Changes to the State Examination in Polish as a Foreign Language: What to Know Before Registering

The state certificate of proficiency in Polish as a foreign language is a document that opens up important opportunities: confirming your language level to an employer, applying for EU long-term resident status, obtaining Polish citizenship or gaining admission to university. In 2026, the certification system underwent significant changes - and before registering for the next session, it is worth understanding exactly what has changed and how it affects you.

The Next Session - 17-18 October 2026

If you are planning to sit the state examination this year, note the October session. The examination will take place on 17-18 October 2026 at authorised examination centres across Poland.

The following levels are available in the October session:

• B1 - lower intermediate level, sufficient for most practical purposes
• C1 - advanced level
• C2 - near-native proficiency level

Please note: level B2 is not examined in October. If you specifically need B2, the next available opportunity is 5-6 December 2026.

Registration for the October session opens in mid-August - the exact date depends on the individual centre. Places are limited, so it is advisable to apply as soon as registration opens.

Why Is the Certificate Needed?

The official state certificate issued by the State Commission for the Certification of Proficiency in Polish as a Foreign Language may be required in the following situations:

• obtaining EU long-term resident status (long-term resident's card)
• the procedure for recognition as a Polish citizen or acquisition of citizenship
• enrolment at Polish universities without a language entrance examination
• confirming your language level to an employer or public authority
• obtaining the Card of the Pole (Karta Polaka)

For most legal procedures, level B1 or B2 is sufficient - check the specific requirements with the relevant institution.

What Changed in 2026?

In May 2026, the President signed an amendment to the Act on the Polish Language and the Act on the National Agency for Academic Exchange (NAWA), introducing several important changes.

1. Certificate without an examination - a new option From 9 June 2026, individuals who completed schooling abroad and obtained a school-leaving certificate (świadectwo dojrzałości equivalent) containing the results of a Polish language examination may obtain a certificate without sitting the state examination. Such a certificate must correspond to the Polish świadectwo dojrzałości. Where the conditions are met, a certificate at level B2 (for those who completed specific types of foreign schools) or B1 (for other forms of education) is issued. The full procedure and list of conditions are available on the official website certyfikatpolski.pl.

2. Larger examination groups Previously, a single examination board could assess a maximum of 20 candidates simultaneously. Following the changes, this has been increased to 30 (with one additional board member for each further 15 participants). This means centres will be able to accommodate more candidates in a single session.

3. A new cost calculation system From 1 January 2027, the examination fee will no longer be denominated in euros - it will instead be calculated as a percentage of the average salary for the third quarter of the preceding year. The current rates remain in force throughout 2026.

4. Duplicate certificates It is now possible to order a duplicate certificate up to 25 years after it was originally issued.

Examination Costs in 2026

Costs depend on the level and the centre at which you register:

• B1 - approximately €150 + €20 for issuing the certificate (approximately PLN 730 in total)
• C1 - approximately €180 + €20 for issuing the certificate

The final cost should be confirmed directly with your chosen centre, as it may differ slightly.

How to Register

Registration for the examination takes place through authorised examination centres, not directly through the state commission. The procedure is as follows:

Step 1. Choose your level and centre The full list of authorised centres across Poland is available at certyfikatpolski.pl. Select a centre convenient for you and verify that it offers the examination at your chosen level in October.

Step 2. Register on time Registration for the October session opens in mid-August - the exact date depends on the centre. Once registration opens, places fill up quickly.

Step 3. Pay the examination fee After your registration is confirmed, the examination fee must be paid. Registration is not considered complete until payment has been received.

Step 4. Receive your confirmation Once payment has been processed, the centre will send a confirmation of participation specifying the address, time and details of the examination.

What Does the Examination Consist Of?

The state examination in Polish as a foreign language comprises four components:

• reading (comprehension of written texts)
• listening (comprehension of spoken language)
• writing (producing texts in various genres)
• speaking (oral component with a board member)

Each component is assessed separately. To pass the examination, the minimum required score must be achieved in every part - a strong performance in writing will not compensate for a weak result in speaking.

Advice from Gremi Personal

Tip 1: Register on the first day registration opens Places for the October session are limited - particularly at popular centres in Warsaw, Kraków and Wrocław. Monitor the registration opening date on your centre's website and submit your application immediately.

Tip 2: Confirm which level you actually need Before registering, check with the relevant institution what level of certificate is required. In most cases, B1 or B2 is sufficient for legalisation of residence and citizenship procedures - there is no need to register for C1 if it is not required.

Tip 3: Check whether you qualify for a certificate without sitting the examination If you completed schooling abroad with Polish as part of your curriculum, check at certyfikatpolski.pl whether you meet the conditions to obtain a certificate without sitting the examination.

Job vacancies across Poland and Europe, official employment, guidance and support at every stage. To find a vacancy - call: +380503349351 +48525275003