Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

The ECL (European Consortium for the Certificate of Attainment in Modern Languages) exam is a standardized language proficiency test that assesses candidates’ abilities in reading, writing, listening and speaking across various languages. It is designed to evaluate communication skills in real-life situations. 

Which languages are available for the ECL exam? 

ECL offers exams in 15 languages: Bulgarian, Czech, Croatian, English, French, German, Hebrew, Hungarian, Italian, Polish, Romanian, Russian, Serbian, Slovakian, and Spanish. However, availability varies based on the time and location of exams. 

What levels are tested in the ECL exam? 

The ECL exams align with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) and they are available at four levels:

• A2 (Waystage)
• B1 (Threshold)
• B2 (Vantage)
• C1 (Effective operational proficiency)

Who can take the ECL exam? 

Individuals turning 14 in the year of application are eligible to register for ECL language exams.  

Can I take an ECL exam if I don’t meet the requirements (e.g. candidates below the recommended age)? 

According to Hungarian accreditation regulations, candidates must be at least 14 years old in the year of their application to register for the ECL exam. 

When and where can I take ECL exams? 

ECL exams are administered at various examination sites internationally. Exam dates and availability vary by language and location. You can find examination dates and sites here: 

Examination Dates 

Examinations Sites and Locations 

Are ECL language certificates internationally recognized? 

Yes, ECL certificates are recognized internationally. The ECL exam has received the ALTE Q-Mark in German and Hungarian as a foreign language, ensuring high standards of reliability, fairness, and validity. The recognition primarily applies to German language exams, as various authorities and institutions in Germany, Hungary, Switzerland, Romania, and Vietnam accept the ECL certificate as proof of general German language proficiency. 

 In Hungary, ECL exams in English, Hungarian, and German are officially accredited by the state. All other ECL language exams can be recognized through a nostrification procedure conducted by the Hungarian Educational Authority. In Romania, ECL exams in English, German, French, Italian, Spanish, and Russian are recognized as equivalent to the national Baccalaureate exam. 

 However, recognition of ECL language certificates may vary depending on institutional or country-specific regulations. Therefore, it is advisable to consult the relevant authorities (e.g., embassies, workplaces, universities) to confirm if they accept ECL certificates. 

For what purposes are ECL certificates used for?  

The ECL certificate is a general language proficiency test and is widely recognized in different contexts. 

Academic:  

In Hungary, universities such as the University of Pécs grant extra admission points to students who attain accredited language certificates, including the ECL certificate. 

In Romania, ECL exams in English, German, French, Italian, Spanish, and Russian are officially recognized as equivalent to the language component of the national Baccalaureate exam. 

In Vietnam, the ECL certificate can substitute compulsory language lessons and final exams at vocational schools. 

In Germany and Austria, ECL certificates are generally not accepted by universities. It is therefore highly recommended to verify in advance whether the certificate is recognized. 

Employment: 

Employers in different countries recognize the ECL certificate as proof of general language proficiency for job applications and career advancement. The ECL certificate in German is, for example, accepted by the Central Office for Skilled Worker Immigration of North Rhine-Westphalia (ZFE NRW), as well as the Regional Administrative Authorities of Darmstadt and Stuttgart. 

Immigration and Legal Procedures: 

In Germany, ECL certificates for German language exams have been accepted for visa purposes by the Federal Foreign Office since April 2021, and German embassies recognize it as proof of general German language proficiency. The Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF) recognizes ECL certificates in German as proof of general language proficiency. 

In Switzerland, ECL certificates in German at levels B1 and B2 are accepted by the State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) for residence permits, settlement permits, and naturalization. 

Austria does not accept ECL certificates in German for immigration purposes. 

Since recognition varies by country and institution, it is always recommended to verify specific requirements with the relevant authorities in advance. 

How long are ECL certificates valid?

ECL certificates do not have an expiration date; however, some institutions or employers may have their own policies regarding the validity period of language proficiency certificates. Embassies usually accept only certificates that are not older than one year.

The ECL exam assesses four language skills: reading comprehension, written communication, listening comprehension, and oral communication. These skills are evaluated through tasks that reflect real-life communication scenarios. 

Can I prepare for the ECL exam on my own? 

Yes, candidates can prepare independently for the ECL exam. The official ECL website provides online test samples and advice to assist in self-preparation. 

Does ECL offer exam preparation courses? 

The ECL examination system does not directly offer preparation courses. However, various language schools and institutions may provide courses tailored to the ECL exam. Candidates should consult local language schools for available preparation courses. 

What are the different sections on an ECL exam? 

The ECL exam has a clear structure with four separate sections each featuring two tasks. A complex exam consists of two sections: a written exam and an oral exam. Each section assesses candidates on two skills: reading and writing (the written section) and listening and speaking (the oral section). Candidates are required to complete two tasks for each skill.  

What types of tasks are included in each section? 

