations and consultations take place in Tallinn, Tartu, Jõhvi and Narva on all the dates. Only on some of the dates in Pärnu and Helsinki (if at least 12 people have registered).

  • Tallinn: Pae Gymnasium, Pae 5;

NB: The B1-level Estonian language exam will be held in March at the following addresses:

  • Pae 5 (Pae Gümnaasium);
  • Ehitajate tee 5 (Tallinna Tehnikaülikool).  

Please check the information on the exam notice about the designated exam location carefully!

  • Tartu: Examination Point, Jakobi 2;
  • Jõhvi: Ida-Virumaa Vocational Education Centre, Kutse 13 (entrance from B-building dormitory on Pae street, go along the corridor to the C-building);
  • Narva: Narva Eesti Gümnaasium (Narva Eesti Põhikool), Kraavi 1;
  • Pärnu: Pärnu Tammsaare Kool, A.H.Tammsaare pst 30.

Regional Information Points

Additional information about the Estonian language proficiency examinations and application forms for registering are also available at our regional information points:

  • Tallinn: Education and Youth Board, Lõõtsa 4. Mon-Fri 9.00–17.00;
  • Narva: Rajaleidja center, Kerese 3 (Kerese center, II Floor). Thur 9.00–17.00;
  • Jõhvi: Rajaleidja center, Keskväljak 4 (Shopping center Tsentraal, III floor). Mon–Wed 9.00–17.00;
  • Tartu: Rajaleidja center, Tähe 4 (IV floor). Mon-Thur 9.00–17.00;
  • Pärnu: Rajaleidja center, Pikk 16b. Mon-Thur 9.00–17.00.

Information materials:

  • Information sheet for the Estonian language proficiency examinee in Estonian
Descriptions of language levels, the structure of the examination and sample tasks:
Samples of writing tasks in examinations taken by previous examinees (with comments):
Workbooks:
E-environments:
  • Keeleklikk is a modern online Estonian language course for beginners that is suitable for individual study and also for classroom use. Keeleklikk targets adult learners who want to learn how to communicate in everyday situations. You can take the course either based on English or Russian. The course is free!

  • We recommend that you check your language skills at the online Estonian language proficiency testing page before taking the Estonian language proficiency examination.

You can register for the examinations throughout the year. Registration for the Estonian language proficiency examination ends on the 1st of the month preceding the exam. You can register for one exam at a time.

There are several ways to register for the Estonian language proficiency examination:

  • By logging in electronically to the Test Database EIS
  • Send a digitally signed application with a copy of your document via [email protected].
  • Submit a paper application directly to the Education and Youth Board. When sending the application by post, a copy of your ID must be included. When submitting your application at our reception at the Education and Youth Board, you must also bring and present you ID. The Education and Youth Board’s address is Lõõtsa 4, Tallinn 11415. If the application is filed by an authorized person, he or she must submit with the application the power of attorney of the applicant as well as his or her own identity document.

The application form can be downloaded here.

Instructions for registering for the exam in the Test Database (EIS) can be found here.

 The forms are also available at all our regional information points.

A person applying for Estonian citizenship who is at least 65 years old is exempt from the B1-level language exams writing test (essay).

He/she has to pass three parts of the exam: listening, reading, and speaking. In order to take advantage of this option, you must select the ‘B1 level* (Citizenship applicant who is 65 years of age and over)’ option in your registration application.

Students can only register for the exam in the Test Database EIS! Basic school students (grades 7-9) can register for the Estonian language proficiency examination only if he or she applies for Estonian citizenship (for this purpose he or she must be 15 years old) or if his or her goal is to prove language proficiency at work. 7th and 8th grade students can register for the basic school final examination in Estonian as a second language combined with the B1 Level. At the end of basic school, a 9th grade student takes a final examination in Estonian as a second language combined with the B1 level.

Registration can be canceled no later than four (4) working days before the examination date!

Registration can be cancelled 24 hours a day by writing to [email protected] (be sure to include your personal identification number!) or by calling +372 735 0500 Monday-Friday 9:00–17:00.

An applicant who is absent from the exam without a valid reason or whose exam result is below 35 percent of the possible score can re-register for the exam after six months. An applicant who is absent from the exam due to a valid reason (e.g., health) and who wants to take the exam before six months have passed must submit a free form explanation, proof of the reason for the absence, and a new application to register for the next exam to Harno within 30 days.

