The European Language Certificates


The European Language Certificates, or telc language tests, are international standardised tests of ten languages. telc GmbH is a language test provider based in Frankfurt am Main. The non-profit company is a subsidiary of the German Adult Education Association. telc GmbH offers more than 70 certificates, including general language and vocational examinations and tests for students. All telc language examinations correspond to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, which was published in 2001 by the Council of Europe,to cover the skills of listening, reading, speaking and writing. Telc language tests can be taken in English, German, Turkish, Spanish, French, Italian, Portuguese, Russian, Polish, and Arabic. The nonprofit telc GmbH is a full member of the Association of Language Testers in Europe. telc language exams can be taken in over 3,000 test centers in 20 countries, including community colleges and private language schools. Under the label "telc Training", telc also offers training for teachers and staff in the area of languages.

History

The European Language Certificates - today telc examinations, formerly VHS Certificate - arose in 1968 when a team of language experts to Robert Nowacek first developed as a standardized language test for the German Adult Education Association – the VHS Certificate in English. Over the years, tests followed in other European languages. 1995 the Examination Centre of DVV became a member of the Association of Language Testers in Europe. The main objective of this association of Language Testers from over 20 European countries is the quality assurance of language exams. In 1998 the examination Centre of DVV became WBT, eight years later it was renamed telc GmbH.

German test for Immigrants / German test for Austria

On behalf of the Federal Ministry of the Interior, telc GmbH in cooperation with Goethe-Institute developed the German test for immigrants from 2006 to 2009. The test is taken to complete the integration courses and the result, if successful, entails a settlement permit in Germany. Also, naturalization may be requested with proof of the successful completion of the German test for immigrants. After the development, telc GmbH received the commission by the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees to carry out and further develop the DTZ.
In 2011, telc GmbH developed the German Test for Austria on behalf of the Austrian Integration Fund, which was founded by the Austrian Federal Ministry of the Interior. It is a version of the German test for immigrants A2-B1revised for Austria. Since 1 July 2011, the proof of German language skills at level B1 of the Common European Framework of Reference is required also in Austria for obtaining citizenship.

Recognition

In Germany telc GmbH partners with the federal government for the language examination at the end of the integration courses for immigrants. Individuals who wish to apply for German citizenship can document the necessary language skills with a telc certificate. When it comes to residence permits, all German-speaking countries recognise telc certificates.
In the context of subsequent immigration of a spouse to Germany, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs recognises the exam “Start German 1 / telc German A1” as a requirement for a visa concerning the subsequent immigration of a spouse. In Poland, telc certificates are recognised as proof of language proficiency for a career in the civil service. In Hungary, the government-accredited telc examinations are a requirement for higher education qualifications. In Switzerland, depending on the canton, the required language skills for naturalization or acquisition into the Public Service can be proven with telc certificates.
Also, the Turkish Higher Education Council officially recognized the German exams by telc - language tests. The recognition by the supreme state control committee of Turkish universities is valid for all German exams by telc GmbH on the competency levels B2, B2 +, and C1 of the Common European Framework of Europe. In the course of this recognition, the tests were incorporated into the official equivalence table of the University Council. Thus telc examinations can be used and recognized by all Turkish universities and institutions of higher education and employed for the recruitment of lecturers, for students who wish to study a master's degree and doctoral candidates who must demonstrate their language skills.
Universities in Spain recognise telc certificates as proof of foreign language skills. The certificate telc Deutsch C1 Hochschule is officially recognised and accepted by the members of the German Rectors' and Cultural Ministers’ Conference as proof of language skills for admission to German universities. Also, many universities in Austria and Switzerland accept telc Certificates. Germany, in particular, makes use of the telc language certificates for physicians and nursing staff in the context of professional recognition. telc English C1 certificates are used in Germany for proof of language skills for primary school teachers. The telc entrance examination provides access to university studies for qualified candidates.

Exam Implementation

telc examinations can be taken worldwide at more than 3,000 testing centres, including adult education centres and private language schools. Exam dates can be set independently by each examination centre as well as the examination prices can vary from the test centre to test centre. Test results are available after four to six weeks. telc certificates are valid for an unlimited period.

Telc characteristics

Telc language tests incorporate the following features:
All candidates must complete four modules to obtain a score.

Written Examination

Reading Comprehension

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

Language elements

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.

Listening

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

Writing

The writing task consists of only one part. The candidate can choose from two situations and has to write a formal letter.

Oral Examination

Each oral examination for telc English 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.

Presentation

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.

Discussion

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.

Task

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.

Duration

Points

Languages

Arabic

telc - language tests offers Arabic language exam at B1 CEFR level for learners with basic skills who can already communicate fairly well in everyday situations.

English

telc - language tests offers English language 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.

French

There are four levels in French. In addition, at A2 CEFR level candidates can choose from TELC Français A2 or TELC Français A2 Ecole which is designed for school pupils aged about 12 to 16. 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 .

German

telc - language tests can be taken at six different CEFR levels. In Hungary, the telc certificate in the German language is accredited.

Italian

telc offers Italian language CEFR language exams at four levels.

Portuguese

In Portuguese telc - language tests offers language exam at B1 level.

Russian

In Russian telc - language tests can be taken at four different levels.

Spanish

telc - language tests offers Spanish language exam at four CEFR levels. At A2 level candidates can choose from TELC Español A2 or telc Español A2 Escuela which is designed for school pupils aged about 12 to 16. At B1 level there are two options i.e. telc Español B1 or telc Español B1 Escuela which is designed for school pupils aged about 14 to 17. At B2 level candidates can take telc Español B2 or telc Español B2 Escuela which is designed for advanced school pupils aged about 17 to 19.

Turkish

In Turkish language telc - language tests offers exams at five different levels. 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 telcTürkçe B1 or from telc Türkçe B1 Okul which is designed for school pupils aged about 12 to 15. At B2 level there are two options i.e. telc Türkçe B2 or telc Türkçe B2 Okul which is designed for more advanced school pupils aged about 15 to 19.

TELC centres

Hungary

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.
However, it was also announced that the TELC will continue its operation in Hungary.