FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Turkish Proficiency Exam (TPE)?

The TPE isa standardized exam developed by the Yunus Emre Institute that assesses the basic language proficiency and skills of individuals learning Turkish as foreign or native language. The TPE is organized and performed by the Yunus Emre Institute at an international level.

Who prepares the question of the Turkish Proficiency Exam?

The questions of the TPE are diligently prepared by a team composed of Turkish instructors working at the TÖMERs and Turkish Education Departments of Universities in Turkey, and of experts working at Yunus Emre Turkish Culture Centers. The quality of the questions in the TPE is also examined by Linguists and independent Assessment and Evaluation Experts. The questions are thus subject to a number of controls with respect to content, writing and assessment-evaluation. Following these examinations, the questions are organized in exam booklets. The texts within the listening section of the TPE are meticulously prepared by professional artists working in technologically advanced studios.

Who can take the Turkish Proficiency Exam?

Those who can take the TPE include individuals learning Turkish as foreign language, students who need to document and demonstrate the adequacy of their Turkish language within the scope of their application to Turkish Universities, teacher candidates who wish to teach Turkish in institutions abroad, and translators who wish to document their proficiency in the Turkish language. In brief, the TPE can be performed by anyone who wishes to assess and evaluate their proficiency in the Turkish language.

Why should I perform the Turkish Proficiency Exam?

The TPE is an exam that assesses and documents your Turkish language skills. The Certificate of Turkish Proficiency that you will receive in case you successfully complete the TPE will exempt you from attending preparatory university courses for learning the Turkish language, and will serve as evidence of your knowledge of Turkish during job interviews.

How may I apply for the Turkish Proficiency Exam?

You may apply for the TPE directly at the Yunus Emre Institute in Ankara or, if living abroad, at the Yunus Emre Turkish Culture Centers.
What are the different sections included into the Turkish Proficiency Exam?
The Turkish Proficiency Exam consists of the following sections: Reading, Listening, Writing, and Speaking (further divided into Independent Speaking and Dialogue).

How is the Turkish Proficiency Exam performed?

The Turkish Proficiency Exam is performed in two sessions, or stages. In the first session, the candidates complete the reading, listening and writing questions. In the second session, the candidates answer the questions regarding the independent speaking and dialogues.

How is the reading section of the exam performed?

In the reading section, the candidates are expected to answer 40 questions of different types within 60 minutes.

How is the listening section of the exam performed?

In the listening section, the candidates are expected to answer 30 questions of different types within 45 minutes.

How is the writing section of the exam performed?

In the writing section consisting of 2 questions, the candidates are expected to answer the first question in 20 minutes, and the second question in 40 minutes.

How is the speaking section of the exam performed?

In the independent speaking section, the candidates are expected to answer 1 question in 5 minutes. In the dialogue section, the candidates are expected to answer 7 questions in 10 minutes.

How many questions does the Turkish Proficiency Exam include?

The TPE includes 40 reading, 30 listening, 2 writing, 1 independent speaking, and 7 dialogue questions. The Exam thus consists of a total of 80 questions.

How long is the duration of the Turkish Proficiency Exam?

The duration of different sections within the TPE is 60 minutes for the reading section, 45 minutes for the listening section, 60 minutes for the writing section, 5 minutes for independent speaking section and 10 minutes for the dialogue section. The total duration of the Exam is thus 180 minutes.

What is the fee for the Turkish Proficiency Exam?

The fee for the TPE varies from one country to another. Please click to see the applicable fees.

How many times is the Turkish Proficiency Exam performed within a year?

The Turkish Proficiency Exam is performed three times a year, in the months of January, May and September.

Where is the Turkish Proficiency Exam performed?

Please click for the list of countries and centers at which the TPE is conducted.

When are the results of the Turkish Proficiency Exam announced?

The results of the TPE are announced 15-30 days after the exam date.

When will I receive my Certificate of Turkish Proficiency?

The certificates are sent by courier on the same day the exam results are announced. The time it takes for the certificate to reach you may vary depending on the country in which you reside.

I have lost my Certificate of Turkish Proficiency; what should I do?

A candidate who loses his/her Certificate of Turkish proficiency within the 2-year validity period of the document may, for one time only, request a new certificate. The courier expenses related to this new certificate will be covered by the candidate.

What is the exam score necessary for obtaining the Certificate of Turkish Proficiency?

The TPE is graded and evaluated over 100 points, with the reading, listening, writing, and speaking sections each contributing 25 points to the final exam score. On condition that the candidates achieve a minimum score of 50% (12.5 points) in every section, candidates who score between 55-70 points over 100 in the exam will receive a B2 Certificate of Turkish Proficiency; those who score between 71-88 points over 100 will receive a C1 Certificate of Turkish Proficiency; and those who score between 89-100 points over 100 will receive a C2 Certificate of Turkish Proficiency.

Can I take notes during the Turkish Proficiency Exam?

Candidates/students taking the exam may use the empty spaces on the question booklet for taking notes.

When should I be at the exam room before the beginning of the exam?

You must be at the exam room at least half an hour before the beginning of the exam.

Which items should I bring with me to the exam? Which documents are required for the Turkish Proficiency Exam?

On the day of the exam, you should bring the following items: your identity card, your entry document for the exam, a pencil, and an eraser. You can also bring water with you, on condition that it is inside a transparent plastic bottle. It is strictly forbidden to enter the exam room with a watch, cell phone, pager, calculator, or bag. A wall clock is found within the exam room to allow the candidates to check the time.

In case a candidate fails to attend the exam, will his/her application be annulled?

In case a candidate fails to attend the exam for whatever reason, the candidate’s application will be annulled. The exam fee will not be reimbursed.