Career, studies and everyday life: Ready to start with telc!

With the internationally recognised telc language certificate, doors are open to you throughout Europe in the world of work, study or everyday life.

What is telc?

Telc stands for "The European Language Certificates" and is internationally recognised.

Telc certificates represent a professionally sound proof of achievement and are required for a certain level of German by employers or universities. Even though you may not need the certificate, you will always benefit from it. With the certificate you demonstrate your language skills and also make your CV look good.

The certificate for a passed telc examination is valid indefinitely.

Telc certificate and its recognitions

  • The Austrian Integration Fund (ÖIF) commissioned telc to develop German language tests as proof of language skills for the purpose of residence permits and naturalisation.
  • In Switzerland, telecommunication certificates are recognised for naturalisation or entry into the public sector, depending on the canton.
  • In the United Kingdom (UK), telc is recognised by the Office for Qualifications and Examinations (Ofqual), the independent body that regulates qualifications, examinations and assessments in the UK.
  • In Poland, language skills required for a career in public service can be documented with telecommunication certificates.
  • In Hungary, telecommunications certificates are accredited by the state and entitle the holder to study at universities. Quality is constantly monitored by a government agency (NYAK).
  • The Turkish Council of Higher Education accepts telc German certificates at CEFR levels B2 and C1, which makes it possible to use the exams at all Turkish universities.
  • Universities in Spain recognise telecommunication certificates as proof of foreign language skills.
  • The telc Deutsch C1 Hochschule certificate is officially recognised by the members of the German Conference of Rectors and Ministers of Culture as proof of language proficiency for admission to German universities. Many universities in Austria and Switzerland also accept telc certificates.
  • Germany, in particular, uses telecommunication language certificates for doctors and nurses as part of professional recognition.
  • Telc English C1 certificates are used in Germany to prove language skills for primary school teachers.
  • The Telc entrance exam offers qualified candidates access to study.

Duration of telc examinations

The examination consists of a written and an oral part. The duration of the exam depends on the level chosen for the exam. For example, it varies from 4 hours (for example; telc A1 and A2) to 6 hours (for example telc C1 and C2).

The examination consists of the following parts:

  • Reading comprehension, duration 60 minutes. In this part you will be presented with texts for reading and comprehension.
  • Listening comprehension, duration 40 minutes. This part of the exam measures your listening ability and simultaneous comprehension with an audio text.
  • Written Expression, duration 60 minutes. Here your written expression is measured by having you describe on the basis of graphs.
  • Oral expression, duration 30 minutes. Your oral expression skills are measured here in a small interview.

The telc examination can be taken every month. In addition, a number of additional examinations have been planned for each level, varying from 2 x per year (level C2) to 12 x per year (level B1 / B2).

At our locations ILS Bern and ILS Basel , we offer telc examinations at all levels of the European Framework of Reference for Languages (A1-C2). Professionalism and quality are our top priorities.

We look forward to seeing you!