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Polish exam structure: 5 parts, timing and the pass mark

The adult Polish B1 state exam has 5 parts — listening, reading, grammar and writing (the written exam, up to 190 minutes) plus speaking (up to 15 minutes) — and you must pass each one with at least 50% of the points. PolishReady follows the same split so you can practise each part on its own.
The adult Polish B1 state exam has five separately scored parts: listening (about 30 minutes, each recording played twice), reading (45 minutes), grammar, writing, and a 15-minute speaking exam. The pass mark is 50% in each part, not an average across papers. An answer key checks the closed reading, listening, and grammar tasks. It does not score the letter you write or the recording you make.
  1. 1

    Reading

    You read authentic or exam-style texts (articles, notices, fragments) and answer comprehension and detail questions. Vocabulary range and text difficulty match the level you are taking.

    PolishReady: Reading
  2. 2

    Writing

    You produce structured texts — often letters, essays, or short compositions — under time limits. At higher levels, argumentation and register matter more. PolishReady supports handwritten practice with detailed feedback.

    PolishReady: Writing
  3. 3

    Listening

    You hear recordings (dialogues, monologues, announcements) and answer questions. You usually get a limited number of plays, similar to exam conditions.

    PolishReady: Listening
  4. 4

    Grammar and vocabulary

    Tasks focus on morphology, syntax, and lexical choice appropriate to your level — cases, aspect, agreement, and cloze-style items are typical.

    PolishReady: Grammar
  5. 5

    Speaking

    You take part in structured oral tasks: introductions, picture description, role-play, or discussion, depending on level. Fluency, accuracy, and task fulfilment all count.

    PolishReady: Speaking

Key facts about the B1 exam

How many parts does the Polish B1 exam have?
The adult B1 exam has five parts: listening, reading, grammar and writing (together the written exam) plus the oral exam.
What score do you need to pass the B1 exam?
At B1 you need at least 50% of the points in each part of the exam separately. A good result in one part does not make up for a weak one in another. At B2, C1 and C2 the threshold is 60% in each part.
How long is the Polish B1 exam?
The B1 written exam lasts up to 190 minutes and the oral exam up to 15 minutes. At B2 and C1 the written exam lasts up to 250 minutes.
What happens in the B1 oral exam?
In the oral exam you draw one of three task sets. Each set has two or three tasks based on a text or a picture, which you do in front of an examining board.
How much does the Polish B1 exam cost?
Each exam centre sets its own fee, but for adults at B1 and B2 it cannot exceed €150 (C1 and C2: €180). After you pass, issuing the certificate costs the PLN equivalent of €20.
How long is the B1 certificate valid?
The certificate in Polish as a foreign language does not expire. The Commission issues it within 30 days of receiving the exam record from the centre.
What if I fail the B1 exam?
There is no waiting period: after a fail you can register for the next session. Centres open registration no earlier than two months before the exam.
Who needs a Polish B1 certificate?
A B1 certificate is required for the EU long-term resident card and for recognition as a Polish citizen. For other residence permits it depends on the legal basis, so confirm the requirement with the voivodeship office.

Source: certyfikatpolski.pl (State Commission) — exam structure, fees and FAQ, as of October 2026. PolishReady is not an exam centre; confirm details with your centre before registering.

Exact task types and timings follow the commission’s specifications for your session — your centre will give you final instructions.

Also useful

Free B1 mock exam, no sign-up2026 datesLevel overviews (B1–C1)Prep guides

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