The exam notice, which states the time and place of the exam and consultation, as well as all other necessary information, is sent to the postal address or e-mail address indicated on the exam application. The Estonian language proficiency exam notice will be sent out no later than 14 days before the examination.

This page contains the necessary information for applicants who are not able to take the Estonian language proficiency examination according to the standard procedure for health reasons. Applicants with special needs can take the examination within the scope and according to the procedure appropriate for their health condition, can be exempted from taking the examination or change the order of exam parts, i.e. during the first part of the exam – the written part – it possible to complete the speaking part of the exam or the other way round.

In order to apply for special conditions at or exemption from the examination, the person or their representative holding a notarized power of attorney is to file a relevant application with Education and Youth Board. Application forms:

In addition to the application, the following are to be provided:

  • a note from the person’s treating physician or medical specialist;
  • if available, the resolution of the medical expert examination on the designation of the status of disability or incapacity for work in accordance with Appendix 1 to regulation no. 144 of the Minister of Social Affairs “Medical expert examination resolution form” dated 13 December 2002;
  • a copy of the ID;
  • in case of the representative filing the application, the document proving the right of representation;
  • other documents describing the person’s health condition may be submitted.

The originals of all medical certificates, notices and medical examination reports on pre-printed forms of the relevant health care facilities are to be provided, signed by the issuer and bearing the stamp of the issuing facility. The resolution of the medical expert committee on the designation of the status of disability or incapacity for work is to be provided as one of the following:

  • the original document that we are going to return by registered mail after the meeting of the committee;
  • a notarized copy;
  • an officially certified copy of the original document;
  • a copy certified by Education and Youth Board and made at our information desk.

An expert committee shall make a decision on the scope and method of the examination in Estonian language proficiency as well as on the knowledge of the Constitution and the Citizenship Act of the Republic of Estonia or exemption from the examinations. The members of the committee shall be appointed by the Minister of Education and Research. By its resolution, the expert committee can dismiss the application or satisfy it partially or in full.

Grounds for full exemption from the examination:
  • severe or profound intellectual disability;
  • complete deafness and third grade hearing loss in both ears;
  • people with severe or profound visual impairment, suffering from the following conditions (on the basis of the WHO classification):
    • severe visual impairment: OD-OS 0,12 – 0,05 in the corrected better-seeing eye;
    • blindness: OD-OS 0,05-0.
  • People with multiple disabilities, suffering from several conditions at the same time:
    • hearing impairment and visual impairment = deaf-blindness; including people with moderate or severe visual impairment and hearing loss (40 dB or more);
    • hearing, visual or mobility impairment accompanied by mental retardation.
  • People with hearing impairment and hearing loss of 50–60 dB or more (corrected):
    • mute people whose first language (mother tongue) is sign language;
    • oral deaf people with severe speech impairment in the first language (speech) (hearing impairment – in the middle speech range at the frequency of 500-4000 Hz, 50-100 dB, and the consequent speech impairment);
    • people with cochlear implants.

You can see the results of the Estonian language proficiency exam by logging into the test database (EIS) or the state portal no later than 40 days after taking the exam. Results will not be released over the phone. The Estonian language proficiency exam certificate is issued electronically. Certificates are not issued on paper.

Electronic certificates are available on the state portal www.eesti.ee. After taking the examination, you will receive a notice stating the results and a unique number of your e-certificate. This notice will be sent to you by post or e-mail that you have stated on your application. Knowing your e-certificate number and personal ID number is sufficient for proving language proficiency to the employer. The employer can use these numbers to check whether the certificate is valid through the state portal and will not need a hard copy. All officials (language inspectors, notaries, relevant employees of the citizenship and migration divisions of the Police and Border Guard Board) are also able to check certificates by certificate number online.

The electronic certificate has the same legal force as the certificate in hard copy. The e-certificate is supplemented with a digital stamp, which guarantees that the document is authentic.

However, if you want, the e-certificate can also be downloaded from www.eesti.ee. Also, if needed, our customer service office (Lõõtsa 4, Tallinn) can provide certified printouts of e-certificates upon request. This is a paid service: one A4 page – 1 euro. Payments are to be made on site in cash only.

All the certificates previously issued in hard copy remain valid. If your previous hard copy certificate has been lost or destroyed, we will issue a new e-certificate as a replacement.

