Estonian Language Level Exams: A2 to C1, Pass Marks and Dates

Estonia's state level exams in Estonian are for people whose first language isn't Estonian, including newcomers. You might need one for a job that asks for a set level of Estonian, or for a residence permit or citizenship. The Education and Youth Board, called Harno, runs them.

1. A2

   Basic user

   Writing, listening, reading and speaking are worth 20 points each, out of 80.

   • CEFR A2
   • Pass: 60%
2. B1

   Independent user

   Citizenship and long-term residence need at least B1. If you're 65 or older and applying for citizenship, you can skip the writing part.

   • CEFR B1
   • Pass: 60%
3. B2

   Independent user

   • CEFR B2
   • Pass: 60%
4. C1

   Proficient user

   • CEFR C1
   • Pass: 60%

From B1 up, each of the four parts is worth 25 points, out of 100. You pass with at least 60% of all the points, as long as no part scores 0.

The written part covers writing, listening and reading. The oral part is speaking, and you usually take it in pairs. Depending on how many people sign up, the two parts can fall on different days.

• A2
  • Writing30 min
  • Listening30 min
  • Reading50 min
  • Speaking15 min
• B1
  • Writing35 min
  • Listening30–35 min
  • Reading50 min
  • Speaking15 min
• B2
  • Writing80 min
  • Listening35–40 min
  • Reading70 min
  • Speaking20 min
• C1
  • Writing90 min
  • Listening45 min
  • Reading60 min
  • Speaking20 min

The exams run once a quarter in Tallinn, Tartu, Narva and Jõhvi. Pärnu also holds A2, B1 and B2 in March and September, when at least 12 people sign up. Exams start at 10:00.

The exam is free. Register online through the Estonian testing system, called EIS, if you have an Estonian personal ID code. Without one, you send a paper form. You can register for one exam at a time, and not for the next one until the last results are out. Results come within 40 days, and the certificate is electronic only. If you score under 45% or miss the exam without a good reason, you wait six months before trying again.

Before each exam, Harno holds a free consultation of up to four and a half hours. It explains the exam and lets you try the tasks, in person or online. If you're applying for citizenship and pass both the level exam and the citizenship exam, you can claim back what you paid for Estonian lessons, up to €384.

The listening and reading tasks use everyday Estonian, from short messages up to articles and talks at C1. You build that understanding by reading and listening to plenty of Estonian you mostly follow, which is called comprehensible input.

• 🎧Use Recordings With TranscriptsTwo or three times a week, pick a short Estonian recording that has a transcript, and read the transcript as it plays. If many words are new, switch to an easier one.
• 🧭Try an Online Level TestHarno links free online Estonian level tests. Take one before you register, so you choose the right exam.

Coffee Before the Meeting

💼

Hommikune kohv ja koosolek

Lv 3

Liis ja Martin kohtuvad hommikul kontori köögis.

Liis and Martin meet in the office kitchen in the morning.

Liis

Tere hommikust, Martin! Kas sa oled juba kohvi teinud?

Good morning, Martin! Have you made coffee yet?

Martin

Tere hommikust! Masin just lõpetas ja ma panin oma tassi valmis.

Good morning! The machine just finished and I've got my cup ready.

Liis

Väga hea, ma lähen kohe koosolekute tuppa ja võtan tassi kaasa.

Great, I'll head right to the meeting room and take a cup with me.

Martin

Kas sa jõuad enne koosolekut uut plaani natuke selgitada?

Could you explain the new plan a bit before the meeting?

Liis

Jah, muidugi, räägime sellest teel tuppa.

Yes, of course, let's talk about it on the way to the room.