Read about the test

The test measures language skills at C1 level. It does not contain tasks at other levels, and it is therefore not possible to be awarded a B2 or another lower level – you are either awarded a C1 or you do not pass the test.

If you are unsure of your language skill level, you can take a digital test which will help determine your recommended test level. (This test is only ment as a guide and does not provide an official result or test certificate.

Test structure

C1 is a very high level. The content of the C1 test is based on activities and language activities that are common in academia and other arenas with very high requirements of language skills. The tasks in the C1 test are therefore complex and cognitively demanding. The C1 test has few, but comprehensive tasks.

Some of the tasks only examine writing or oral communication, while other tasks examine multiple skills at the same time. This requires the use of receptive skills (reading or listening) along with productive skills (talking or writing) to communicate something. This demands a high level of both language skills and concentration.

The test comprises of two parts:

1. The test in listening comprehension and written production lasts for two hours and 30 minutes.
2. The test in reading comprehension and oral communication, has 30 minutes for preparation and 15–20 minutes for the examination.

In both parts of the test there are tasks measuring two skills at the same time. The test contains only tasks measuring at the C1-level.

Listening comprehension and written production

There are two tasks in this test, and the whole test is taken on a computer.

Listening comprehension + written production

In task 1, you will listen to a long conversation between a man and a woman. You will be able to hear the conversation twice, and you decide when to start listening to the conversation.

After you have heard the conversation once, there will be a break of one minute before you hear the conversation again.

You must then write a summary of the content of the conversation so that someone who has not heard it can get a clear impression of what has been said. You must write a coherent text (not bullet points). You should not write more than 350 words.

Written production

Task 2 is a purely written task. There are two different tasks to choose from. You will be presented with an issue in the tasks.

In your written answer, you will briefly present the case, form an opinion on the issue and argue your point of view. You must write between 300 and 400 words.

You can see samples of tasks and answars on the page [Øv til prøven - lenke].

Reading comprehension and oral communication

First you will read texts on a computer or paper and prepare to talk about the texts when you go in to the examiner. You will then be called in to talk to the examiner.

Reading comprehension

You start the reading comprehension test by reading three texts on a computer or on paper and prepare answers to two of the three tasks you are going to talk about when you go in to see the examiner.

You have a total of 30 minutes to read and prepare. Remember to read the information and instructions for the tasks carefully. More information about how to do the tasks is provided here. You can make notes on a sheet of paper you will be given by the test supervisor when preparing to answer the tasks.

• Task 1: You must read text 1 and prepare to verbally summarise the text. The summary should take around five minutes.
• Task 2: You must read text 2 and 3 and prepare a brief presentation of the points of view that emerge in these texts. You must then state who you agree with most and argue your point of view. You can talk for around five minutes.

Oral communication

Once you have read and prepared answers to the tasks, you will be called in by the examiner (test supervisor). You will then present the answers you have prepared to the first two tasks. You can use the texts and your sheet of notes when you are presenting your answers, but remember that this is an oral presentation, and not a reading.

• Task 3: After you have answered tasks 1 and 2, you will be given a third task by the examiner. This is a purely oral task. You will hear a claim and must then state whether you agree or disagree with it. You must argue your point of view.

You take the oral communication test alone

You take the test alone, and not together with another candidate.

An assessor is not present during the oral test. The examiner records the examination and regular assessors subsequently listen to the recording and assess your test.

What is level C1?

C1 is the second highest level in the Common European Framework of Reference. C1 is a very high skill level. It is not the case that everyone who learns a language will be able to attain the highest levels.

Being at C1 level does not mean full mastery. There will be occasional slips, but the language proficiency is at such a high level that the language production is effortless and efficient in most situations.

Read more about C1 and the other skill levels.

How is the test assessed?

Raters base their results on an assessment form which describes level C1. Assessment form and explanation to the criteria for reading comprehension and oral communication at C1 level is updated 02.10.24 with changes in the description of pronunciation.