What is TELC?

Is it your goal to travel to Europe in particular to study, work, or settle there? You might want to study a foreign language and assess your degree of proficiency for this. Then take TELC (The European Language Certificates).  

Many benefits can be derived from learning a language. There are countless incentives on the list, from potential immigration to job and culture options. You can demonstrate your skills regardless of your motivation, whether you currently have one or are learning. You can achieve this by taking a TELC-style official language proficiency test.

Let's examine each point in greater detail.

What is TELC (The European Language Certificates)?

TELC (The European Language Certificates) is an international exam for ten languages. It is a standard test, which means the questions will be the same no matter where you take the test. The examination shows an easy-to-understand, transparent, and reliable assessment of foreign language ability.

The TELC test follows the guidelines of the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR). Thus, they conduct different proficiency levels from A1 to C2 and test for particular purposes.

Who conducts the test?

Telc GmbH, located in Frankfurt, Germany, administers Telc language tests. Telc GmbH is a non-profit organization, which is a subsidiary of the German Adult Education Association (DVV). It does the test marking, cooperates with institutions, and manages all the aspects of the test in Germany and other countries.

Benefits of TELC examination

The TELC examination has many clear advantages. If you have been studying a European language for some time, you would surely like to know your current ability and what level you’re at. It helps you identify your strengths and weaknesses. You can then focus on improving those parts to help you prepare better for the future. You get success and boost your confidence when you pass it. As a result, the TELC certificate is proof of your language ability. It helps you with personal, professional, and social growth.

Do you want to study, do a job, or settle in Europe?

The TELC is an internationally recognized European language test. For this reason, many governments and organizations acknowledge this certificate. Many governments, such as the Austrian, German, and Swiss, accept TELC as proof of language skill for citizenship and work permits.

In today’s globalized economy, foreign language skills play a vital role. A language certification like TELC can provide job prospects worldwide as it gives your resume a considerable edge.

Is there any disadvantage?

As with everything, there are some drawbacks. Even though there are 10 languages, they restrict it to European ones. So, if you want to take a test like Korean, Japanese, Mandarin, or Hindi, you are out of luck! Another point to remember is that not all levels are available for every language. For example, if you wish to take German, English, or even French or Spanish, you have many choices. But for Portuguese or Arabic, you have one level, i.e., B1. Likewise, dual-level B1-B2 is the only choice for Polish.

There aren’t many testing centers outside Europe, and that’s a negative aspect. Perhaps, not that popular outside Europe. Hopefully, they will add more centers in other countries if there are enough demand and resources.

Everything About TELC

Check out everything about TELC (The European Language Certificates).

Recognition and Acceptance

The Telc is a widely recognized language test. It is famous worldwide. Many governments, universities, government bodies, educational institutions, and companies accept TELC certification.

TELC has collaborations and partners with several institutions in Spain, Germany, Hungary, Poland, the UK, Turkey, to name a few. For example, Switzerland and the Austrian Government consider TELC proof of language ability for residence permits and citizenship.

Available languages

Currently, the TELC test is available in 10 languages. They provide the test in 9 European languages. This includes French, Spanish, German, English, Italian, Portuguese, Russian, Polish, and Turkish. Arabic is the only available Asian language.

What are the levels you can take?

There are almost 100 types of tests in 10 languages. This includes standard ones open to adults and all. Plus, there are many specialized tests for various purposes. For instance, tests for schools or jobs.

1. Arabic — B1 (اللغة العربية).

2. English — A1, A2, A2-B1, B1, B1-B2, B2, C1, C2 (Standard), A1 (Junior), A2, A2-B1, B1, B1-B2, B2 (School), A2-B1, B1, B1-B2, B2, B2-C1 (Business), B2 (Technical), B1 (Restaurant), and B2-C1 (University).

3. French — A1, A2, B1, B2 (Standard), A1 (Junior), A2, B1 (Ecole), and B1 (profession).

4. German — A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, C2 (Standard), A2, B1, B1-B2, B2, B2-C1, C1 (Beruf – Professional), A2, A2-B1 (Zuwanderer – Immigrant), A2-B1 (Zuwanderer – Youth integration), and B2, B2-C1 (Medizin -Medicine), B2-C1 (Medizin Fachsprachprüfung – Doctor’s technical test), A2 & B1 (Schule – School), A1 (Junior), B1-B2 (Pflege – care), and C1 (Hochschule – Higher studies).