While specific task types may vary by language and level, the ECL exam generally includes the following: 

How much time do I have to complete the exam? 

The duration of each section varies by level: 

For the oral communication section, time may vary based on the number of candidates.  

Are there any practice tests available? 

Yes, sample tests for different languages and levels are available on the ECL website. These can be used to familiarize yourself with the exam format and the types of tasks you will encounter during the examination. 

How is my exam evaluated? 

For each skill two assessors evaluate your performance independently. A maximum of 25 points may be given for each of the four language skills assessed – reading, writing, listening and speaking. 

How much do I need to score to pass the exam? 

To pass the complex exam, you must achieve at least 40% in each skill (reading, writing, listening, and speaking) and have an overall average score of 60% across all four skills. 

To pass the partial exam (only written or oral), you must score at least 40% in each skill (reading and writing for the written exam; listening and speaking for the oral exam) and have an overall average of 60% for their combined score. 

Can I see the criteria for evaluation? 

Yes, information about the exam assessment is available on the ECL website. For each skill candidates can score a maximum of 25 points. A detailed description about the criteria for assessing writing and speaking can also be accessed on the ECL website.  

Will I need to take all four sections, or can I focus on one skill? 

The ECL exam is designed to assess four skills – reading, writing, listening, and speaking. You can either take a complex exam to assess all four skills, or you can take a partial exam and only do the written part (reading and writing) or oral part (listening and speaking). Focusing solely on one skill is not possible. 

How is the speaking part conducted? 

During the ECL language exam, candidates take thee oral communication exam in pairs. After a brief warm-up conversation, they engage in a guided discussion with each other on a given topic. For the monologue, each candidate must speak individually based on a picture montage. If there is an odd number of candidates, one candidate may take the oral communication exam alone or in a group of three. 

Can I take the speaking part with a friend? 

During online registration for the exam, candidates have the opportunity to select a partner for the oral communication exam. If they do not specify a partner, one will be randomly assigned to them. 

Do I have time to prepare for the speaking exam after my topics are selected? 

No, there is no preparation time before the speaking exam. Candidates may take a couple of seconds to think their responses over, but no time is given for taking notes.

Candidates can apply for the exam online. The registration period can be found on the ECL website, where the online registration form (apply) is also available.  

I missed the registration day. Can I register for the exam after the deadline? 

Please contact your examination site. You may still apply 1–2 days after the deadline for an extra late registration fee. The deadline for late registration is announced by the International ECL Examination Centre via email to the examination sites. 

What documents do I need to register? 

For the online application, you do not need to upload any personal documents – this is only optional. However, on the day of the exam, candidates must present official identification document (such as a passport or identity card) to verify their identities. 

Please ensure that your personal details exactly match how they appear on your official documents that you use when registering. 

How much does the ECL exam cost? 

Examination fees are established by ECL examination sites individually. Therefore, candidates must inquire into current examination fees at their local examination sites in their respective countries. 

How do I pay the exam fee? 

The payment of the exam may vary according to examination sites. For an online application, you will receive information about possible payment methods. The exam fee may be directly paid to the provided bank account or completed by bank transfer. The confirmation of the payment must be submitted to the examination site in person or via e-mail. 

Can I register for an exam in multiple languages and/or levels? 

It is possible to apply for exams in different languages and at different levels within the same examination period. However, for administrative reasons, candidates cannot apply for multiple languages at the same level. 

Can changes to my personal information be made after I have registered? 

Yes. If incorrect data is detected, please inform the examination site in writing (electronically) as soon as possible so the changes can be updated in the database. 

Can I reschedule or cancel my registration? 

You may request to postpone an exam for a fee if you are unable to take it for justified reasons. To do so, you must submit a postponement request form to your local examination site. If the request is approved by the local exam site, the exam can be postponed to the next available exam date. However, a rescheduled exam cannot be postponed again. 

Is the exam fee refundable? 

The exam fee is non-refundable. If a candidate does not appear for the exam and has not postponed it, the exam fee will be lost and it cannot be used for another examination period. To take the exam at a later date, the candidate must reapply and pay the exam fee again. 

However, if a candidate is unable to take the exam due to an emergency, the examination site may refund 40% of the exam fee after reviewing the candidate’s written request and making a decision based on the circumstances.

Each registered candidate must bring a valid photo ID (e.g., passport or national ID) and the exam schedule they received via email before the exam. Additionally, candidates must bring at least two blue or black ballpoint pens. A printed monolingual or bilingual dictionary may also be brought for use during the written communication section of the exam. 

When should I arrive at the exam location? 

Please arrive at the exam location at least 30 minutes before the start of your exam. 

Can I bring my phone or other electronic devices? 

No, electronic devices (e.g. smart phones, earbuds, smart watches, etc.) are not allowed into the examination rooms. Notebooks, books, printed or handwritten materials and thematic dictionaries are not permitted. Staff at local exam sites are permitted to use metal detectors when candidates enter the examination room after presenting ID documentation to ensure that none of these devices are brought into examination rooms.  