  • Recommendations for downloading the e-certificate from the state portal eesti.ee are available HERE .
  • Recommendations for third persons (incl. employers) on checking e-certificates on the state portal eesti.ee are available HERE .

Duplicates

In case your Estonian language proficiency examination certificate has been lost, stolen or destroyed, you do not have to take the examination again: there is an option of requesting a duplicate.  The duplicate has the same legal force as the original.

A duplicate may be requested in the following cases:

  • the text of the initial document has become barely legible;
  • discrepancies or misrepresentation of the data entered in the initial document have been discovered;
  • the initial document has been destroyed, lost or stolen;
  • the initial document has been legalised or apostilled pursuant to the procedure established by law.

The person wishing to request a duplicate is to file an application with Education and Youth Board for the duplicate to be issued, stating the following information:

  • the applicant’s first name and surname;
  • personal ID code;
  • address, contact telephone number;
  • the date of the examination and the language level;
  • the date of filing the application and signature.

If the text of the initial document has become barely legible or discrepancies or misrepresentation of the data entered in the initial document have been discovered, the initial document is to be attached to the application.

We will issue the duplicate within 30 days after the application has been filed. Duplicates are issued in the form of e-certificates. We will contact you when the duplicate is ready.

For category certificates of occupational Estonian language proficiency issued before 1 July 1999, an archive notice has been issued as a duplicate. For the issue of an archive notice, a signed application is to be forwarded to Education and Youth Board:

All applications can be sent to us, Education and Youth Board, by post: Lõõtsa 4, 11415 Tallinn; or by e-mail: [email protected].

The Estonian language proficiency examination papers can be reviewed by the examinee and other persons upon reasonable request within five years after the examination has been taken. 

Applications:

The hard copy of application may be left at our information desk (Mon – Fri 9.00–17.00) or sent to us by post: Lõõtsa 4, 11415 Tallinn or digitally signed by e-mail: [email protected].

Examinee’s application for reviewing their own examination paper will be reviewed and the copy of the written part of examination paper will be sent by e-mail at the first opportunity. Third person’s applications for reviewing an examination paper will be answered within 30 working days.

  • You will see your examination paper exactly the way you submitted it at the examination. Assessors of the written part do not correct your mistakes, write comments, or notes in your work.

Contesting the results of the examination

If you are not satisfied with the result of the proficiency examinations, you have the right to file a challenge with the Education and Youth Board for the review of your examination result. The challenge must be filed within thirty days after being communicated the examination result.

A proficiency examinations challenge committee shall be formed whose membership shall be approved by the Director General of Education and Youth Board. The challenge committee shall review a filed challenge within 30 days after the receipt thereof and pass one of the following resolutions:

  • to dismiss the challenge;
  • to satisfy the challenge and where necessary, issue a precept to the head of the agency issuing certificates of proficiency in the Estonian language, to issue a certificate of proficiency in the Estonian language.

The challenge can be filed in the tests database EIS: eis.ekk.edu.ee. After logging in, select "Minu tulemused" and find the correct exam. Then select "Esita vaie" and fill in all the necessary fields.

Please make sure you can sign the form digitally before you start filling out the application. For a challenge to be submitted, it must be digitally signed.

For additional questions, call +372 735 0500.

Compensation for language learning costs to those who are applying for Estonian citizenship and have passed the necessary examinations:

  • Only persons who are not Estonian citizens can apply for compensation. Estonian citizens are not compensated language learning costs.
  • Only natural persons can apply for compensation. Companies cannot apply for compensation for language learning costs incurred on training their employees.
  • You can apply for compensation if you have passed both of the following examinations: the Estonian language proficiency examination (proficiency level B1, B2, or C1, and basic, intermediate, or high proficiency) as well as the examination on knowledge of the Citizenship Act and of the Constitution of the Republic of Estonia.
  • If you apply for compensation for the tuition fee of an Estonian language course, the course must be completed by the time the application is submitted. Compensation can be paid for language learning costs incurred before the proficiency examination after which compensation is applied for.
  • The educational institution that ran the Estonian language course must have an education licence issued by the Ministry of Education and Research. The education licence must be issued for the Estonian language level after which compensation is applied for. As an exception, the tuition fee is also compensated to those who started learning at an educational institution that does not have an education licence before 1 January 2004. In that case, you must present a certificate issued by the educational institution to prove that you started learning before that date. The course must be completed after that date.
  • You must submit your application for compensation within three months after you find out that you have passed the Estonian language proficiency examination, and the examination on knowledge of the Citizenship Act and of the Constitution of the Republic of Estonia. The time limit will be counted from the seventh day after delivery of the notice of passing. The order in which you pass the examinations, or when the first examination was passed, is irrelevant.
  • The tuition fee paid for Estonian language learning is compensated to the maximum limit allowed by the Government of the Republic. This is 384 euros.
  • Compensation will be paid into the bank account indicated in the application within one month after the application and the cost statements have been duly checked and forwarded to the accounts department of Education and Youth Board.
  • If you would like the transfer to be made to a foreign bank account, be sure to provide the full name of the bank and the SWIFT/BIC code.
  • You have the right to apply for compensation for the costs associated with your citizenship application only once. Before paying compensation, Education and Youth Board checks what payments have been made to you previously.