5. Italian — A1, A2, B1, B2 (Standard Italiano).

6. Polish — B1-B2 (Język polski Szkoła – High school Polish).

7. Portuguese — B1 (Standard Portuguse language test).

8. Spanish — A1, A2, B1, B2 (Standard Español), A1, A2, A2-B1, B1, B2 (Escuela – School), and A1 (Junior).

9. Russian — A1, A2, B1, B2 (Standard Русский язык like TORFL exam).

10. Turkish — A1, A2, B1, B2, C1 (Standard Türkçe), A2, B1, B2 (Okul – School), and A2 (İlkokul – Junior).

Structure of the TELC exam

The test comprises two sections — oral (speaking) and written (listening, reading, and writing). It measures candidates’ listening, reading, speaking, and writing skills, like the CEFR level test. For example, the A1 written test lasts 65 minutes, A2 – 70 minutes, B1 – 150 minutes, B2 – 140 minutes, C1 – 220 minutes, and C2 – 250 minutes.

The standard written test includes:

1. Vocabulary and grammar (MCQs).

2. Listening comprehension & situational responses.

3. Writing (formal letter or subjective question).

4. Reading comprehension.

The reading and listening exercises have 3 tasks, and the writing has 1 question. The duration varies depending on the level. They conduct the speaking exam straight after the written test for A1 with no preparation. For A2, there is a 15-minute gap. And from B1-C2, they give 20 minutes of preparation time.

The speaking comprises a discussion between 2-3 candidates. The time increases as per the number of candidates. To earn the score, one must make relevant points on debatable topics.

The exam format, duration, and type of questions differ in specialized tests. For example, A1 junior French has 40 minutes written (listening – 10 and reading & writing – 30 minutes), and 15-20 for the speaking test.

Scoring and pass marks

The TELC has a total score of 300 points. The written test has 225 points, and the oral examination has 75 points. To pass any TELC test, you need at least 60% written and oral. For instance, at least 135 points in writing and 45 points in speaking.

TELC test centers across the world

There are over 3,000 examination centers in 25 countries. Most test centers are in Europe, but some are in Asia, like India, Malaysia, South Korea, the Philippines, etc. In India, there is one testing center in Bangalore. You can find your nearest center on the website.

Validity of the score & certification

Telc certificates never expire and are valid for an unlimited period. Many academic institutions and companies have their own rules. Some only recognize certifications gained in the last two to five years, for instance. Still, most accept it regardless of the test date.

TELC Dates

They conduct tests throughout the year, but each institution sets the dates independently. The dates vary depending on centers, language, and levels. So, it would be best to contact a nearby testing center to get the upcoming dates. You also have to register and apply at least 2-3 weeks before the examination date.

Visit the center with application details and a valid ID to take the exam on the test date. They announce the result in 6 weeks, and you can check the detailed score on the website. You will receive an official certificate afterward.

Telc examination fee

The fee varies depending on the language, level, type of test, and where you take the test. It usually costs between £75 and £200. Besides, some centers charge an extra fee for early evaluation and late entry.

Contact your center to find out the exact price for your target test.

How to Apply?

If you want to register for a specific exam, you can do so on the official website of your nearest test center. Then, you can sign up for the test by filling out and sending the registration form.

You can also register in person for the exam at the institution.

You can take the test as many times as you wish. Also, you do not need to retake the entire exam if you just want to pass a specific section. You can do this within one year of the last result.

How to prepare for the TELC test?

TELC provides a wide range of study materials to help you prepare for various tests. This includes mock tests, model papers, handbooks, tips and advice, practice sets, phrasebooks.

Taking courses at a nearby language learning center or a specialized tutor is the most effective way to learn. In this way, you’ll better understand the language and the test’s structure. Besides these approaches, you can check out various books, apps, and online resources like podcasts and apps for your study plan.

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