What is Polish B1 Certification Exam?
The Polish B1 Certification Exam (Egzamin Certyfikatowy z Języka Polskiego jako Obcego) is the official state-standardized test used to prove your proficiency in the Polish language. Level B1 is considered “intermediate,” meaning you can communicate independently in most everyday situations.
What are the parts included in the exam?
The exam is a comprehensive test consisting of five main parts. It evaluates both your ability to understand input and your ability to produce the language yourself.
| Section | Focus |
| Listening Comprehension | Understanding spoken dialogues and announcements. |
| Accuracy / Grammar | Mastery of Polish cases, verb aspects, and syntax. |
| Reading Comprehension | Understanding written articles, emails, and instructions. |
| Writing | Composing short essays, formal letters, or descriptions. |
| Speaking | A face-to-face interview involving a description and a discussion. |
Why should you take lessons to prepare?
Polish is famously one of the most difficult languages to master, especially regarding grammar.7 Even if you speak Polish well in daily life, the exam is highly academic and structured.
1. Mastery of “The Cases”
The B1 exam heavily tests grammar accuracy. Preparation lessons help you navigate the complex system of noun and adjective endings (cases) that are often skipped in casual conversation.
2. Writing Structure
The writing portion requires you to follow specific formal formats. Lessons teach you the necessary opening/closing phrases and stylistic requirements that the examiners look for.
3. Strategic Exam Techniques
Professional teachers know the “traps” of the exam. They can provide you with mock tests and time-management strategies so you aren’t overwhelmed on the day of the test.
4. Feedback on Speaking
In a classroom or individual setting, you get immediate corrections on your pronunciation and syntax—mistakes that friends or colleagues might overlook but an examiner will penalize.8
Why should I apply for it?
For most foreigners living in Poland, the B1 certificate is more than just a personal achievement—it is a legal requirement for several life milestones:
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Permanent Residence & EU Residency: You must provide an official B1 certificate to apply for long-term EU residency or a permanent residence permit.
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Polish Citizenship: To become a Polish citizen, the B1 certificate is the minimum requirement to prove your integration into society.
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Career Opportunities: Many Polish employers and government institutions require this level of proficiency for roles that involve customer interaction or administrative work.
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University Admission: Some degree programs taught in Polish require at least a B1 or B2 level for entry.
Why should I take lessons to prepare?
Polish is famously one of the most difficult languages to master, especially regarding grammar. Even if you speak Polish well in daily life, the exam is highly academic and structured.
- Mastery of “The Cases”: The B1 exam heavily tests grammar accuracy. Preparation lessons help you navigate the complex system of noun and adjective endings (cases) that are often skipped in casual conversation.
- Writing Structure: The writing portion requires you to follow specific formal formats. Lessons teach you the necessary opening/closing phrases and stylistic requirements that the examiners look for.
- Strategic Exam Techniques: Professional teachers know the “traps” of the exam. They can provide you with mock tests and time-management strategies so you aren’t overwhelmed on the day of the test.
- Feedback on Speaking: In an online classroom or individual setting, you get immediate corrections on your pronunciation and syntax—mistakes that friends or colleagues might overlook but an examiner will penalize.
Learn more about our Polish certificate exam courses.