What happens if I’m late for the exam? 

If a candidate arrives when the instructions are being given during the reading comprehension section, the candidate may enter the examination room, but no extra time can be provided for late arrivals. Candidates are not permitted to enter the examination room if they arrive during the listening comprehension section once the recording has begun. 

Can I use a dictionary during the exam? 

A monolingual or a bilingual dictionary may only be used during the written communication section. Dictionaries or other types of assistance are not permitted during the reading comprehension, listening comprehension and oral communication sections. Thematic dictionaries are not allowed.  

Can I take notes during the exam? 

Yes, notes can be taken during the exam, but only in the test booklets. Notebooks and handwritten or printed notes are not allowed in the exam rooms. 

Will there be breaks between sections? 

The written part of the exam (reading comprehension, written communication) starts at a synchronized time at all examination sites, and there is not a break between these two sections. The listening comprehension is administered after a short break following the reading and writing sections on the same day. The oral communication exam takes place based on a schedule set by local examination sites either on the same day as the other sections or within two weeks.  

Can I leave the room during the exam? 

Candidates are allowed to leave the exam room only in case of health issues or if they need to use the restroom. In such cases, they must be accompanied by a supervisor, and no extra time is granted. During the listening comprehension section, candidates are not permitted to enter or leave the exam room. Leaving is only allowed in case of an emergency. 

Can I bring food or drinks to the exam? 

Food is usually not allowed in the exam room (only in justified cases), but candidates can bring drinking water with them. 

What should I do if I feel unwell on the exam day? 

In such cases, please notify your local exam site. You must submit a Postponement Request, provide a detailed explanation of your reasons, and include supporting documents (e.g., a doctor’s note or medical records). Personal or family reasons may also be considered. The final decision on acceptance of the request is made by the examination site. 

There were problems during the exam (e.g. technical issues during listening comprehension). What can I do? 

In case of a disturbing event occurring, a written report has to be completed right after the section in question. The report must be submitted to the head of the examination site or another representative immediately after the exam.
 

The examination results will be announced no later than 30 days after the written exam. 

How can I collect my certificate after passing the exam? 

Language exam certificates are sent from the International ECL Examination Centre to the examination sites where the exams were taken. The certificates are then distributed directly to candidates by the staff at the examination sites. Certificates must be collected in person, and candidates are required to sign a document confirming receipt. 

What should I do if my ECL certificate gets lost or damaged? 

If an ECL certificate is destroyed or lost, the International ECL Examination Centre can issue a duplicate certificate for a fee. Applications for duplicate certificates must be submitted to the examination site where the exam took place, and a receipt of payment must be attached. Click HERE for the request form. 

What should I do if there is a mistake on my certificate (e.g. incorrect spelling, date of birth, etc.)? 

If the certificate contains erroneous data, the International ECL Examination Centre can issue a new certificate or an official verification depending on the nature of the error and the candidate’s request. The cost of the duplicate is covered by the party responsible for providing the incorrect information. Click HERE for the request form. 

Can I request a new certificate if my name has changed? 

If the candidate’s name was changed, upon the request of the candidate the International ECL Examination Centre can issue a new certificate or an official verification. The cost of the duplicate is paid by the candidate. Click HERE for the request form. 

Can I retake the ECL exam if I fail? 

Yes. You can register for the next available exam session and retake the exam. There are no limits on the number of retakes; however, the exam fee must be paid for each attempt. 

Do I have to retake the whole exam if I fail one section? 

You can receive a certificate for either a complex exam (both oral and written) or a partial exam (only oral or written). 

If you take a complex exam and fail one part (written or oral), you will receive a certificate for the section you passed and only need to retake the part you failed. For example, if you pass the oral exam but fail the written exam, you will get a certificate for the oral exam and only need to retake the written exam next time. 

The written exam consists of reading and writing, while the oral exam consists of listening and speaking. To pass a section, candidates must achieve at least 40% in each skill (reading and writing for the written exam; listening and speaking for the oral exam) and have an overall average of 60% for their combined score. 

In case I fail the exam, can I have a re-evaluation? 

Candidates may request a review (to double check their results) or re-evaluation (to re-evaluate their results by a third assessor) within 15 days after the results are published, and the Request for Review/Re-evaluation form must be submitted to the local examination site in this timeframe. The review is free of charge, but the re-evaluation is subject to additional fees. For more details click HERE.

Candidates with special needs may take the exam with a special arrangement for testing accommodations, provided they request this service in writing at their respective examination site. The request form for this process is available at the examination sites and HERE, and the request form must be submitted within the registration period. You can read more about exam accommodations for candidates with special needs HERE. 

Can I take the ECL exam online? 

Currently, the ECL exam is administered in-person at authorized exam sites. Online testing is not available at this time. 

For more information, please read the ECL Exam Regulations.