The audit was conducted in 2025 and confirms that the Estonian language proficiency exams administered by the Estonian Education and Youth Board meet internationally recognised standards for language testing.
The exams are used to assess proficiency in Estonian as the state language for the labour market, education, and official residence and citizenship procedures.
The ALTE Quality Label is Europe’s most widely recognised international quality mark in the field of language examinations. It is awarded to exams that meet 18 defined minimum standards, including:
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principles for test development and design,
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exam administration and logistics,
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transparency of the assessment process,
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statistical analysis,
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communication with stakeholders, and
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measures to prevent misuse of exam results.
The 2025 audit confirmed that the Estonian language proficiency exams meet all ALTE requirements and are aligned with the Council of Europe’s Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.
Estonian language proficiency exams were first audited in 2008. Following the transition to the CEFR levels (A2–C1), audits have been conducted regularly in 2014, 2020 and 2025. On each occasion, the exams have been awarded the ALTE Quality Label.
The Estonian Education and Youth Board is the only organisation in Estonia with full ALTE membership status, which entails an obligation to comply with international quality requirements and to undergo regular independent evaluation.
The ALTE Quality Label is valid for five years for the Estonian language proficiency exams.
More information: Eesti keele tasemeeksamid pälvisid taas kvaliteedimärgi - Haridus- ja Noorteameti blogi
