Moving to Portugal presents many challenges, but one of the last administrative hurdles many need to overcome is proving proficiency in the Portuguese language when applying for citizenship.
Most Portuguese citizenship applicants will take some kind of language course and then pass an A2-level Portuguese language exam. However, some common misconceptions must be cleared before looking at how to prepare for the test and what you can expect.
The only stipulation from the Portuguese government is that citizenship applicants must prove their proficiency in the Portuguese language. There are several official ways to do this, and including the Initial Certificate of Portuguese as a Foreign Language in the application is just one of them.
The Centro de Avaliação de Português Língua Estrangeira (CAPLE) officiates the test on behalf of Instituto Camões, and the Certificado Inicial de Português Língua Estrangeira (CIPLE) is the specific A2 certification.
About two weeks before the exam, depending on where you take the test, you’ll receive an email indicating the exact location or classroom you must go to. You’ll most likely be required to be there around 08:30, with the test starting at 09:00. Some institutions have exams in the afternoon, starting at 15:00.
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Part 1 and 2: Reading comprehension and writing
The test for CIPLE is divided into four parts. The first part consists of sections on reading comprehension and writing. It accounts for 45 percent of the overall grade and takes about an hour and 15 minutes to complete.
In the first section, you read warning signs posted in public spaces and short texts, after which you answer several questions through multiple-choice, true or false, or writing. The second section requires you to write two short paragraphs.
“This is by far the most straightforward section of the exam. Even if you have lived only in Portugal for a few months, you’ll immediately know the answers to about 90 percent of the questions. However, just make sure you know how to write the basic phrases as well,” expat Michael Duncan explained to Global Citizen Solutions, who took the exam in Lisbon.
Usually, after this part, there will be a break for about 30 minutes.
Part 3: Listening
The second part of the test is probably the one that exam takers struggle with the most. Not because it’s difficult but because it requires intense concentration, and people shuffling papers and fidgeting make it challenging to hear.
“The audio section was really tricky. Reading questions on a test paper is one thing, but listening to a native Portuguese speaking at normal speed is something else altogether,” Duncan remembers.
This part of the test, which takes around 30 minutes and accounts for 30 percent of the marks, assesses oral comprehension. For example, test takers will listen to conversations centered on personal identification and characterization, simple social remarks such as greetings, and information concerning orientation and movement in space.
You then answer a few questions on what you have heard through multiple-choice, writing, or making a true or false selection.
Part 4: Oral production and interaction
The last part of the A2 language test assesses your ability to speak Portuguese. After completing part two, you’ll be paired up with another test taker and receive a note indicating your timeslot. How long it takes generally depends on how many people there are.
This part is also divided into three sections. In the first, you and your partner will interact with the examiner on personal identification. For the second part, you and your partner will interact with each other to simulate public or personal communication situations. This usually involves introductions, describing items in images, and discussing simple daily tasks.
The last and final part of the language exam is a conversation between you, your partner, and the examiner on a topic related to current events. It should take about 15 minutes, accounting for 25 percent of the final grade.
Duncan added that while the exam seems daunting, it should be smooth sailing if you are well-prepared. “For me, the experience was a good one and pretty much what I expected. It was the same room that we did our classes in, so it was a familiar environment.”
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After the Test
The process can be nerve-wracking, and you’ll be curious to know how you scored. Unfortunately, you’ll have to wait a while to receive your grade. The official guidance says that you’ll get your results in about two weeks.
But in reality, many students receive their grades after more than a month, and if you took the last test of the year in November, you won’t receive your grade until the end of January.
Your results will indicate how you scored in each section, and the A2 certificate will be issued if you pass. The certificate is valid for two years, and you can then include the certificate in your Portuguese citizenship application.
However, if you don’t get the grade, you can retake the test when slots open again. Naturally, this will affect your timeline for citizenship application as there are only three exam sessions in a year, and you might have to apply for permanent residency instead while studying further. Slot bookings for the entire year open in January, so it’s best to be quick.
Tips for Taking the Test
While Duncan took a few language lessons months in advance, he buckled down about two weeks before the exam. He passed his exam and attributes this mainly to his preparation beforehand.
“If possible, try to get access to past exam papers and use that as a guide to gauge your preparedness. This will give you a good indication of how well you’ll do in the first two sections,” he explains.
Example papers are available online, such as this A2 Reading comprehension and writing sample exam from CAPLE. Sample audio is difficult to find for the listening and oral production sections of the test, but Duncan has a solution for that, too.
“If you have Portuguese-speaking friends or neighbors, ask them to go over some phrases from the reading comprehension and writing sections. When you hear the words and how they are pronounced, it makes a lot more sense, and they can also correct your pronunciation.”
Duncan concluded that listening to Portuguese-language radio is also an invaluable resource. This allows you to hear the language in a “broadcast” voice and prepare for the exam’s listening part. He suggests writing down as much as you can remember from snippets of conversations and having someone nearby check your accuracy.
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Frequently Asked Questions About the A2 Language Test
What is the A2 Portuguese test?
The Portuguese A2-level test is a language proficiency exam aligned with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). It assesses basic Portuguese skills required for daily communication.
Who needs to take the A2 Portuguese test?
Non-Portuguese nationals applying for permanent residency or citizenship in Portugal must often demonstrate proficiency at the A2 level.
What skills are tested?
The test evaluates four main skills: reading, writing, listening, and speaking.
- Reading comprehension: Participants read short texts and answer questions.
- Writing: Simple tasks such as filling out forms, writing emails, or short paragraphs.
- Listening comprehension: Understanding basic spoken Portuguese, such as announcements or conversations.
- Speaking: Answering questions, introducing oneself, and conversing simply.
How long does the test take?
Depending on the testing center, the test typically lasts 90 minutes to 2 hours.
What is the passing score?
Candidates must achieve at least 55% in each section to pass.
How much does the test cost?
Depending on the testing center, fees range between €50 and €100.
Is prior registration required?
Candidates are required to register in advance. Typically, documentation such as an ID and proof of residency or visa is necessary.
Can I prepare for the test online?
Many online resources, including official Portuguese language courses, apps, and practice exams, are available for preparation.
What happens if I fail the test?
You can retake the test, but you might need to wait for the next available session, which is typically offered several times a year.
