TELC exam - The European languages certificates

Is your dream job abroad? Do you want to study at a foreign university? Need official proof of your foreign language skills? Berlitz offers several official TELC examination dates as well as TELC preparation courses.

With a TELC certificate you prove your achievements in a foreign language. Berlitz gives you the opportunity to take a TELC exam in one of our centrally located centers.

TELC languages: English, German, Turkish, Spanish, French, Italian, Portuguese, Russian, Polish, Arabic

The benefits of preparing for and undertaking a TELC exam with Berlitz:

  • TELC certificates are recognized all over Europe (TELC issues more than 100’000 certificates per year)
  • All exams are aligned to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages
  • Language skills are tested in authentic situations. These come from all areas of daily life, at home and at work.
  • Focused preparation and special course materials ‍
  • Suitable for every application:‍ resident permits, settlement permits, early settlement permit, naturalization (since January 2019, all non-Swiss nationals must prove proficiency in the language spoken in the desired place of residence when applying for a residence or settlement permit.)

Which TELC test is the right one for me?

Before you decide on an exam, we assess your current level with an oral test at the Berlitz Center to help you locate the test that is best suited to your goals and language skills. Once we have determined the best exam for you, we prepare you for it in flexible and efficient individual lessons. You then quickly acquire the necessary skills and background knowledge that you need for effective exam preparation.

Telc Registration form Berlitz Center Zurich
TELC Testing dates Berlitz Center Lausanne

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A1

Level A1 corresponds to the first level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages ​​(CEFR).

When you reach this level, you should be able to:

  • Understand simple basic sentences to meet the needs of everyday life
  • Introduce yourself, introduce someone and ask and answer basic questions
  • Interact with others if they speak slowly and clearly

The written part of the TELC exam on the level A1 takes 85 minutes and tests your reading and listening comprehension and your writing skills. The oral part takes 15 minutes and is organized with up to 3 other candidates. You will be provided with the exact schedule of your oral examination in a separate email.

A2

Level A2 corresponds to the second level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages ​​(CEFR).

When you reach this level, you should be able to:

  • Understand commonly used phrases and phrases related to simple and common themes (eg at work, shopping etc.)
  • Communicating in everyday situations requiring only a reduced exchange of information.
  • Describe in simple terms your immediate environment, activities, familiar topics or immediate needs

The written part of the TELC exam on the level A2 takes 90 minutes and tests your reading, listening and your writing skills. The oral part takes 15 minutes and is usually organized with 2 candidates. You will be provided with the schedule of your oral examination in a separate email.

B1

Level B1 corresponds to the third level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages ​​(CEFR).

When you reach this level, you should be able to:

  • Understand the essential points of a usual conversation that you have with your family, at work, at school, in your hobbies, etc.
  • Do things in most everyday situations
  • Produce a simple and coherent speech on topics familiar or of personal interest
  • Describe experiences, events and give your opinion on specific topics.

The written part of the TELC exam on the level B1 takes 170 minutes (break included) and tests your reading, listening and your writing skills. The oral part takes 15 minutes (plus 20 minutes preparation time) and is usually organized with 2 candidates. You will be provided with the schedule of your oral examination in a separate email.

B2

Level B2 corresponds to the fourth level on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages ​​(CEFR).

When you reach this level, you should be able to:

  • Understand the main ideas of complex text on concrete and abstract topics, including technical discussions in your areas of specialization.
  • Ability to interact with a high level of fluency and spontaneity, so as to make any interaction with a native speaker pleasant and without constraint.
  • Produce a clear and detailed speech on a wide range of topics and explain your point of view on current issues by presenting your personal opinion.

The written part of the TELC exam on the level B2 takes 160 minutes (break included) and tests your reading, listening and your writing skills. The oral part takes 15 minutes (plus 20 minutes preparation time) and is usually organized with 2 candidates. You will be provided with the schedule of your oral examination in a separate email.

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