Frequently Asked Questions
Do you have questions about our telc language courses, the course content, the learning process, or the examinations? Our FAQ section provides answers to the most important questions about our language courses—from registration and entry requirements to course duration, learning content, the telc examination, and the final certificate.
The abbreviation TELC stands for „The European Language Certificates“.
TELC certificates are highly established and recognized in the German economy, by public authorities, and in the healthcare sector.
Yes. All TELC exams are based on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). They are officially recognized by state and institutional bodies across Europe.
Very high. Employers know that TELC exams are standardized and forgery-proof. They are considered a reliable proof of actual language proficiency.
Yes, without exception. A TELC certificate is an ideal proof for a resume and is accepted by HR departments.
Absolutely. Exams such as the „German Test for Immigrants“ (DTZ) or regular B1 certificates from TELC are precisely the proofs required by immigration authorities for visas, settlement permits, and naturalization.
Yes. For admission to a German-language degree program, there is specifically the „TELC Deutsch C1 Hochschule“ exam. This is recognized by the Standing Conference of the Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs (KMK) and qualifies you to study at all German universities and universities of applied sciences.
As soon as you have received the original certificate, have an officially certified copy made of it (e.g., at the citizens‘ registration office). You then submit this copy along with your other certificates directly to the university or via portals like uni-assist.
Officially, TELC certificates are valid indefinitely; they do not expire. Note: Some universities or employers, however, have an internal rule that language certificates submitted with an application must not be older than one to three years.
No. They are two different organizations (TELC gGmbH and the Goethe-Institut). Both, however, offer official language exams standardized according to the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR).
No exam is objectively „better“ or „easier“, as both must test exactly the same language level
(e.g., B2 or C1). The task formats differ slightly. It is purely a matter of preference: Some learners get along better with the exam structure and learning materials from TELC.
For almost all purposes (visas, naturalization, studies, jobs), TELC certificates are accepted.
Generally, you should expect costs between €130 and €250.
Since prices fluctuate slightly depending on the test center, here are the usual average values:
TELC B2: Mostly between €150 and €190.
TELC C1 (incl. C1 Hochschule): Since these exams are more comprehensive, the costs are often between €180 and €230.
Employment Agency & Jobcenter: Those who are unemployed or looking for work can receive an education voucher (Bildungsgutschein) or AVGS (Activation and Placement Voucher). This generally covers 100% of the costs for certified preparation courses (vocational language courses) as well as the TELC exam fees.
BAMF (Federal Office for Migration and Refugees): Often covers or subsidizes the costs for integration courses and the associated „German Test for Immigrants“ (DTZ, level A2/B1).
You can do this very conveniently online with us via the booking link.
For registration and on the actual exam day, you only need a valid, official photo ID (identity card or passport).
No, there are no formal prerequisites. You can register for any TELC level (e.g., B1 or C1) and take the exam without having to attend a course beforehand.
Yes, TELC offers compensation for disadvantages (e.g., more time or special materials for the visually impaired). However, this must be requested from the examination center in good time during registration upon presentation of a current medical certificate.
Yes, cancellations and refunds are possible.
The most effective method is to solve original practice tests (mock exams) to familiarize yourself with the time pressure and the exam format.
TELC provides free practice tests (including audio files for listening comprehension and answer keys) in PDF and MP3 format for download on its own website (TELC.net) for every language exam.
All major textbook publishers offer special preparation books. Well-known series include:
TELC Campus: TELC itself offers online training and materials on its own portal.
It is best to practice real exam situations with a language partner (tandem) or a teacher. Memorize important „Redemittel“ (standard phrases for discussions or picture descriptions) and record yourself speaking with your smartphone to check your own pronunciation and fluency.
Yes, TELC offers short placement tests on its website. While these do not replace a real exam, they give you a good initial orientation as to whether you are more ready for A2, B1, or B2.
TELC offers language exams for all six levels of the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) – from absolute beginner (A1) to near-native proficiency (C2).
The exam day is strictly scheduled and divided into two main parts:
The duration varies depending on the level (each plus breaks):
Both exams have the same basic structure: They consist of the written parts Reading Comprehension, Language Elements, Listening Comprehension, and Writing, as
well as an oral pair exam (presentation, discussion, problem-solving). The difference lies in the complexity: With C1, the texts are significantly longer, more academic, and require the understanding of implicit meanings (reading between the lines).
The maximum score is 300 points. To pass, you need a total of 60% (180 points). Important to note: You must absolutely reach the 60-percent hurdle in both the written part (min. 135 out of 225 points) and in the oral part (min. 45 out of 75 points).
Exactly the same rule applies here as with the B1 level: Out of the maximum 300 points, you must achieve at least 180 points (60%), also divided into at least 135 points written and 45 points oral.
The regular TELC C1 exam (incl. C1 Hochschule) has a maximum score of 214 points. To pass, you need 128 points (60%) here (divided into min. 99 points written and 29 points oral). You receive the grade „good“ if your total score is between 172 and 192.5 points (this corresponds to approx. 80 to 89% of the performance).
Yes, the C1 level is very demanding. It requires a large, partly subject-specific or academic vocabulary. In particular, the exam part „Language Elements“ and the listening comprehension are difficult for many participants, as not only vocabulary is tested, but a deep understanding of the text and complex grammatical structures must be firmly in place.
B2 certifies your ability to express yourself fluently and error-free in regular professional and everyday life and to understand the main contents of complex technical texts. C1 goes a step further: It proves „expert“ language skills. You can express yourself spontaneously, fluently, and in a structured manner on very demanding, abstract, or academic topics without having to search for words, and also easily understand fine nuances in texts.
As a rule, the evaluation at the TELC headquarters in Bad Homburg takes about 4 to 6 weeks. The results and certificates are then sent directly to us. Then you will be notified.
There is no standard centralized online query directly at TELC for exam participants.
TELC does not publish official, worldwide pass rates. The success rate depends extremely strongly on the respective language level, the native language of the participants, and above all on the preparation courses attended. Anyone who goes into the exam well prepared and knows the format has very good chances.
Yes, you can repeat a TELC exam as often as you like. With many TELC exams (such as B1, B2, or C1) there is also the option of a partial retake: If you have failed only the written or only the oral part, you can often repeat this individually within 347 days without having to retake the entire exam.
A direct „upgrade“ of an existing certificate is not possible. If you want to prove a higher language level, you must register completely newly for the exam of the desired level (e.g., B2) and take it completely.
No. In order to rule out cheating attempts and to guarantee the worldwide recognition of the certificates, TELC exams must always be taken in person at a licensed examination center and under strict supervision.
The official TELC certificate is a physical paper document that is made forgery-proof with special security features (such as watermarks and holograms). Some examination centers will send you a scan by email in advance, but for official purposes (authorities, universities) you absolutely need the original on paper.
Authorities, employers, or universities can verify the authenticity of a certificate in case of doubt directly via an official request to TELC gGmbH. There is a unique certificate number on every certificate, which enables clear assignment.