Use of ECL Language Certificates

 The ECL language certificate at levels A2, B1, B2, and C1 is recognized by numerous authorities, institutions, and universities as an official proof of general language competence. The required level and the validity period of an ECL certificate depend on the intended use and are usually determined by the respective recognition authority.

Due to the numerous and diverse institutions, the following list is not an exhaustive one but is continuously updated. We recommend checking with the respective institution in advance for the currently applicable requirements.

  • Visa Procedures and Migration

    Germany:

    • Federal Foreign Office: Recognition of the ECL certificate as proof of German language proficiency in visa procedures. (Visa Handbook)
    • Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF): Acceptance as an alternative to the “German Test for Immigrants.” (bamf.de)

      The language certificate should not be older than one year, especially for visa applications. (https://www.auswaertiges-amt.de/)

    Switzerland:

    • State Secretariat for Migration (SEM): ECL certificates are included in the list of recognized language certificates for residence and settlement permits as well as for naturalization procedures. (sem.admin.ch)

    Austria:

    • ECL certificates are NOT officially recognized for residence and settlement permits. (oesterreich.gv.at)
  • Labor Market

    Germany:

    Some examples of institutions that recognise ECL language certificates:

    Recognition of Professional Qualifications in Healthcare

    Skilled Workers Immigration Act and Professional Qualifications

    For more detailed information, click here:

    Hungary:

    • ECL exams are state-accredited and accepted by employers as proof of language proficiency.
  • University Recognition

    Germany:

    German universities generally do NOT accept the ECL certificate in German as official proof of language proficiency required for university studies.

    However, there are some exceptions where the certificate is accepted as general proof of language skills (e.g., for applying to certain programs or in non-academic contexts).

    • University of Kassel: The ECL German C1 certificate is accepted as a minimum requirement for applying for the DSH exam. (uni-kassel.de)
    • Deggendorf Institute of Technology (European Campus Rottal-Inn): (th-deg.de)

    For more detailed information, click here:

    Austria:

    • ECL certificates are NOT accepted as official proof of language proficiency for admission to German-language degree programs.

    Hungary:

    • ECL exams in English, Hungarian, and German are state-accredited and recognized by all universities.

    Romania:

    • Equivalent to the national high school language exam.

    Vietnam:

    • Replacement of mandatory language courses and final exams at vocational schools, but with limited acceptance for academic or professional purposes.
    • Preliminary verification by the respective institution or authority is recommended.



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