The European Language Certificates

The Reading Comprehension covers three types of tasks: reading for gist, reading for detail, and selective reading.

The Language Elements part covers two tasks. In the first task, the candidates are required to accomplish a multiple-choice test choosing from three different alternatives. In the second task, the candidates are required to complete a text with ten words choosing from 15 words. The Language Elements tests grammatical accuracy and vocabulary as well.

The listening task comprises three types of tasks: Listening for gist, listening for detail, and selective listening.

The writing task consists of only one part. The candidate can choose from two situations and has to write a formal letter (letter of application, letter of complaint or letter of inquiry).

Each oral examination for TELC English (B2) normally takes place with two candidates. For each examination, there are two examiners. In exceptional cases, e.g. when there is an odd number of candidates at the examination centre, the candidates may be tested in three. The examination is intended to have the character of a conversation, not an interrogation. The main task of the examiners is to supervise the conversation. They are instructed to say as little as possible. For the purpose of the examination, it is more important for the candidate to have an active conversation with his/her partner. The candidate should respond to what his/her partner says without trying to dominate the conversation. Both candidates are expected to involve themselves in the conversation so as to produce an interesting dialogue on a variety of topics. It will have a positive effect on the candidate's mark if he/she tries to help his/her partner, should he/she at any time have problems trying to express what he/she would like to say. The oral examination lasts about 15 minutes with two candidates, 25 minutes with three candidates. Before the examination starts, the candidate has twenty minutes to prepare for the examination with the help of candidate sheets giving details of the tasks the candidate will have to complete. During this preparation time, the candidate is not allowed to communicate with his/her partner.

In this part of the examination, the candidates should present something briefly to their partner. They can choose from two topics. The presentation should not be longer than 90 seconds. It should only be interrupted if something is really not understood. After the presentation, the candidate has to answer the questions his/her partner asks. The same procedure applies to all candidates: presentation, questions and answers.

In this part of the examination, the candidates will have a discussion on a controversial topic. First, the candidates should say something about the text they have read during the preparation. The candidates have to present the arguments or points they think are interesting. In the discussion which follows, they will be expected to give their own opinion on the topic concerned. They have to make sure they have a discussion in which they express their points of view, they have to exchange arguments and respond to what their partner says.

In this part of the examination, the candidates will be given a task to carry out. The candidates will be given only the situation and will have to think of the details themselves. The candidates should think about all the points they wish to make, express their opinions, make suggestions and respond to what their partner says.

For Arabic, telc gGmbH offers exams at B1 CEFR level for learners with basic skills who can already communicate fairly well in everyday situations.

For English, telc gGmbH offers exams at all CEFR levels. In addition, at A2, A2-B1, B1 and B2 CEFR levels candidates can take a 'School' exam which is specially designed for pupils aged about 12 to 16. At A2-B2, B1, B1-B2, B2 and B2-C1 CEFR levels candidates can take 'Business' exams which are designed especially for learners who wish to prove their language competence in various everyday business situations. At B1 CEFR level, candidates can take a 'Hotel and restaurant' exam which is designed for learners who wish to prove their language competence in the hotel and restaurant fields. At B2 CEFR level candidates can take a 'Technical' exam which is designed for advanced learners in technical professions.

For French, telc gGmbH offers four levels (A1, A2, B1 and B2). In addition, at A2 CEFR level candidates can choose from TELC Français A2 (for learners after completing an average of 250 – 300 teaching units) or TELC Français A2 Ecole which is designed for school pupils aged about 12 to 16 (in classes 7 to 10). At B1 level TELC Français B1 there are two options for learners with basic skills who can already communicate fairly well in everyday situations or TELC Français B1 Ecole which is designed for school pupils aged about 14 to 17 (in classes 9 to 11).

For German, telc gGmbH tests for German can be taken at six different CEFR levels (A1, A2, B1, B2, C1 and C2). In Hungary, the TELC certificate in the German language is accredited.

For Italian, telc gGmbH offers CEFR language exams at four levels (A1, A2, B1, and B2).

For Portuguese, telc gGmbH offers language exam at B1 level.

For Russian, TELC language tests can be taken at four different levels (A1, A2, B1 and B2).

For Spanish, telc gGmbH offers exams at four CEFR levels (A1, A2, B1 and B2). At A2 level candidates can choose from TELC Español A2 (for learners after completing an average of 250 – 300 teaching units) or TELC Español A2 Escuela which is designed for school pupils aged about 12 to 16 (in classes 7 to 10). At B1 level there are two options i.e. TELC Español B1 (for learners with basic skills who can already communicate fairly well in everyday situations) or TELC Español B1 Escuela which is designed for school pupils aged about 14 to 17 (in classes 9 to 11). At B2 level candidates can take TELC Español B2 (for advanced learners who can clearly and explicitly express themselves) or TELC Español B2 Escuela which is designed for advanced school pupils aged about 17 to 19 (in classes 12 to 13).

For Turkish, telc gGmbH offers exams at five different levels (A1, A2, B1, B2 and C1). In addition, at A2 CEFR level candidates can choose from TELC Türkçe A2 which is designed for learners after completing an average of 250 – 300 teaching units or TELC Türkçe A2 Okul which is designed for school pupils who can communicate simply in everyday situations. At B1 level candidates can choose from TELC Türkçe B1 (for learners with basic skills who can already communicate fairly well in everyday situations) or from TELC Türkçe B1 Okul which is designed for school pupils aged about 12 to 15 (classes 7 to 10). At B2 level there are two options i.e. TELC Türkçe B2 (for advanced learners who can clearly and explicitly express themselves) or TELC Türkçe B2 Okul which is designed for more advanced school pupils aged about 15 to 19 (in classes 10 to 13).

On 13 October 2018, the Budapest-based Tudományos Ismeretterjesztő Társulat announced the cessation of their partnership with TELC. The last exam would be held in February 2019.[2] However, it was also announced that the TELC will continue its operation in Hungary.[3]