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Next exam: November 27 – 28, 2026

01The ECL language exam · Central hub

Prove your language level with a certificate recognised across Europe.

ECL tests how you really use a language — reading, writing, listening and speaking — against the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR). Learn why it matters, how it works and when you can sit it, then register through your country’s official site.

  • Exams in 15 languages
  • Levels A2 to C1
  • ALTE Full Member
ECL ZertifikatDeutschNiveaustufe B2 (GER)

Sara Mustermann

Geburtsdatum
01.01.1000
Kandidatennummer
1111-1111-1111
Lesen
82%
Schreiben
74%
Hören
88%
Sprechen
69%
Gesamtergebnis
78%
Status
Gesamtprüfung bestanden
Prüfungsort
Kairo
Nr. des Prüfungszentrums
EG-00000
Datum
27.11.2026
Zertifikatsnummer
SP-000000
Leiter des
ECL Prüfungszentrums
Vorsitzender der
Prüfungskommission
ECLPrüfungszentrumALTE

Find your country site

Fees, exam centres and registration are available on each country’s website.

Exam languages
15Exam languages
Countries
39Countries
Exam centres
180Exam centres
Candidates each year
30,000+Candidates each year

ECL exams are offered in 39 countries at 180 exam centres, with more than 30,000 candidates every year (as of 2026).

02Why ECL

Why candidates choose the ECL exam

Four reasons the exam works for study, work and life abroad.

  1. 01

    Recognised internationally

    Accepted by institutions across Europe and listed among the language certificates accepted in German visa procedures.

  2. 02

    Tests real-life language

    Tasks mirror everyday situations: messages, conversations, articles and announcements.

  3. 03

    Fair, transparent marking

    Clear, uniform assessment criteria for every candidate, in every country.

  4. 04

    Flexible modules

    Take the skills you need now and add the rest within one year.

03How it works

Four skills, each assessed on its own

Each module is marked independently. You need at least 60% in a module to pass it.

  • 01 / 04

    Reading

    Understand written texts and extract the key information.

    Pass mark per module60%
  • 02 / 04

    Writing

    Express ideas clearly and in an organised way in practical tasks.

    Pass mark per module60%
  • 03 / 04

    Listening

    Follow conversations and recordings in a range of accents and contexts.

    Pass mark per module60%
  • 04 / 04

    Speaking

    Communicate fluently and confidently in real-life conversations.

    Pass mark per module60%

Your path to the certificate

  1. 01

    Register

    Choose your level and exam date, then register on your country’s official site.

  2. 02

    Prepare

    Study with free sample papers, or join a preparation course.

  3. 03

    Sit the exam

    Take the modules you registered for on exam day, under standard European conditions.

  4. 04

    Get your certificate

    Receive your results and certificate. Digital certificates are now available and easy to verify.

04Levels

Which level is right for you?

ECL levels follow the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).

  1. A2Beginner

    Understand sentences and common expressions on familiar topics, and handle simple everyday exchanges.

  2. B1Elementary

    Deal with most situations while travelling or working, and describe experiences, plans and opinions.

  3. B2Intermediate

    Interact fluently with native speakers and write clear, detailed texts on a wide range of subjects.

  4. C1Advanced

    Use the language flexibly and effectively for social, academic and professional purposes.

Not sure which level you need? Check the requirement of your university, employer or visa authority before you register.

05Schedule

Exam periods and dates

The exam periods from the official ECL calendar. Select a period to see its languages, levels and key dates.

See the full calendar
  • Registration open
    Exam languages & levels
    • GermanA2B1B2C1
    Key dates
    1. September 16 – October 27, 2026Registration Period
    2. November 25 – December 11, 2026Speaking Exam Period
    3. November 27, 2026Reading, Writing and Listening ExamsA2B1C1
    4. November 28, 2026Reading, Writing and Listening ExamsB2
    5. December 23, 2026Exam Results
    6. January 26 – 30, 2027Certificates Mailed

Dates, languages and levels as published in the official ECL calendar:eclexam.eu

06Our network

One central hub, a local site in every country

This hub explains the exam in one place. Each country site handles local dates, fees, registration and candidate support in its own language.

  1. 01

    Central hub

    Exam information, levels, rules and a dates overview.

  2. 02

    Country sites

    Registration, payment and local support.

  3. 03

    Exam centres

    Where you sit the exam under standard conditions.

07Gallery

Moments from exam days

Exam days, preparation courses and certificate ceremonies from the centres in our network.

Open the gallery

Ready to take the next step?

Find your country’s site, choose a date and reserve your place.