How to prepare for the Państwowy Certyfikat - 2025 Guide

Thinking about taking the Polish State Certificate? Here’s how to start off on the right foot

The Państwowy Certyfikat z Języka Polskiego jako Obcego (State Certificate of Proficiency in Polish as a Foreign Language) is the official, state-sanctioned, and globally recognized certificate that proves your proficiency in Polish.

It’s issued by the State Commission for Certification, under the authority of NAWA (the Polish National Agency for Academic Exchange), and it follows the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR), offering levels from A1 to C2 for adults.

Why take the Polish certificate?

•  Citizenship or residency: B1 is required for Polish citizenship
• University admission: B2 or C1 is often required for academic programs
• Professional advantage: Polish companies increasingly require certified language skills
• Boost your CV: Show dedication, effort, and integration
• Motivation: Set a goal and track your Polish learning progress

Understanding CEFR levels (A1–C2)

A1 (Start)

• Listening: Understand short, slow, everyday dialogues
• Reading: Comprehend very simple texts
• Writing: Fill out forms; write basic sentences
• Speaking: Introduce yourself and respond to basic questions
• Purpose: Survival Polish, beginner level

A2

• Listening: Understand announcements, basic conversations
• Reading: Ads, public notices, brief texts
• Writing: Simple personal messages
• Speaking: Talk about family, work, or everyday tasks
• Purpose: Foundation for simple social and work-related tasks 

B1

• Listening: Follow announcements, everyday conversations
• Reading: Understand emails, articles, blogs
• Grammar/Use: Handle standard sentence structure and word usage
• Writing: Compose emails, express opinions
• Speaking: Present and discuss familiar topics
• Purpose: Required for Polish citizenship and everyday independence

B2

• Listening: Understand radio, interviews, formal talk
• Reading: Interpret opinions, facts, and arguments
• Grammar/Use: Apply grammar to formal and abstract subjects
• Writing: Write structured arguments and formal emails
• Speaking: Present arguments and respond to opposing views
• Purpose: Needed for university or professional work 

C1

• Listening: Understand complex discussions and podcasts
• Reading: Read advanced literature and reports
• Grammar/Use: Use complex sentence forms and nuance
• Writing: Write in formal, academic styles
• Speaking: Lead discussions and debates
• Purpose: Required for academic fluency or higher professions 

C2

• Listening: Understand native-speed media and specialized content
• Reading: Grasp abstract, symbolic, and nuanced texts
• Grammar/Use: Full command of language conventions
• Writing: Produce sophisticated texts, critiques, and editorials
• Speaking: Speak fluently with subtlety and precision
• Purpose: For native-like fluency, teaching, or professional mastery
   

You must pass each part individually, with minimum scores ranging from 50% to 60%, depending on the level. 

Exams are held across Poland and in accredited centers abroad.

2025 Exam dates

• November 15–16: B1, C1, C2

Registration opens ~2 months before the exam
Results available within 6 weeks
Certificate issued ~2 months after passing

How much does it cost?

+ €20 certificate fee (only if you pass)
 Prices may vary slightly depending on the exam center

Get prepared: build your study plan

Why do you want to take the Polish state exam?

Need the certificate? → Aim for your current level or one level above
Work in a Polish-speaking company? → Aim for at least B1 or B2
University in Poland? → Check if they require B2 or C1

Organize your time

If you start 3–6 months before:
Study 30–60 min daily, 5 days a week

If you start <2 months before:
Boost to 1–2 hours daily, plus weekend reviews

Choose the best study tools

• Start with official sample exams:
• Check out our exam preparation course

Work with a specialized Polish tutor

You’ll:

• Learn how to structure exam tasks correctly
• Get real-time corrections
• Practice under timed conditions
• Build clarity, fluency, and confidence

Improve your speaking skills

Speaking is often the most challenging part, but confidence builds through practice.

Tips to boost oral fluency:

• Join online Polish-speaking meetups
• Practice with a timer
• Record yourself to hear errors
• Get feedback from native speakers or tutors
• Don’t aim for perfection—aim for clarity and flow
• Take good conversation classes

Avoid these common mistakes

• Starting too late
• Ignoring your weaker skills
• Skipping mock exams
• Memorizing blindly without understanding
• Not reviewing past mistakes

Powodzenia!