Application form and documents to be enclosed

To apply for compensation, you must submit a written application. The form is available to download HERE or you may take a hard copy from our information desk (Lõõtsa 4, Tallinn) or from our regional information points.

Along with the application, you must submit:

  • A copy of an identity document (alien’s passport, driving licence, residence permit, ID card). You can also make a copy at our information desk.
  • The original of a document certifying payment of the tuition fee. Documents certifying payment of the tuition fee are cash payment receipts, card payment receipts, original copies of bank payment orders, account statements certified by the bank. Documents certifying payment must comply with the requirements provided for in the Accounting Act §7.
  • A document certifying payment of the tuition fee must indicate for what the tuition fee was paid. Language learning costs are compensated only based on documents that expressly show that payment was made for Estonian language learning. If another natural person has paid the training costs for the compensation applicant, the details of the document certifying payment must indicate the name of the person who learned the language (the recipient of compensation), and that payment was made for Estonian language learning.
  • In addition to a payment order submitted as a document certifying payment, you must submit an invoice from the educational institution, or a certificate that proves that you have received training and that the sums have been paid.
  • A card payment receipt must be accompanied by a certificate issued by the educational institution. The certificate must indicate the training period, total cost of the course, and that the payments made have been credited to the bank account of the educational institution. Payments must be shown by dates and amounts. If another natural person has paid the training costs for the compensation applicant, this must be indicated on the certificate issued by the educational institution.
  • Costs incurred on preparing for the examination on knowledge of the Citizenship Act and of the Constitution of the Republic of Estonia will not be compensated for. If the details on a single invoice refer to a tuition fee for both the Estonian language examination and the examination on knowledge of legislation, you must add a statement showing to what extent the payment covered Estonian language learning.

All documents certifying training costs must be originals or verified with the issuer’s digital signature. Duplicates (unverified copies of cost statements) will not be accepted.

Education and Youth Board has the right to request additional documents to verify compliance of the application with the compensation award conditions.

If false information is provided, Education and Youth Board has the right to reclaim the amount of compensation paid.

You can send your application on by post to Education andYouth Board, Lõõtsa 4, Tallinn, 11415, or e-mail it to h[email protected] (in this case, all documents must be supplemented with a digital stamp by the issuer).

Compensation for costs to those who have passed the Estonian language examination at the Language Inspectorate’s request by the date set in the injunction:

  • You have the right for compensation regardless of your citizenship.
  • Only natural persons can apply for compensation. It is not possible to apply for compensation for language learning costs incurred on employee training under an injunction.
  • Compensation can be applied for to the extent of 100% of the amount used for language learning, but not more than 384 euros.
  • Compensation is paid for passing the level indicated in the injunction during the specified period.
  • If you apply for compensation for the tuition fee of an Estonian language course, the course must be completed by the time the application is submitted.
  • The educational institution that ran the language course must have an education licence issued by the Ministry of Education and Research, or a corresponding registration in the Estonian Education Information System. The existence of an education licence can be verified in the Estonian Education Information System (EHIS). The education licence must be issued for the language level after which compensation is applied for.
  • You must submit your application for compensation within three months after you find out that you have passed the Estonian language proficiency examination. The time limit for the submission of the application will be counted from the seventh day after delivery of the notice of passing.
  • Compensation will be paid into the bank account indicated in the application within one month after the application and the cost statements have been duly checked and forwarded to the accounts department of Education and Youth Board. If you would like the transfer to be made to a foreign bank account, be sure to provide the full name of the bank and the SWIFT/BIC code.

