ECL Exam — German Language Certification
Get an official German certification and validate your language skills with the ECL exam (A2 – C1). Ideal for studies, vocational training, immigration, or job applications in German-speaking countries.
Who Can Apply?
Any candidate aged 14 or older during the calendar year can apply, provided they have studied German, or are currently learning it as a foreign language, and wish to certify their general German language skills in reading, listening, writing, and speaking. This certification is aimed at candidates who require it for academic, training, professional, or migration purposes—particularly for obtaining a visa or residence permit—and are looking for a recognized German language certificate.
Available Levels
Level A2
Level A2
Level A2 – Elementary German
Level A2 corresponds to the second tier of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
It is designed for learners who have already acquired the basics of German (Level A1) and want to prove they can communicate in a simple manner in everyday life.
Objectives of Level A2
With this certification, the learner proves they are able to:
- Understand frequently used sentences and expressions (everyday life, work, leisure, shopping, etc.).
- Handle simple and routine situations (at restaurants, traveling, at hotels).
- Describe in simple terms their background, immediate environment, and routine needs.
- Exchange ideas on familiar and concrete topics using short, clear sentences.
- Read and understand short texts (emails, messages, notices, simple articles).
Level B1
Level B1
Level B1 – Intermediate German
Level B1 corresponds to the third tier of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). It is aimed at learners with an intermediate command of German who wish to demonstrate that they can communicate independently in everyday situations in personal, academic, or professional settings.
Objectives of Level B1
With this certification, the learner proves they are able to:
- Understand the main points of clear speech on familiar matters (work, study, leisure, current events).
- Deal with most situations encountered while traveling or staying in a German-speaking country.
- Produce simple, connected speech on topics that are familiar or of personal interest.
- Express opinions, plans, experiences, and events, as well as briefly justify their ideas.
- Read and understand everyday texts (articles, emails, instructions, simple stories).
Level B2
Level B2
Level B2 – Advanced German
Level B2 corresponds to the fourth tier of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). It is intended for learners with a good command of German who can communicate clearly, in detail, and spontaneously in various contexts, including professional and academic settings.
Objectives of Level B2
With this certification, the learner proves they are able to:
- Understand the main content of complex texts, including technical or abstract topics.
- Follow in-depth discussions and interact with native speakers with fluency and spontaneity.
- Express themselves clearly and in a structured manner on a wide range of topics, presenting arguments.
- Give opinions, defend a point of view, and analyze advantages and disadvantages.
- Read and understand more complex articles, reports, and documents.
Level C1
Level C1
Level C1 – Autonomous / Advanced German
Level C1 corresponds to the fifth tier of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). It is aimed at learners with a high level of proficiency in German, capable of using the language effectively, accurately, and flexibly in demanding academic, professional, or social contexts.
Objectives of Level C1
With this certification, the learner proves they are able to:
- Understand long and complex texts, including implicit meaning or specialized topics.
- Express themselves fluently and spontaneously, without noticeably searching for words.
- Use German effectively in professional, academic, or formal situations.
- Produce clear, well-structured, and detailed discourse on complex subjects.
- Read and analyze books, specialized articles, and academic documents.
Exam Structure
The ECL exam is a paper-based general German language test assessing four core skills: reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Candidates can choose to take either the full exam (all four skills) or a partial exam (written or oral only), depending on their needs or level.
Written Exam
- Reading Comprehension: 2 reading tasks (texts with comprehension questions) — dictionaries are not allowed.
- Written Communication: 2 writing tasks (e.g., letters, essays, structured writing) — candidates may use a paper dictionary (German-English), but not thematic dictionaries. Evaluation criteria include grammar, vocabulary, style, clarity, and communicative effectiveness.
Listening & Speaking
- Listening Comprehension: Two listening tasks; candidates listen to different recordings twice and answer comprehension questions.
- Oral Communication (Speaking): Exam taken in pairs (or trios if there is an odd number). It includes a warm-up (unassessed), a guided conversation, and an individual monologue based on a visual prompt (e.g., a 4-picture montage). Performance is evaluated on fluency, accuracy, pronunciation, structure, and communicative competence.
Preparation
Reading
Review sample tests, study common exam topics, and practice with short articles.
Writing
Follow official exam writing formats, practice structuring your essays, and get tips to improve your written accuracy.
Listening
Improve with podcasts, conversational videos, and exam-style listening comprehension exercises.
Speaking
Practice speaking with a partner, watch sample oral exam videos, and build confidence for your real interactions.
How to Register?
- Click on the Register for the Exam button — you will be redirected to the online registration form.
- Select your exam center according to the country (Congo).
- Fill in your details exactly as shown on your ID document (first name and last name in the correct order).
- Choose your exam level (A2, B1, B2, or C1) as well as the exam session or date.
- Pay the exam fees by bank transfer (or local payment method) — keep the receipt.
- Submit proof of payment along with a copy of a valid ID document (passport or national identity card) to the center administration (in person, by email, or via WhatsApp).
- After validation, you will receive your exam schedule by email or message.
- On the day of the exam, bring your original ID document (passport or national identity card) — access to the exam room is permitted only upon presenting a valid ID.
Registrations are valid only once the payment and identity verification steps are completed. Please keep your payment receipts in a safe place.
Fees & Payment
| Level | CCL-Center Candidates | External Candidates | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price per module | Full Exam | Price per module | Full Exam | |
| A2 | 40,000 | 100,000 | 50,000 | 140,000 |
| B1 | 50,000 | 120,000 | 60,000 | 180,000 |
| B2 | 55,000 | 130,000 | 65,000 | 200,000 |
| C1 | 60,000 | 140,000 | 70,000 | 210,000 |
FAQ / Important Notes
- Accepted identification: valid national identity card or passport only. Receipts or temporary ID documents are not accepted.
- In case of failure in one part of the exam (written or oral): you can retake only that part during a subsequent session.
- Certificates are issued according to ECL standards and are internationally valid.
Registrations are valid only once payment and identity verification steps are completed. Keep your payment receipts in a safe place.