The State Certificate of Polish Language Proficiency is an official document confirming one's level of Polish as a foreign language. It is issued by the State Commission for the Certification of Polish Language Proficiency as a Foreign Language, which organises exams for candidates from various countries every year. This certificate is required for legalisation of stay, obtaining citizenship, studying, or working in Poland.
In this article, you will learn when the 2026 exams are scheduled, who is eligible to take them, what the participation fee is, and why the certificate matters so much for foreigners.
The exams will be held across four sessions on weekends, depending on the age group and language proficiency level.
Levels: B1 and B2 Groups: – adults – children and youth (aged 14–17)
Levels: B1 and C1 Group: adults
Levels: B1 and B2 Group: adults
Levels: B1, C1 and C2 Group: adults
Registration for the exam is carried out through the centres organising it on the specified dates. The list of authorised centres is published on the certyfikatpolski.pl website approximately 2 months before each exam.
The exam is open to anyone — regardless of citizenship or country of residence. It also does not matter whether the candidate has undergone any special preparation or in what format. There are two age groups: ✔️ Adults — persons who have turned 18 by the day of the exam. ✔️ Children and youth — persons aged 14 to 17.
In 2026, the Polish language exam is taking on particular significance, as the legal requirements for demonstrating language competence are changing. Here are the main reasons why sitting the exam this year is especially worthwhile:
The state certificate is required for: ✔️ obtaining an EU long-term resident card; ✔️ applying for Polish citizenship; ✔️ legal employment in certain professions (for example, in healthcare, education, or the civil service).
No other language certificates or diplomas (for instance, from language courses or private schools) are recognised at the official level. Only the exam organised by the State Commission provides a legal basis for confirming language proficiency.
From that date: ✔️ only a B1 certificate or higher will be accepted as valid for legalisation or citizenship procedures; ✔️ old documents from post-secondary schools will no longer be honoured.
The certificate confirms language competence required for: ✔️ admission to Polish universities; ✔️ participation in scholarship programmes; ✔️ employment in fields with high language requirements.
The exam fee depends on the language proficiency level and age category. The fee is set by the centre conducting the exam but may not exceed the amounts specified by law: 💶 €90 – levels A1–B2 (children and youth) 💶 €120 – levels A1, A2 (adults) 💶 €150 – levels B1, B2 (adults) 💶 €180 – levels C1, C2 (adults)
The certificate issuance fee is charged separately — the equivalent of €20 in Polish złoty.
Registration is done on the website of your chosen examination centre — once it has been officially added to the list. All up-to-date instructions, dates, and contact details are available at certyfikatpolski.pl, where you will also find: ✔️ sample tasks from previous years; ✔️ a description of the exam structure; ✔️ useful tips for preparation.
Taking the state exam in Polish in 2026 is a practical step towards legalising your stay, obtaining citizenship, building a career, or enrolling at a university in Poland. It is an investment in your freedom of choice and a stable future. Do not put it off — choose a session, prepare, and take the exam. We wish you productive study and the best of luck!
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