Application form and documents to be enclosed

To apply for compensation, you must submit a written application. The form is available to download HERE or you may take a hard copy from our information desk (Lõõtsa 4, Tallinn) or from our regional information points.

Along with the application, you must submit:

  • A copy of an identity document (alien’s passport, driving licence, residence permit, ID card). You can also make a copy at our information desk.
  • The original of a document certifying payment of the tuition fee. Documents certifying payment of the tuition fee are cash payment receipts, card payment receipts, original copies of bank payment orders, account statements certified by the bank. Documents certifying payment must comply with the requirements provided for in the Accounting Act §7.
  • A document certifying payment of the tuition fee must indicate for what the tuition fee was paid. Language learning costs are compensated only based on documents that expressly show that payment was made for Estonian language learning. If another natural person has paid the training costs for the compensation applicant, the details of the document certifying payment must indicate the name of the person who learned the language (the recipient of compensation) and that payment was made for Estonian language learning.
  • In addition to a payment order submitted as a document certifying payment, you must submit an invoice from the educational institution, or a certificate that proves that you have received training and that the sums have been paid.
  • A card payment receipt must be accompanied by a certificate issued by the educational institution. The certificate must indicate the training period, total cost of the course, and that the payments made have been credited to the bank account of the educational institution. Payments must be shown by dates and amounts. If another natural person has paid the training costs for the compensation applicant, this must be indicated on the certificate issued by the educational institution.
  • You must also submit a copy of the Language Inspectorate’s injunction.

All documents certifying training costs must be originals or verified with the issuer’s digital signature. Duplicates (unverified copies of cost statements) will not be accepted.

Education and Youth Board has the right to request additional documents to verify compliance of the application with the compensation award conditions.

If false information is provided, Education and Youth Board has the right to reclaim the amount of compensation paid.

You can send your application on by post  Education and Youth Board, Lõõtsa 4, Tallinn, 11415, or e-mail it to [email protected] (in this case, all documents must be supplemented with a digital stamp by the issuer).

Language skills levels – what are they?

Language skills levels are the six levels of language proficiency (A1–C2) developed by the Council of Europe and described in the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. These levels are used to measure foreign language proficiency. Mother tongue proficiency is assessed with the help of other means.

Who are Estonian language proficiency examinations for?

These examinations are for the employee whose mother tongue is not Estonian and who needs to prove his/her employer that he/she speaks the Estonian language at the level required at his/her job position. Learn more about Estonian language proficiency requirements at different positions here.

Which parts does the examination consist of and how long does the examination last?

The examination consists of four parts: writing, listening, reading, and speaking. Depending on the level, the written part of the examination lasts 2-3 hours and, after a short break, it is followed by speaking. Learn more HERE.

Where can I find learning materials and examination sample tests?

You can find learning materials HERE. We also recommend you to visit the language proficiency testing environment TESTEST and the language learning environment KEELEKLIKK. Before the examination we also recommend to attend a free of charge consultation where consultants will answer all your questions.

How many points do I need to score to pass the examination?

In order to pass the examination you need to get at least 60 per cent of the total sum of the examination points provided. The score can not be 0 for any of the examination parts (listening, reading, writing, and speaking).

Which level of Estonian language proficiency is required to apply for the Estonian citizenship or a long-term residence permit?

At least B1.

If I graduated from university (finished basic or secondary school) with the Estonian as the language of instruction, do I still have to take an Estonian language proficiency examination?

No, you do not! If you finished Estonian-medium basic or secondary school or graduated from Estonian-medium university, your Estonian language proficiency is proven by your graduation certificate.

Which level do the previously received beginner’s, intermediate and advanced levels of language proficiency (including the levels of basic and secondary school leavers) correspond now?

People who passed the Estonian language proficiency examination before 1 July, 2008 do not have to re-take the examination. Their certificates of Estonian language proficiency correspond to the language levels of the new system as follows:

  • The language proficiency proven with the beginner’s level certificate is considered equal to B1 level of language proficiency.
  • The language proficiency proven with the intermediate level certificate is considered equal to B2 level of language proficiency.
  • The language proficiency proven with the advanced level certificate is considered equal to C1 level of language proficiency.

Learn more here.

Why is there no examination for C2 level?

