| Comparison criterion | International telc examination dual level B1–B2 | State certificate examination A1–C2 (separate levels) |
|---|---|---|
| Issuing institution | telc GmbH (Germany); the examination is administered by authorised centres in Poland. |
State Commission for the Certification of Proficiency in Polish as a Foreign Language; the certificate is issued by NAWA. |
| Type of certificate | A commercial certificate, recognised internationally. | The only state-issued document certifying proficiency in Polish |
| Levels | A single dual-level examination — depending on the result, a B1 or B2 certificate is awarded. | Separate examinations: B1, B2, C1 and C2 for adults, and B1 and B2 for children and adolescents. |
| Structure | A written part lasting approximately 115 minutes: listening, reading, language elements, and writing a letter or e-mail. This is followed by an oral part conducted in pairs. | A written part: listening, reading, grammar, and writing. This is followed by an oral part. |
| Frequency of sessions | Dates set by each individual centre — often several times a year. | Five times a year, on dates set centrally |
| Cost | PLN 900 | EUR 150 — levels B1 or B2; EUR 180 — level C1; plus a EUR 20 certificate fee. |
| Waiting time | After 6–8 weeks — certificate in electronic form. |
Results after approximately 8 weeks, and the paper certificate after a further 6–8 weeks. |
| Validity | Indefinite | Indefinite |
| Use | telc B1–B2 | State certificate | B1 exam after a course at UKW |
|---|---|---|---|
| EU long-term resident status | Yes | Yes min. B1 level |
Yes |
| Studies in Polish | Yes B2 level |
Yes B2 level |
No |
| Polish citizenship | No | Yes min. B1 level |
No |
| Free studies at public universities | No | Yes C1 level |
No |
