Certification (CEFR)

The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) is a document adopted by the Council of Europe in 2001 and is the base and a common basis for developers of language policies, syllabi, exams, textbooks, etc. in Europe and elsewhere. It serves all its users as a reference framework by allowing for the description of different levels of achievement, planning of learning goals and setting of standards of achievement. In the CEFR, knowledge is split into six reference levels: A1, A2, B1, B2, C1 and C2.

Examination centres in Europe and elsewhere relate language examinations to these reference levels using the Manual for Relating Language Examinations to the CEFR developed by the Council of Europe, as they encourage international cooperation and greater unification in the field of foreign language learning.

In accordance with the internationally recognised methodologies, procedures and standards described in the Manual, the Centre has already related national foreign language examinations, i.e.:

• the General Matura: English (B2), French, Russian and Spanish (all B1), German and Italian (both B1 and B2);
• the Vocational Matura: English, German and Italian (all B1);
• foreign languages for adults: English, German and Italian (all A2, B1 and B2) and French (A2 and B2).

The objective of the procedures of relating language examinations to the CEFR is to assign European levels to national foreign language exams and in this way enable international comparability, ease mobility and at the same time provide positive feedback on the teaching and learning of foreign languages.