Greek Language Certificate

Utility and Usability

Students who obtain the Ellinomatheia Certification are recognized worldwide for their greek language qualifications, which can be used to study in universities in Greece, Europe and the USA.

Furthermore, the Certificate of Attainment in Greek:

has been incorporated in the Seal of Biliteracy program in California State (B1/B2 Level). The Seal of Biliteracy certifies that a student has attained fluency in a foreign language which may aid in applying for entry at public Colleges and Universities
A2 level Certification added as an approved Pathway Assessment in World Languages. That means that the GAI students that pass the A2 Ellinomatheia Exam may meet the fifth assessment requirement for High School Graduation
provides any user of Greek with an expert and objective opinion regarding the level of their knowledge and language skills
serves as proof of the successful candidate’s level of attainment in Greek in the work market
is a requirement for the practice of various professions in Greece
allows citizens of European Union member states to participate in the examination of the Supreme Council of Personnel Selection (ΑΣΕΠ) for civil service positions (The Supreme Council specifies the required level of certificate in every announcement)
at Level B2 allows foreigners to register at a Greek institution of higher education, in case they do not have a Greek secondary education certificate.
at Level C2 allows citizens of European Union member states to prove complete knowledge and fluent use of the Greek language and thus be employed in a Greek institution of higher education.

Certificate of Attainment in Greek

The Certificate of Attainment in Greek was established in 1998. It responds to a persisting request of all learners of Greek as a Second/Foreign Language in Greece and abroad for a state certificate of attainment available at various levels. Certificates are issued for successful candidates at the any of the following six levels of attainment in Greek: Α1 (A1 for children 8-12 years old, and Α1 for adolescents and adults), Α2, Β1, Β2, Γ1 and Γ2. The levels are linked to the corresponding levels of the Common European Framework (CEFR).

What is the format and content of the examinations?

The three lower levels (A1, A2, and B1) examine all four language skills (Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking). The three higher levels (B2, C1, and C2), apart from the four language skills, examine Use of Language focusing on grammar (morphology and syntax) and on vocabulary. Exam questions are meant for the general public and the content is of general interest. The examination is communication-oriented; it emphasises not only grammatical accuracy and correctness, but also the candidate’s ability to use the language efficiently in a specific place and within a specific linguistic context, whether formal or informal. The skills to be examined are clearly distinguished, the manner and the means of examination are clearly stated, and the number and length of the correct answer(s) is stated.

Examinations for the Certificate of Attainment in Greek (Ellinomatheia)

The Centre for the Greek Language (CGL) is the official institution authorized by the Ministry of Education to conduct the examinations for the Certification of Attainment in Greek. Following the specifications of the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) for Languages, the Certificate of Ellinomatheia.

Ellinomatheia is the only Modern Greek foreign/second language certification issued by the Greek State. It is overseen jointly by The Centre for the Greek Language and the Hellenic Ministry of Education. Ellinomatheia is recognized by institutions in the U.S., the E.U., Greece, and other countries and areas, for education, residency, employment, and residency purposes.

In the U.S., it is connected to the Seal of Biliteracy, which certifies students’ fluency in a foreign language which may help students apply for entry at public colleges and universities. The CGL has been operating since 1994. It is a research institute situated in Thessaloniki. The Centre is supervised by the Ministry of Education, Research, and Religious Affairs. The Certificate of Attainment in Greek (Ellinomatheia):

Provides to users of the Greek language an expert and objective assessment regarding the level of their knowledge and their language skills.
Serves as proof of the successful candidate’s level of attainment in Greek in the work market.
Allows foreigners to register at a Greek institution of higher education, in case they do not have a Greek secondary education certificate.
Allows citizens of European Union member states to prove complete knowledge and fluent use of the Greek language and thus be employed in a Greek institution of higher education.

Learning preparation for the acquisition of the State Certificate of Attainment in Greek (Hellinomathia) is a pedagogical opportunity for students to improve their skills in the Greek language, acquire a rich vocabulary, use the language in communication and develop the following examined skills: Reading comprehension, Listening, Production of Oral Speech, Writing. The book of CGL “CLICK IN GREEK” is the most helpful for the children’s preparation for the examinations and it can be purchased by the CGL. Mainly, during the preparation for the Ellinomatheia examination:

Students by achieving their goal enjoy an early successful experience and enhance their self-confidence in the possession of the Greek language.
Parents are objectively informed about the concrete results of their children’s assessment in Greek as a foreign / second language.
Teachers are aware of the individual progress and skills of their students. It is a way of evaluating their work and take the best teaching decisions about learning feedback.

The Certificate of Ellinomatheia is addressed to all: Greek and Cypriot, adults and young people. The number of learners of Greek as a second/foreign language has risen considerably. Programmes for the teaching of Greek to foreigners (including those of Greek and Cypriot origin), to teachers and students, or to any foreigner who wants to learn Greek, are organised by Hellenic Community Schools and Units of Greek Language and Culture. It is of great pedagogical importance for students living in the United Kingdom and other European countries who learn Greek as a foreign language.

Especially for students of Greek Cypriot and Greek origin who attend English schools this experience and the knowledge in Modern Greek can be used in order to enter British universities. In particular, they can take part in the established English certifications:

General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) and
the General Certificate of Education (GCE)-Advanced Subsidiary Level (AS) and Advanced Level (A Level).

The pupils from early years will get familiar with the acquisition of Greek-language and will benefit from learning Greek as a second/foreign language, since it supports and serves the same linguistic skills required by GCSE, AS and A Level. The examinations for the Certificate of Attainment in Modern Greek at all levels are held once annually in authorized test centres all over the world. We would like to inform you that this year the examinations will take place on the 22-25 of May 2023.

The CGL has the overall responsibility for the operation of the examination centers. Such examination centres have been established in the United Kingdom in London, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Birmingham, Manchester, Bristol and in Cambridge. The students after succeeding in the examinations receive a certificate that proves the level of proficiency in the Greek language.

This process motivates them to study the language in-depth and follow a rigorous academic program. People who obtain the Certification is recognized worldwide for their language qualifications and can study in universities in Greece, in the United Kingdom, in Europe, and in the USA. The Certificate of Attainment in Greek is the only national, officially recognised by the Greek Ministry of Culture Education and Religious Affairs certificate that confirms the knowledge of Greek as a foreign/second language at 6 levels: Α1, Α2, Β1, Β2, C1 and C2.

Α1 (elementary knowledge) for children 8-12 years old, and Α1 (elementary knowledge) for teenagers and adults.
Children aged 12 and over can participate in all levels of the examinations. Especially, levels B2 (good knowledge),
C1 (very good knowledge) and C2 (excellent knowledge) are considered for children aged 16 and over.

You can find examinations preparation materials for individual candidates at http://www.greek-language.gr/certification/node/15.html.

Seal of Biliteracy

Ellinomatheia is on the list of the approved tests.

Students who have demonstrated proficiency is speaking, reading, and writing in another language in one or more languages in addition to English are eligible for this award. This seal will also be placed on the students’ diploma upon graduation.

Gets a number of credits from Colleges and Universities throughout the country. The number of credits depend on the college/university and the level of the Certificate of Attainment.

A Seal of Biliteracy and the Pathway awards are a statement by the school system that mastery of two or more languages is important. It encourages students to pursue biliteracy, honors the skills our students attain, and can be evidence of skills that are attractive to future employers and college admissions offices.

California and 10 more States recognize the Level B1 and all higher levels of Ellinomatheia Certificates as proof of language proficiency in Modern Greek. As a result, our students can submit the B1 Certificate (translated) to their high school to be awarded the Seal of Biliteracy at graduation.