EPSO 3rd Language Test B2

• PC/Laptop with headphones; we do not support iPads or tablets
• integrated/external webcam
• integrated/external microphone
• Single-Display-Modus
• Processor 1.80GHz or faster
• RAM 4GB as a minimum and 8 GB as the recommended

•  Internet Browser (Google Chrome, Edge, Mozilla Firefox, Safari)
•  Supported operating systems: Windows, macOS, Linux

• At least one week before the exam, try the mock tests and check that the audio playback (Listening subtest) and video recording (Speaking subtest) on your computer are working properly. It is, however, best to do the technical check in the environment you will be taking the exam in, i.e. by using the same computer and internet connection.

• During the exam, the invigilator appears at the top of the screen, and you can live video chat with her/him.
• If you want to speak to your invigilator, click on the hand icon and wait for them to speak to you or type a chat message in the right corner at the bottom of the screen.
• If the invigilator is talking to someone else, you will see a message at the top informing you that your speaker has been muted so as not to disturb you.
• If you lose your internet connection, scan the QR code on your mobile phone and you will be instantly connected to the support via video link (click on the icon in the top left corner to see the QR code). In rare cases, you will not be moved directly to the support, but will need to click on option (the three dots) and then choose open link in browser.  
• If you wish to leave the exam venue during the exam, please inform the invigilator.

• 15 minutes before the exam, check in and have your ID ready to present to the invigilator.
• You can start the examination at any time within the time window, but you must open and complete the subtests, Reading, Listening, Writing and Speaking, in this order. Only within the Reading and Writing subtests can you switch back and forth between parts.
• Before starting the subtest Listening, test if your speaker works by clicking on the sound test button on the home page.

• For special characters (e.g., á é í ó ú ü ñ ¿ ¡) please pre-install the appropriate keyboard driver on your computer. Alternatively, you will find a "Characters" button at the bottom of the exam interface, on which you can click to display the accented characters. Here you can click on the letter to copy it into the text. Alternatively, you can use Alt Keyboard Sequences to input special characters. Most current browsers have some level of Unicode support.
• For Bulgarian and Greek please pre-install the appropriate keyboard driver on your computer.

In order to confirm your participation in the test you need to log-in to the system AND upload a photo within five days of receiving the first automatic e-mail from the exam system. Once your photo has been approved you will receive a mail stating that you have successfully completed registration. If your photo was not approved, you will be notified accordingly.

The protection of participants' personal data is very important to telc gGmbH. It goes without saying that the processing of personal data is conducted in accordance with all applicable data protection laws (see data privacy statement). The technical and organisational requirements for ensuring compliance are regularly updated with the latest technologies.

You can contact us at any time at the following email: epso@telc.net. We are available Monday to Friday between 9 am and 4 pm. During the exam you can contact an online invigilator immediately.

You have several options to familiarize yourself with the testing platform and the types of questions which will arise:

1. Please click on the tab Practice above.
2. Once you have been registered for an exam, you will be able to log in to the EPSO Testing platform where you can perform the technical test. You can also access practice material which helps you to familiarise yourself with the type of tasks and how to answer them.

There are three parts of the Speaking subtest. In all parts we expect test takers to speak freely as they would for example giving a presentation or voicing their opinion in a meeting. Please use the preparation time to structure what you want to say rather than trying to write a complete text to read out aloud. The difference between speaking freely and reading out is clearly noticeable for our experierenced assessors and will be marked down.

Please be sure to access the trial version prior to initiating the test, and to verify proper functionality. If your speakers are not working during the exam, please contact your invigilator. 

If using Safari, please be aware that the settings might need adjusting to allow automatic audio play. Detailed instructions can be found on the welcome page of the exam software.

Please be sure to access the trial version prior to initiating the test, and to verify proper functionality. In case of difficulties with the increasingly high security settings on work devices issued by the European Commission and supporting agencies, taking the test on a private device should be considered.

If you experience difficulties during the exam, please contact your invigilator.

PLEASE NOTE: there are two methods for recording the subtest Speaking – streaming or record and upload. Detailed instructions can be found by clicking on “test video recording” on the welcome page of the exam software.

Yes, officially you are allowed to take a break between the sub-tests. You have three hours in which to complete the test. 

In everyday situations, individuals often have access to dictionaries or digital translation tools when they encounter words or phrases they don't understand. Allowing dictionaries in language exams can better simulate real-life language use and prepare students for practical communication. We feel that this language exam should primarily measure a test-takers ability to understand and express ideas effectively. Thus, by allowing a dictionary we hope to shift the focus from rote memorization to comprehension, critical thinking, and the application of language skills. Especially in our collaboration we want to acknowledge and accommodate the multilingual and multicultural reality of today's global society.

Even though dictionaries are allowed in the EPSO exam, we want to stress that when test-takers are permitted to use dictionaries, they may spend a significant amount of time searching for words or phrases they don't immediately understand. This can lead to slow progress through the exam, leaving less time for answering other questions or completing tasks. Ultimately, the decision to use a dictionary in your language exam should be made carefully, considering your specific goals of the assessment and the potential impact on time management and fairness. Please budget your time wisely!

We allow monolingual, bilingual and multilingual dictionaries both in paper and electronic form.

The test has four parts, each part is worth 45 points:

The test has 180 points in total. To pass the test you would have to have a minimum of 108 points. This corresponds to an overall score of at least 60%.

Please refer to our examination specifications "Information for test takers" for more detailed information.

telc sends the results to EPSO after the examination period closes and you get the result directly from EPSO.