What is the ECL Exam?
The ECL (European Consortium for the Certificate of Attainment in Modern Languages) exam is a standardized language proficiency test that assesses candidates’ abilities in reading, writing, listening, and speaking across several languages. It is designed to evaluate communication skills in real-life situations.
What Levels are Tested in the ECL Exam?
The ECL exams are aligned with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), and they are accessible at four levels:
For what Purposes are ECL Certificates used?
The ECL certificate is a general language proficiency test and is widely recognized in various contexts.
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Academic:
In Hungary, universities such as the University of Pécs grant additional admission points to students who achieve accredited language certificates, including the ECL certificate.
In Romania, ECL exams at levels B1, B2, and C1 in English, German, French, Italian, Spanish, and Russian are officially acknowledged as equivalent to the language module of the national Baccalaureate exam.
In Vietnam, the ECL certificate in German has advanced from level B1, which includes additional essential language lessons and final exams at vocational schools.
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Employment:
Employers in different countries are familiar with the ECL certificate as proof of general language proficiency for job applications and career development. The ECL certificate in German is, for example, accepted by the Central Office for Skilled Worker Immigration of North Rhine-Westphalia (ZFE NRW), as well as the Regional Administrative Authorities of Darmstadt and Stuttgart.
Immigration and Legal Procedures:
In Germany, ECL certificates for German language exams at levels A2, B1, B2, and C1 have been acknowledged for visa purposes by the Federal Foreign Office since April 2021, and German embassies recognize them as proof of general German language proficiency. The Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF) recognizes ECL certificates in German at levels A2, B1, B2, and C1 as proof of general language expertise.
Since recognition varies by country and institution, it is always recommended to verify specific requirements with the relevant authorities in advance.
How long are ECL Certificates valid?
ECL certificates do not have an expiration date; however, some institutions or employers may have their own policies regarding the validity period of language proficiency certificates. Embassies usually accept only certificates that are not older than one year.
What Types of Tasks are Counted in Each Section?
While specific task types may vary by language and level, the ECL exam generally includes the following:
How Much Time do I have to Complete the Exam?
The duration of each section varies by level:
Test Format