C2 is the highest foreign language proficiency level described in the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. This level is equal to the language proficiency at the level of an educated native speaker. Such a high level of proficiency in Estonian as a foreign language cannot be required at any position, and thus there is no examination for C2 level. If you read in a job advertisement that the position requires Estonian language proficiency at C2 level, please turn to the employer for clarification.

Does the examination include questions about the culture and history of Estonia?

The texts for reading and listening may include texts about the Estonian culture and history. These texts do not require you to have any previous knowledge of the history or culture, as the information necessary to complete the task is presented in the texts themselves.

What if I know nothing about the topics covered in texts for reading and listening?

You do not have to have any previous knowledge of these topics. You can find answers to all questions if you read/listen to the text carefully.

Why doesn’t the speaking part of B2/C1 level examination contain other topics besides employment for those who are still studying or are unemployed?

B2/C1 proficiency level examination measures the mastery of the professional Estonian language. That is the reason why the speaking part of the examinations of these levels includes employment-related topics.

Why am I not allowed to write in pencil at the examination?

In order to prevent cheating, examinees are allowed to write in the test book only in pen. If you write only in pencil or write in pen above writing in pencil, your work will not be assessed. Read more here.

When the essay in the Estonian language B2 and C1 proficiency level examination is marked, is the draft considered as an answer?

The draft sheet is meant for the examinee for taking notes, not for writing the examination answers. The draft will not be considered when an unfinished essay is being marked. An examination paper can be marked objectively only based on the text written by the examinee into the examination book at the appropriate place, not based on the draft.

Does it make any difference which examination contact point I take my examination at?

No, it does not. Examination test books are the same at all the examination contact points, and the examination procedure is also the same. Do not believe rumours saying that the examination is easier at one or another contact point.

How much does it cost to take the examination?

The examination is free of charge.

What do the percentage ranges on my certificate / notice of passing / notice of fail mean?

Your results in sub-skills are represented as percentage ranges and verbal assessments:

0% – noncompliant with the level requirements;
1–49% – noncompliant with the level requirements;
50–59% – poor;
60–75% – satisfactory;
76–90% – good;
91–100% – very good.

This means that if your speaking skills were, for example, given the verbal assessment “good”, the results of your sub-skills were between 76 and 90 percent.

If I fail the examination, when can I make a new attempt?

If you scored less than 45% of the possible amount of points, you can take the examination again in six months’ time.

Am I really not allowed to go to the toilet during the examination?

If during the written part of  the examination you will have a strong need to go to the toilet, you will be allowed to leave the room and you will be escorted to the toilet by a member of the examination panel (from the examination room to the toilet door).

I have taken the same proficiency level examination several times, but why does not my result improve?

Just taking the examination cannot improve your result. Your score is improved through learning and active use of the language. If you keep receiving low scores for the reading and listening parts, read newspapers, listen to the radio, and watch television in the Estonian language. If you fail the writing and speaking parts, then use the Estonian language whenever possible – in a shop, office or institution, or when communicating to your Estonian colleagues.  Before you take the examination, we also recommend you to attend language courses of the corresponding level. All these things will certainly help you to improve your examination result.

Can I take the examination if I have vision or hearing disabilities?

An examinee with special needs can take the examination in the form that is suitable for him/her. Learn more here.

What do I do if my conversation partner at the speaking part of the examination does not speak any Estonian?

Examiners know what to do in such a situation, and they will allow you to speak more or will talk to you themselves, if the other examinee does not speak Estonian enough.

What if my score was calculated wrongly?

Capturing of the answers for the reading and listening parts of the examination is duplicated, and, if necessary, is conducted for the third time as well. That is why you can be absolutely sure that your score is captured correctly. Writing and speaking are also assessed by two assessors, and if their scores differ significantly, the work is assessed for the third time. If you think that your examination paper was not assessed fairly, you have the right to make an appeal.

I scored 0 points for one task/both tasks of the writing part. How could it happen if I wrote so much?

Apparently you did not read the writing task carefully. For instance, you had to write a formal letter to your boss, but you wrote an informal letter to a friend. In this case the task itself remained unfulfilled and it could not be assessed.

Who controls validity of language proficiency tests?

The Education and Youth Board is a member of the Association of Language Testers in Europe ALTE. ALTE controls validity of Estonian language proficiency tests.

Can the examiner interrupt the examinee during the speaking part of the examination?

