Turkish has two official exams for learners. The TYS (Türkçe Yeterlik Sınavı) comes from the Yunus Emre Institute, and the e-YDTS comes from ÖSYM, the state body that runs Türkiye's national exams. Both give certificates at B2 and higher only, so they're for learners who already use Turkish well.
Bubblegum is a language app that writes Turkish lessons at your level. If a long word is hard to follow, you can ask Poppy, your AI tutor, to explain its endings.
Which Levels Do TYS and e-YDTS Certify?
Everyone takes the same exam, and your score decides whether you get a B2 or higher certificate, or none.
- TYS
Yunus Emre Institute
- B2 or C1
- 100 points
- About 3 hours
- Paper
- e-YDTS
ÖSYM
- B2, C1 or C2
- 100 points
- 3 hours 5 to 15 minutes
- Computer
The TYS stopped giving C2 certificates in January 2022. Its score bands for B2 and C1 are set again after each exam, so there's no fixed pass mark to aim for.
What Is on the Test?
Both exams have four sections worth 25 points each.
| Section | TYS | e-YDTS |
|---|---|---|
| Reading | 40 questions, 60 min | 60 min |
| Listening | 30 questions, 45 min | 30–35 min |
| Writing | 2 tasks, 60 min | 85 min |
| Speaking | 15 min | 10–15 min |
A TYS certificate is valid for two years. ÖSYM recommends the same two years for the e-YDTS, and the place you apply to makes the final call.
Where and When Can You Take Them?
The TYS runs three times a year at Yunus Emre Institute centers abroad and in Ankara. In 2026 the dates were February 1, May 17 and September 27, so check the TYS dates page for the next ones. The fee depends on the country: 160 US dollars in the United States, 140 euros in Germany and 800 lira in Türkiye.
The e-YDTS runs on computers at ÖSYM centers in Adana, Ankara, İstanbul and İzmir. In 2026 it was held on May 9 and September 19, and the fee was 1,000 lira.
How to Prepare with Comprehensible Input
The TYS listening part has 30 questions in 45 minutes, so you need to follow long stretches of spoken Turkish. Lots of comprehensible input, Turkish you can follow without help, trains you for that.
- Check You're ReadyIf an everyday Turkish news story still feels hard, keep reading for a while before you book.
- Listen for LongerWork up to 10 or 15 minutes of Turkish audio at a time, on topics you know, so 45 minutes of listening doesn't tire you out.
- Try the TYS SampleThe Yunus Emre Institute shares a sample paper with listening audio. Work through every section with a timer.
This lesson is about greetings and café chats in Turkish. It comes in six levels, so start low and move up until the Turkish gets hard, then read that level twice.
Turkish Greetings at Six Levels
From Bubblegum’s guide Turkish Greetings and Cafe Conversations. It works here the way it works inside Bubblegum.
I follow conversations on familiar topics.
Ferry Trip in Istanbul
Can and Deniz are planning a ferry trip for the weekend.
I wonder what the weather will be like this weekend? Did you check the weather forecast on the internet?
I already checked, it looks like the weather will be sunny on Saturday. My mom said that the weather will be very nice this weekend.
Great! Then we should buy the tickets in advance. We can arrive early in front of the pier and find a nice spot.
There's nothing quite like watching Istanbul while drinking tea on the ferry. We'll set off from Karaköy and go all the way to the Islands.
That's a very nice idea. Just make sure not to forget to bring your sunglasses.
Don't worry, I've prepared everything. I hope the weekend comes right away!
Frequently Asked Questions About Turkish Exams
Is YDS a Turkish exam for foreigners?
No. YDS tests other languages, such as English, German and Arabic. For Turkish itself, ÖSYM runs the e-YDTS.
Do Turkish universities accept the e-YDTS?
Türkiye's Council of Higher Education has recommended it to universities, along with other exams, for international students. Ask your university which result it wants.
Is Bubblegum free?
Yes. The lesson library is free for everyone, because we believe everyone should be able to learn. It holds lessons that other learners asked Poppy for. A new custom lesson costs us real money to make, so your first one is free, and Bubblegum Pro gives you unlimited custom lessons.
Sources
- Yunus Emre Enstitüsü: Türkçe Yeterlik Sınavı (TYS) home (sections, points, minutes, where it is held)
- Yunus Emre Enstitüsü: TYS frequently asked questions (validity, three exams a year, score bands; updated 13 October 2026)
- Yunus Emre Enstitüsü: TYS certificate (B2 and C1 only since January 2022)
- Yunus Emre Enstitüsü: TYS exam dates
- Yunus Emre Enstitüsü: TYS fees by country
- Yunus Emre Enstitüsü: TYS sample paper
- ÖSYM: 2026 e-YDTS guide (levels, sections, centres, dates, fee, validity)
- ÖSYM: 2026 YDS application guide (YDS tests other languages, not Turkish)
