The Common European Framework(CEFR) divides learners into three broad divisions that can be divided into six levels
A1 = Beginners
A2 = Elementary
B1 = Intermediate
B2 = Upper intermediate
C1 = Advanced
C2 = Proficiency
For each level, it describes what a learner should be able to do in each skill area: reading, listening, speaking and writing.
А1 – Beginners
Can understand and use familiar everyday expressions and very basic phrases aimed at the satisfaction of needs of a concrete type. Can introduce himself/herself and others and can ask and answer questions about personal details such as where he/she lives, people he/she knows and things he/she has. Can interact in a simple way provided the other person talks slowly and clearly and is willing to help.
A2 – Elementary
Can understand sentences and frequently used expressions related to the areas of most immediate relevance (e.g. very basic personal and family information, shopping, local geography, employment). Can communicate in simple and routine tasks requiring a simple and direct exchange of information on familiar and routine matters. Can describe in simple terms aspects of his/her background, immediate environment and matters in the areas of immediate need.
B1 – Intermediate
Can understand the main points of clear standard input on familiar matters regularly encountered at work, school or during his/her free time, etc. Can deal with most situations likely to arise while travelling in an area where the language is spoken. Can produce simple coherent texts on topics which are familiar or of personal interest. Can describe experiences and events as well as dreams, hopes and ambitions. Can briefly give reasons and explanations for opinions and plans.
B2 – Upper intermediate
Can understand the main ideas of a complex text on both concrete and abstract topics, including technical discussions related to his/her field of specialisation. Can interact with a degree of fluency and spontaneity that makes regular interaction with native speakers quite possible without strain for either party. Can produce clear, detailed texts on a wide range of subjects and explain his/her viewpoint on a topical issue giving the advantages and disadvantages of various options.
C1 – Advanced
Can understand a wide range of demanding, longer texts, and recognise implicit meaning. Can express himself/herself fluently and spontaneously without much obvious searching for expressions. Can use language flexibly and effectively for social, academic and professional purposes. Can produce clear, well-structured, detailed texts on complex subjects, showing controlled use of organisational patterns, connectors and cohesive devices.
C2 – Proficiency
Can understand with ease virtually everything heard or read. Can summarise information from different spoken and written sources, reconstructing arguments and accounts in a coherent presentation. Can express himself/herself spontaneously, very fluently and precisely, differentiating finer shades of meaning even in more complex situations.
How Can You Check Your Language Level?
Understanding a language and communicating comfortably in everyday situations do not always mean that you have formally reached a particular CEFR level.
Review the CEFR descriptions
Compare your reading, listening, speaking and writing skills with the descriptions for levels A1–C2 presented above.
Use a test as an initial guide
An online placement test may give you a general indication of your grammar and vocabulary, but it does not officially confirm your language level.
Take an official examination
If you need a recognised document confirming your Polish language proficiency, check which certificate is accepted for your specific administrative or educational purpose.
Important: conversational fluency and an officially confirmed CEFR level are not the same. A certificate is issued only after completing an appropriate recognised examination.
Do You Need to Confirm B1 or B2 Polish?
The required level and type of certificate depend on the purpose for which you need to demonstrate your knowledge of Polish.
TELC B1 for EU Long-Term Resident Status
A TELC Polish language certificate at level B1 or higher is accepted as proof of Polish language proficiency when applying for EU long-term resident status in Poland.
TELC B2 for University Admission
A TELC B2 Polish language certificate can be used to confirm language proficiency when applying for degree programmes taught in Polish. Always check the requirements of your chosen university.
One Examination. A B1 or B2 Certificate.
Smart Vision School is a licensed TELC examination centre in Warsaw specialising in the TELC Polish B1·B2 examination.
TELC Polish B1·B2 is a dual-level examination. All candidates take the same exam, and the final result determines whether a B1 or B2 certificate is awarded.
Written and oral examination
The exam assesses reading, listening, language elements, writing and speaking. The written and oral parts normally take place on the same day.
Oral examination in pairs
Candidates receive 20 minutes to prepare. The oral examination takes approximately 16 minutes and is normally conducted in pairs.
Digital certificate
Results and the certificate are normally available within 6–8 weeks. TELC certificates are issued digitally as PDF files.
Important: a TELC certificate is not accepted for every administrative procedure. It is not the appropriate certificate for Polish citizenship, admission to a post-secondary school (szkoła policealna), or certain procedures involving medical and nursing professional chambers.
Not Sure Whether You Are Ready for B1 or B2?
Smart Vision School offers a focused preparation course for candidates who want to become familiar with the TELC Polish B1·B2 format, task types and assessment criteria.
The course is designed specifically around the examination format. It is not a general Polish language course.
Preparation focuses on:
- Understanding the structure of the TELC B1·B2 exam
- Practising the main task types
- Preparing for the written email task
- Understanding the oral examination format
- Learning how the B1 and B2 results are assessed
Frequently Asked Questions About Language Levels
What do A1, A2, B1, B2, C1 and C2 mean?
These are the six language proficiency levels defined by the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. A1 is the first basic level, while C2 represents the highest level of language proficiency.
Is B1 an independent language level?
Yes. At B1 level, a person can usually manage most familiar situations, understand the main points of clear standard language and communicate about everyday experiences, plans and opinions.
What can a person with B2 language proficiency do?
A person at B2 level can understand the main ideas of more complex texts, communicate with a good degree of fluency and produce clear, detailed spoken and written statements on a wide range of topics.
Is conversational Polish the same as B1 or B2?
Not necessarily. A person may communicate confidently in familiar situations but still have gaps in reading, writing, grammar or listening. A formal examination assesses several language skills, not only everyday conversation.
How can I officially confirm my Polish language level?
You need to pass an examination that results in a recognised language certificate. Before registering, check which examination and certificate are accepted by the authority, university or institution to which you will submit the document.
Is TELC B1 accepted for EU long-term resident status?
Yes. A TELC certificate in Polish at level B1 or higher is one of the documents accepted as proof of Polish language proficiency when applying for EU long-term resident status in Poland.
Is TELC B2 accepted for university admission in Poland?
A TELC B2 Polish certificate can be used to confirm language proficiency when applying for degree programmes taught in Polish. Candidates should always verify the current document requirements directly with their chosen university.
Do I choose B1 or B2 when registering for the TELC exam?
No. In the registration form, select TELC Polish B1·B2. It is one dual-level examination. Depending on your result, you may receive a B1 or B2 certificate.