Russian language exam for foreigners

Knowledge of the official language is a necessary condition for being successful in this country. Knowing a language opens up many more opportunities: more prestigious jobs, career development, communication with interesting people and much more.

At the same time, language skills is not just a desire for a foreigner “want / don’t want”, but also an obligation if he wants to live and work in Russia. In our article, specialists from the migration department of the RAUIE will tell you who needs to prepare for and pass a language proficiency test, how much it costs, what stages and difficulties.


Which foreign citizens and stateless persons must confirm language skills in the Russian Federation?

Those wishing to receive:

• temporary residence permit in Russia; 
• residence permit in Russia; 
• work permit (or patent) in Russia; 
• Russian citizenship.

At the same time, in the first three cases, foreign citizens must confirm not only language skills, but also knowledge of the Russian history and the fundamentals of the Russian legislation at the appropriate level. If the goal is to obtain Russian citizenship, then it is enough to confirm only language skills.

 

One of the possible ways to confirm language skills is to pass the “Test of Russian as a Foreign Language” (abbreviated as TORFL). You can pass testing and receive a certificate in one of the educational organizations in Russia or abroad that conduct TORFL:


 You can also take a test of Russian as a foreign language for obtaining citizenship at the Moscow Center for the Quality of Education (MTsKO), which is located in the Multifunctional Migration Center.

TORFL covers six levels: A1, A2, B1, B2, C1 and C2. Only four levels can be certified beginning with B1, also known as “first certification level.”

• A1 (elementary level, 60 to 80 hours of training); skills: basic vocabulary, bidding good morning/goodbye, making a request of somebody. 
• A2 (basic level, 160 to 200 hours of training); skills basic vocabulary and communication (shopping in Russian, communication on public transport or in a restaurant). 
• B1 (first certification level, 400 to 480 hours of training); skills: maintaining social/business interaction, curriculum vocabulary. 
• B2 (second certification level, 560 to 680 hours of training); skills: reasonably fluent communication, understanding mass media and lecture information; using various language styles. 
• C1 (third certification level, 960 to 1,200 hours of training); skills: fluent communication without fumbling for words or phrases, effective use of language for studies and professional activity. 
• C2 (fourth certification level); skills: native speaker level

Each test level contains five subtests:

• Vocabulary, grammar 
• Reading 
• Listening comprehension 
• Writing 
• Speaking

The test is carried out in two days. The first day, we test your writing skills in Russian language, as well as grammar and vocabulary. The second day is based on the ability to process verbal information in Russian, and also communicate.

After successfully passing the test, you will receive a national certificate recognized by the state attesting to having acquired sufficient knowledge of the Russian language at the appropriate level

Levels and cost

As you understand, passing the test for knowledge of the Russian language is not so easy. This requires long and rigorous preparation and money for tutors.

At the same time, there is good news - some categories of citizens are exempted from submitting documents confirming language skills, and in addition, knowledge of the Russian language at the specified level can be confirmed by another document, in addition to testing. Do you want to know what? For a free consultation, please contact RAUIE specialists. The range of our services includes not only the collection and execution of documents, but also assistance in preparing for the exam!

Syuzanna Mkrtchyan - vice-president of the RAUIE
office@raspp.ru
+7 967 158-88-37