Free trial B1 exam in our school on 31 August, 10:00. Register here: https://forms.gle/7iSmHwNGkaKtmkTx5

B1 Polish language certificate - this is the Holy Grail of many foreigners!

It is hardly surprising - this document opens many doors in Poland: a better job, studies at Polish universities, but above all the possibility of obtaining a permanent residence card and citizenship.

There are many opinions, understatements and myths surrounding this exam, which I would like to deal with in this article, so that every person who decides to register knows how to prepare for it.

MYTH 1 – “You can prepare for the exam in 3 months.” 

Yes, but only if your current level of Polish is already around B1. In this situation, you learn to solve sample exam tasks within a specified time limit. 

However, if your level is lower – you still confuse word endings, you cannot write in Polish or you only know 20 Polish words, then you need much more time than 3 months.

MYTH 2 – “I speak and understand Polish, so I'm ready!”

Well, communicating in Polish is important, but for B1 it is definitely not enough! 

Remember, speaking and listening are only 2 of the 5 parts of the exam. My experience as an examiner shows that the most difficult part for candidates is grammar and writing. So if you still confuse the accusative with the instrumental, the masculine and non-masculine past tense endings, it means that it is still too early for you.

Believe me, sometimes it is better to wait, give yourself more time than to register for the exam and hope for a miracle.

MYTH 3 – “The B1 exam is very difficult, I will never pass it!”

I won't lie to you - it's not easy, especially when you're just starting to learn Polish and you see how far you have to go, but... you can pass the B1 exam. How? You have to be patient.

Assume that it will take you about 2 years to prepare! Yes, you read it right - 2 years is in my opinion the time you need to reach B1 level without stress and fear that you will not cope with the exam. I know people who took less time to prepare. My record holder did it in 9 months, starting from A0 level. But let's be honest only few people have the opportunity to put their family and professional life aside to focus solely on their studies. 

So how do you know if you're ready for B1? You've been learning Polish for a long time, you speak it, you understand a lot, but writing and grammar are keeping you up at night?

Join us on August 31st at 10:00 and write trial exam with us! Together with an experienced Polish language teacher and examiner, you will check all the skills required for the exam - speaking, reading, listening, grammar and writing. At the end, you will receive a detailed report from us about your strengths and issues that still need work.

Oh, I forgot to add that the meeting is free. So, are you joining us? Register here: https://forms.gle/7iSmHwNGkaKtmkTx5