- Polish language is the key to successful integration and education in Poland. A B1 level certificate confirms your ability to communicate at an intermediate level and is required for obtaining citizenship, and in some cases, for admission to private universities (for public universities, the requirement is usually at least B2).
- All the information provided below is taken from the official website certyfikatpolski. pl and is current as of 2024. Our recommendations and tips are based on many years of experience preparing our students. We also recommend you take our special express preparation course for the B1 exam, where we thoroughly explain and teach using real-life examples.
How to Prepare for the Polish State Language Exam at B1 Level?
1. Who Can Take the Exam?
- The exam is open to foreigners and Polish citizens.
- Adult candidates aged 18 and above.
- Children and teenagers aged 14 to 17.
- The exam is conducted in different age groups, and the structure of the exam varies slightly.
2. Structure of the B1 Exam.
The exam consists of two parts: written and oral. The structure of the exam for children/teen groups is similar, usually with one fewer task and an additional 5 minutes for each part.
To pass the exam, you need to score at least 50% in each part. If you score 49% in any part, the entire exam is considered failed.
Written Part:
Oral Part:
The oral part consists of describing a picture (examples will be provided below), a monologue on a given topic, and a dialogue with the examiner on a given topic, usually involving acting out a simple, everyday situation, like playing the role of a customer/friend/passenger.
To pass the exam, you need to score at least 50% in each part. If you score 49% in any part, the entire exam is considered failed.
Written Part:
- Listening Comprehension: 25 minutes, 4−5 tasks, 30 points.
- Reading Comprehension: 45 minutes, 4−5 tasks, 30 points.
- Grammar: 45 minutes, 8 tasks, 30 points.
- Writing (essay + short additional task): 75 minutes, 3 tasks, 30 points.
- Examples of tasks will be provided at the end of the article.
Oral Part:
- Speaking: up to 15 minutes, 3 tasks, 40 points.
- At the beginning, you will be asked to introduce yourself and say a few words about yourself. According to the exam rules, this "small talk" is not graded, but the first impression is very important, so we highly recommend having a prepared template.
The oral part consists of describing a picture (examples will be provided below), a monologue on a given topic, and a dialogue with the examiner on a given topic, usually involving acting out a simple, everyday situation, like playing the role of a customer/friend/passenger.
3. Cost of the B1 Exam.
The cost of the exam depends on the level and group:
- For adults at B1 and B2 levels — 150 euros.
- For children and teenagers at B1 and B2 levels — 90 euros.
- Additionally, there is a 20 euro fee for the issuance of the certificate.
4. Registration for the B1 Exam
5. Preparation for the B1 Exam: Materials and Examples.
Example from the first part, listening comprehension.
Example from the second part, reading comprehension.
Example from the third part, grammar.
Example from the fourth part, writing.
Example from the fifth part, speaking.
6. B1 Certificate Without Exam: How to Obtain?
As of January 1, 2024, the list of individuals eligible to obtain a Polish language certificate without an exam has changed. The certificate can now be obtained by:
The certificate is no longer issued to individuals who have completed post-secondary schools or postgraduate studies (studia podyplomowe).
For details, please visit the official website under the "Certificate Without Exam" section.
- Those who have defended a doctoral thesis in Polish at Polish universities.
- Graduates of Polish universities and holders of a secondary school diploma.
- Graduates of schools at Polish diplomatic missions.
- Graduates of schools in other countries where instruction was in Polish.
- Graduates of European schools with a European Baccalaureate diploma.
- Individuals who have studied in Polish abroad for at least 11 years.
The certificate is no longer issued to individuals who have completed post-secondary schools or postgraduate studies (studia podyplomowe).
For details, please visit the official website under the "Certificate Without Exam" section.
P.S. We strongly advise against dealing with fraudsters and companies offering to buy certificates. We closely cooperate with the exam commissions and assure you that no one will take the risk, as you could be caught with your insufficient Polish skills at the border (border control questions) or in any government office.
Moreover, all exam papers are sent for re-evaluation (selectively) to Warsaw and are stored for up to 5 years. Results will be known in about 1.5−2 months, and the certificate itself will take about another month to arrive.
Moreover, all exam papers are sent for re-evaluation (selectively) to Warsaw and are stored for up to 5 years. Results will be known in about 1.5−2 months, and the certificate itself will take about another month to arrive.
Conclusion
Preparing for the B1 exam requires time and effort, but with the right approach, you can successfully pass the exam and obtain the certificate on your first attempt. Remember, regular practice and the use of diverse materials will help you achieve your goal.
For more detailed information and access to study materials, visit the official Certyfikat Polski website and enroll in courses at Centrum Polonijne to receive quality preparation from professionals. We recommend our special express preparation course for the B1 exam, where we thoroughly explain and teach using real-life examples from practice.
For more detailed information and access to study materials, visit the official Certyfikat Polski website and enroll in courses at Centrum Polonijne to receive quality preparation from professionals. We recommend our special express preparation course for the B1 exam, where we thoroughly explain and teach using real-life examples from practice.