The following are listed according to level of difficulty:

Background information: The CIPLE is part of the Sistema de Avalição e Certificação de Português Língua Estrangeira (PLE) and was established by the Universidade de Lisboa / Faculdade de Letras. These tests are designed for students aged 14 and above who wish to prove their Portuguese language proficiency. The CIPLE corresponds to the ALTE Level 1 and the required level of proficiency is usually achieved after 180 - 200 hours of language tuition. Candidates should be capable of communicating in a limited number of everyday situations. The examination comprises three sections i.e. Written Comprehension and Expression (75 minutes); Oral Comprehension (30 minutes) and Oral Expression (10-15 minutes).

Test Sites / Results / Dates: The test can be taken at all recognised PLE examination centres. The three passing grades are Suficiente (pass), Bom (good), Muito Bom (very good) and certificates are posted within 5 weeks.

Background information: This certificate is part of The European Language Certificates scheme established by the German Adult Education Association and is offered by all member organisations of the International Certificate Conference (ICC) and in licensed centres by the WBT Further Education Test Systems. The ICC is an international association of European adult education organisations. The European Language Certificates are available at three levels i.e. A2, B1 and B2. Examinations at the lowest level i.e. A2 are currently available for 10 languages, including Portuguese.

Test Sites: This test can be taken at all language centres run by ICC members in Europe.

Background information: The DEPLE is part of the Sistema de Avalição e Certificação de Português Língua Estrangeira (PLE) and was established by the Universidade de Lisboa / Faculdade de Letras. These tests are designed for students aged 14 and above who wish to prove their Portuguese language proficiency. The DEPLE corresponds to the ALTE Level 2 and the required level of proficiency is usually achieved after 350 - 400 hours of language tuition. Candidates should be capable of communicating in various social / work situations. The exam comprises 4 sections i.e. Written Comprehension (30 minutes); Written Expression (75 minutes); Oral Comprehension (45 minutes) and Oral Expression (15 minutes).

Test Sites / Results / Dates: The test can be taken at all recognised PLE examination centres. The three passing grades are Suficiente (pass), Bom (good), Muito Bom (very good) and diplomas are posted within 5 weeks.

Background information: This certificate is part of The European Language Certificates scheme established by the German Adult Education Association and is offered by all member organisations of the International Certificate Conference (ICC) and in licensed centres by the WBT Further Education Test Systems. The ICC is an international association of European adult education organisations. The European Language Certificates are available at three levels i.e. A2, B1 and B2. Examinations at this level i.e. B1 are currently available for 8 languages, including Portuguese. The 3 hour exam comprises a written section (reading comprehension; listening comprehension and written expression) and an oral section.

Test Sites: This test can be taken at all language centres run by ICC members in Europe.

Background information: The DiPLE is part of the Sistema de Avalição e Certificação de Português Língua Estrangeira (PLE) and was established by the Universidade de Lisboa / Faculdade de Letras. These tests are designed for students aged 14 and above who wish to prove their Portuguese language proficiency. The DiPLE corresponds to the ALTE Level 3 and the required level of proficiency is usually achieved after 500 - 600 hours of language tuition. Candidates should be capable of effective communication in a broad range of social / work situations. The exam comprises five sections i.e. Written Comprehension (60 mins); Written Expression (90 mins); Structural Competence (grammar and vocabulary – 60 mins); Oral Comprehension (45 mins) and Oral Expression (15 mins).

Test Sites / Results / Dates: The test can be taken at all recognised PLE examination centres. The three passing grades are Suficiente (pass), Bom (good), Muito Bom (very good) and diplomas are posted within 5 weeks.

Established by:

Background information: The DAPLE is part of the Sistema de Avalição e Certificação de Português Língua Estrangeira (PLE) and was established by the Universidade de Lisboa / Faculdade de Letras. These tests are designed for students aged 14 and above who wish to prove their Portuguese language proficiency. The DAPLE corresponds to the ALTE Level 4 and candidates should be capable of interacting effectively in most everyday, social and business situations. This diploma is recognised as a language entrance requirement for higher education purposes. The exam comprises five sections i.e. Written Comprehension (1hr 15 minutes); Written Expression (1 hr 45 minutes); Structural Competence (grammar and vocabulary - 1hr 15 minutes); Oral Comprehension (45 minutes) and Oral Expression (15 minutes).

Test Sites / Results / Dates: The test can be taken at all recognised PLE examination centres. The three passing grades are Suficiente (pass), Bom (good), Muito Bom (very good) and diplomas are posted within 5 weeks.

Background information: The DUPLE is part of the Sistema de Avalição e Certificação de Português Língua Estrangeira (PLE) and was established by the Universidade de Lisboa / Faculdade de Letras. These tests are designed for students aged 14 and above who wish to prove their Portuguese language proficiency. The DUPLE corresponds to the ALTE Level 5 and candidates are expected to be virtually fluent and capable of undertaking language; cultural; technical or scientific studies (the diploma is recognised for both professional and scientific purposes). The exam comprises five sections i.e. Written Comprehension (1hr 30 minutes); Written Expression (2 hours); Structural Competence (grammar and vocabulary - 1hr 45 minutes); Oral Comprehension (45 minutes) and Oral Expression (15 minutes).

Test Sites / Results / Dates: The test can be taken at all recognised PLE examination centres. The three passing grades are Suficiente (pass), Bom (good), Muito Bom (very good) and diplomas are posted within 5 weeks.

Background information: The CELPE-Bras was established by the Brazilian Ministério da Educação (MEC) in cooperation with the Ministério das Relações Exteriores (MRE). The CELPE-Bras is a language test offered at two levels i.e. the first requiring basic language skills and the second requiring fluency in Portuguese. Candidates should be aged 16 or older and have completed a high school certificate.

Test Sites / Dates: The CELPE-Bras can be taken at 14 centres in Brazil and 13 separate points across Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay. Test centres are being arranged for other countries. The test may be taken twice yearly.

Ministério da Educação
Departamento de Política de Ensino Superior / Divisão de Assuntos Internacionais
Esplanada dos Ministérios
Brasília-DF 70047-903
Brazil
Tel.: +55-61-321-9594 - 214-8006 / 8718 / 8983
Fax: +55-61-226-1802
E-mail: becker@sesu.mec.gov.br