The European Language Certificates (TELC; also known as TELC language tests) are international standardised tests of ten languages.
telc gGmbH is a non-profit language test, examination and certificate provider based in Frankfurt am Main. A subsidiary of the German Adult Education Association (DVV), it is the primary examination provider around the world for standardized TELC language tests. telc gGmbH offers more than 70 different TELC certificates, including general language and vocational examinations and tests for students. All telc language tests correspond to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), which was published in 2001 by the Council of Europe, to cover the skills of listening, reading, speaking and writing.
TELC language tests can be taken in English, German, Turkish, Spanish, French, Italian, Portuguese, Russian, Polish, and Arabic at 3,000 test centers in 20 countries, including community colleges and private language schools.
telc gGmbH is a full member of the Association of Language Testers in Europe (ALTE).
History
The European Language Certificates – today TELC language tests, formerly VHS Certificate – arose in 1968 when a team of language experts to Robert Nowacek first developed as a standardized language test for the German Adult Education Association (DVV) – the VHS Certificate in English. Over the years, tests followed in other European languages. 1995 the Examination Centre of DVV became a member of the Association of Language Testers in Europe (ALTE). The main objective of this association of Language Testers from over 20 European countries is the quality assurance of language exams. In 1998 the examination Centre of DVV became WBT (Weiterbildungs-Testsysteme gGmbH), eight years later it was renamed telc gGmbH (with the stylized 'telc' standing for TELC).
German test for Immigrants / German test for Austria
On behalf of the Federal Ministry of the Interior, telc gGmbH in cooperation with Goethe-Institute developed the German test for immigrants (DTZ) from 2006 to 2009. The test is taken to complete the Integrationskurs and the result, if successful, entails a settlement permit in Germany. Also, naturalization may be requested with proof of the successful completion of the German test for immigrants. After the development, telc gGmbH received the commission by the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees to carry out and further develop the DTZ. In 2011, telc gGmbH developed the German Test for Austria on behalf of the Austrian Integration Fund (ÖIF), which was founded by the Austrian Federal Ministry of the Interior (BMI). It is a version of the German test for immigrants A2-B1revised for Austria. Since 1 July 2011, the proof of German language skills at level B1 of the Common European Framework of Reference is required also in Austria for obtaining citizenship.
Recognition
In Germany telc gGmbH partners with the federal government for the language examination at the end of the Integrationskurs for immigrants. Individuals who wish to apply for German citizenship can document the necessary language skills with a TELC certificate. When it comes to residence permits, all German-speaking countries recognize TELC certificates. In the context of subsequent immigration of a spouse to Germany, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs recognises the exam "Start German 1 / TELC German A1" as a requirement for a visa concerning the subsequent immigration of a spouse. In Poland, TELC certificates are recognised as proof of language proficiency for a career in the civil service. In Hungary, the government-accredited TELC examinations are a requirement for higher education qualifications. In Switzerland, depending on the canton, the required language skills for naturalization or acquisition into the Public Service can be proven with TELC certificates.
Also, the Turkish Higher Education Council (YÖK) officially recognize the German TELC language tests. The recognition by the supreme state control committee of Turkish universities is valid for all German exams by telc gGmbH on the competency levels B2, B2 +, and C1 of the Common European Framework of Europe. In the course of this recognition, the tests were incorporated into the official equivalence table (İngilizce Dil Esdegerligi tablosu) of the University Council. Thus TELC language tests can be used and recognized by all Turkish universities and institutions of higher education and employed for the recruitment of lecturers, for students who wish to study a master's degree and doctoral candidates who must demonstrate their language skills.