Polish language certificate: who needs it
The Państwowy egzamin certyfikatowy z języka polskiego jako obcego is Poland’s official exam for Polish as a foreign language. You sit it at an authorised centre on a published weekend session. Passing gives you a state certificate at a named CEFR level — not a course diploma.
B1, B2, and C1 are the levels foreigners most often need. Each level tests reading, listening, grammar, writing, and speaking separately. Institutions and offices in Poland decide which level they accept; the certificate itself does not grant residence or citizenship.
PolishReady is exam preparation: timed tasks, section practice, and feedback on writing and speaking. We are not an exam centre. We do not register you, collect fees, or issue the certificate.
For karta pobytu, citizenship, or university rules, use government sources and a qualified adviser. This page explains what the certificate is for so you land on the right prep guide — not so you skip official confirmation.
Who typically needs the certificate
Most candidates are adults who need documented Polish for a permit, citizenship file, job, or university. B1 is the minimum for the EU long-term residence card and for citizenship. B2 or C1 shows up in study and professional requirements. Your case can differ — check the office that will read your documents.
Residence cards and B1
A B1 certificate is required for the EU long-term residence card and for citizenship; for permanent residence (pobyt stały) it depends on the legal basis. The certificate is issued after results, not on exam day, so count backwards from your application deadline when you pick a 2026 or 2027 session.
Citizenship applications
Applications for Polish citizenship commonly require the same B1 state exam certificate. Processing times for both the exam result and the citizenship file are outside PolishReady’s control. Choose the earliest session you can realistically pass rather than the most convenient weekend.
Certificate vs a prep course
A prep site can train the five papers. Only the State Commission certificate, earned at an authorised centre, is the document offices expect. Use the B1 preparation guide for how to practise; use the 2026 dates page for which weekend matches your level; confirm registration with your centre.
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