How to prepare for the Państwowy Certyfikat - 2026 Guide

Thinking about taking the Polish State Certificate in 2026? Start 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-recognized certificate proving your Polish proficiency.

The exam is run by the State Commission for the Certification of Proficiency in Polish as a Foreign Language under NAWA (Polish National Agency for Academic Exchange) and follows the CEFR scale, with levels from A1 to C2 (adults).

Why take the Polish certificate?

• Citizenship / residency: B1 is required for Polish citizenship (common requirement; always verify your current legal pathway)
• University admission: Many programs require B2 or C1 (check your faculty’s language requirements)
• Professional advantage: A formal certificate is easier for employers to evaluate than “I speak Polish”
• Boost your CV: Demonstrates commitment, integration, and measurable progress
• Motivation: A clear goal + deadline helps you build consistency

How the exam is structured (what candidates often underestimate)

• You must pass each part individually (not just the overall score).
• Minimum scores typically fall around 50–60% per component (varies by level and rules).
• Skills tested usually include:
• Listening
• Reading
• Grammar / Language Use
• Writing
• Speaking

Exams are held across Poland and in accredited centers abroad. See: official exam centers.

CEFR levels (A1–C2): what you can do at each level

A1 (Start)

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

Official descriptor PDF: A1

A2

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

Official descriptor PDF: A2

B1 (Most popular level)

• Listening: Follow announcements and everyday conversations
• Reading: Understand emails, articles, blogs
• Grammar / Use: Handle standard structures and word usage
• Writing: Write emails, express opinions clearly
• Speaking: Present and discuss familiar topics
• Purpose: Often required for citizenship and everyday independence

Official descriptor PDF: B1  |  Example tasks: official sample exams

B2

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

Official descriptor PDF: B2

C1

• Listening: Understand complex discussions and podcasts
• Reading: Read advanced literature and reports
• Grammar / Use: Use nuance and complex sentence forms
• Writing: Write formally in academic/professional styles
• Speaking: Lead discussions and debates
• Purpose: Academic fluency and higher professions

Official descriptor PDF: C1

C2

• Listening: Understand native-speed media and specialized content
• Reading: Grasp abstract, nuanced texts
• Grammar / Use: Full command of conventions
• Writing: Produce sophisticated texts (critiques, editorials)
• Speaking: Speak fluently with precision and subtlety
• Purpose: Teaching, high-level professional mastery, near-native fluency

Official descriptor PDF: C2

2026 exam dates: where to find the official calendar

• Official dates and levels are published by the State Commission on the certification portal.
• Typical pattern (varies): spring session + autumn session.
• Registration often opens about 6–8 weeks before the exam.

Check the official portal for the 2026 schedule: certyfikatpolski.pl

How much does it cost? (Typical fees)

+ an additional certificate issuance fee may apply (often around €20, only if you pass).
Fees can vary by exam center (especially abroad). Always confirm on your chosen center’s page.

Get prepared: build a study plan that actually works

1) Decide your target level (based on your real need)

• Legal requirement: Aim for the required level (often B1).
• Work in Polish: Aim for B1–B2 depending on your job.
• University in Poland: Many programs require B2 or C1 (verify directly with your university/faculty).

2) Organize your time (realistic timelines)

• 3–6 months before: 30–60 minutes/day, 5 days/week
• <2 months before: 1–2 hours/day + weekend mock exams

3) Use the right tools (official + exam-specific)

• Start with official sample exams
• Train under timed conditions (especially writing and speaking)
• Track mistakes and review corrections weekly

4) Work with a specialized Polish exam tutor (our experience)

In our exam-prep experience, candidates improve fastest when training focuses on:

• Task format mastery: knowing exactly what the exam wants
• Real-time corrections: fixing recurring grammar + structure patterns
• Mock exams: building speed, accuracy, and confidence
• Speaking structure: clear openings, points, examples, and conclusions

Speaking: the most common “surprise” difficulty

Speaking is often the hardest part—not because of vocabulary, but because candidates struggle with structure and timing. Confidence comes from repeated, exam-style practice.

Tips to boost oral fluency

• Join online Polish-speaking meetups (or conversation groups)
• Practice with a timer (train your pacing)
• Record yourself and note repeated errors
• Get feedback from native speakers or exam-focused tutors
• Don’t aim for perfection—aim for clarity and flow

Avoid these common mistakes

• Starting too late
• Ignoring weaker skills (often writing or speaking)
• Skipping mock exams
• Memorizing without understanding
• Not reviewing corrected work

Powodzenia!