During the speaking part the examiner interrupts the examinee’s monologue (turn to speak, presentation, etc.) only in the case when the examinee is deviating from the topic of the task too much. Then the examiner has to interfere at a convenient moment and try to make the examinee return to the topic with the help of suggestive questions. Usually such interruption situations occur at B2/C1 level examinations when the examinee starts presenting a learned by heart monologue which has nothing to do with the task the examinee has been given.

I sent an appellation to the Education and Youth Board as well as an application where I enquire an explanation for my score. However, the decision of the appellation committee did not contain any explanation. Why?

The appellation committee does not give you any explanations or answer your questions.

If you have any other questions, please contact us via e-mail: [email protected].

Requirements for the language skills of employees

The language proficiency levels required for the position are stipulated in a regulation of the Government of the Republic. On the basis of this regulation, the employer establishes the language skills requirement of the employee depending on the nature of the work and the language use situations. The language skills required for work are measured and language proficiency exams are held in Estonia at four language levels: A2, B1, B2 and C1.

An employee who has graduated from a basic school, secondary school or higher education institution where at least 60% of the studies were conducted in the Estonian language does not have to take the Estonian language proficiency exam. An employee who has passed a professional examination in the Estonian language and works in the speciality indicated on their professional certificate is also exempt from the proficiency exam.

If, in the course of state or administrative supervision, there is a suspicion that the employee does not have a command of Estonian at the level necessary for the performance of their duties, the language officer may issue a precept to pass the proficiency exam.

Certificates

The employer can check the truth and validity of the employee's proficiency examination certificate from the Examinations Information System by entering the employee's personal identification code and certificate number. The certificates of the Estonian language proficiency exam have been issued electronically since September 2010. Anyone can print out their certificate, but this is not obligatory.

In the case of paper-based certificates issued before September 2010, the Examinations Information System  shows the date when the exam was passed and whether the certificate is valid, but not the certificate itself. To prove their obtained language level and the exam result, it is mandatory for the employee to submit the original paper certificate.

It is necessary to get at least 60% of the maximum score to pass the exam successfully and to get the certificate. The exam measures four sub-skills (writing, listening, reading comprehension and speaking) and the certificate shows the results of the exam by the four sub-skills in percentage ranges and as a verbal assessment: 0% – noncompliant with the level requirements; 1–49% – noncompliant with the level requirements; 50–59% – poor; 60–75% – satisfactory; 76–90% – good; 91–100% – very good. This means that if your speaking skills were, for example, given the verbal assessment “good”, the results of your sub-skills were between 76 and 90 percent.

When assessing professional language skills, it is possible, if necessary, to indicate, based on the certificate of language proficiency, which sub-skills need to be improved. If an employee has received a "weak" or "does not meet the level requirements" assessment as a result for some sub-skills, this indicates that it is necessary to further engage in the development of these sub-skills.

Estonian language proficiency examination certificates (elementary, intermediate and advanced level) taken before 1 July 2008 are also valid. Language proficiency attested by the elementary level certificate is deemed to correspond to language proficiency level B1. Language proficiency attested by the intermediate level certificate is deemed to correspond to language proficiency level B2. Language proficiency attested by the advanced level certificate is deemed to correspond to language proficiency level C1.

Please note!

  • Proficiency in the Estonian language as a national language is measured at levels A2–C1. The C2 proficiency level, the highest language proficiency level described in the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), is not required for any position in Estonia and thus the C2 level exams are not held. Therefore, when hiring employees, the recruitment and selection criteria cannot, for instance, require C2-level language proficiency even from the teachers of the Estonian language.
  • Although professional language proficiency is also measured in the speaking part of the B2 and C1 level exams, the Estonian language proficiency exams are general language exams and are aimed at everyone, not only the representatives of specific professions. This means, for example, that although a doctor may present a C1-level certificate in Estonian when applying for a job, this does not give a comprehensive overview of his or her professional language skills.
  • Language skills are also variable in time, they improve or deteriorate depending on language practice. Thus, if a candidate has passed a level B1 exam in 2012, for example, his or her level of language proficiency may not be B1 in ten or more years.

We recommend to always pay attention to the language skills of the candidates during the recruitment process.

Language Proficiency Examinations Statistic

Statistics and analysis of the Estonian language proficiency exams in previous years:

Last updated: 20.02.2024