1. TRKI. RUSSIAN LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY TEST (TORFL)

The Russian Language Proficiency Test (TORFL), also known as Test of Russian as a Foreign Language (TRKI), is an international state exam designed to assess proficiency in the Russian language. Here's a comprehensive overview of TORFL, including its purpose, preparation, and exam details.
What is TORFL (TRKI)?
The abbreviation TRKI stands for the Test of Russian as a Foreign Language. The English equivalent is Test of Russian as a Foreign Language (TORFL). This international state exam determines the level of proficiency in the Russian language. Additionally, there are specialized tests within TRKI for specific purposes, such as "Russian for Professional Purposes" in tourism or business, featuring thematic vocabulary.
TRKI originated in Russia in 1995, developed collaboratively by four universities: Pushkin Institute, RUDN, MGU, and SPbGU. These universities now form a test consortium responsible for creating test materials and issuing certificates to successful candidates. They have test centers in various countries where individuals can take the exam.
Why Take TRKI?
University Admission: Foreign applicants planning to study in a Russian university in the Russian language may find TRKI beneficial. The test includes vocabulary relevant to academic studies. While not mandatory for admission, some universities may consider TRKI certification as an advantage.
Professional Use: TRKI is also sought after by professionals requiring Russian language skills for their careers, including not only linguists but also cultural experts, economists, political scientists, and more.


Exam Levels

TRKI (TORFL) comprises six levels: A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, and C2. Certification is available for levels starting from B1. Each level corresponds to different proficiency and learning hours.
The Russian State Certification System for proficiency levels in Russian as a foreign language (TORFL) encompasses the following set of tests:
TЭУ (Тест по русскому языку как иностранному. Элементарный уровень - А1): Test of Russian as a Foreign Language. Elementary Level (A1).
ТБУ (Тест по русскому языку как иностранному. Базовый уровень - А2): Test of Russian as a Foreign Language. Basic Level (A2).
ТРКИ-1 (Тест по русскому языку как иностранному. Первый сертификационный уровень - В1): Test of Russian as a Foreign Language. First Certification Level (B1).
ТРКИ-2 (Тест по русскому языку как иностранному. Второй сертификационный уровень - В2): Test of Russian as a Foreign Language. Second Certification Level (B2).
ТРКИ-3 (Тест по русскому языку как иностранному. Третий сертификационный уровень - С1): Test of Russian as a Foreign Language. Third Certification Level (C1).
ТРКИ-4 (Тест по русскому языку как иностранному. Четвёртый сертификационный уровень - С2): Test of Russian as a Foreign Language. Fourth Certification Level (C2).
The Russian state certification system for proficiency levels in Russian as a foreign language aligns with testing systems adopted in other countries. This ensures compatibility and comparability of language proficiency assessments across international contexts.


Comparison of Russian Proficiency Levels (TORFL) with European and U.S. Language Proficiency Frameworks


Since 1997, the Russian State Testing System (TORFL) has been an official member of the Association of Language Testers in Europe (ALTE). This membership signifies alignment with international language testing standards, fostering compatibility and recognition of Russian language proficiency on a global scale.


Test Components

Each TRKI level includes five subtests: Lexicon, Grammar, Reading, Listening, Writing, and Speaking. The duration of the test depends on the level, with a minimum of 3.5 hours.
To pass the Test of Russian as a Foreign Language (TORFL) successfully, a candidate must achieve a minimum score of 66% in each subtest. If the candidate scores below 66% in any subtest, they have the option to retake that specific subtest for an additional fee, which is 50% of the total exam cost.
Upon successful completion of the retake, a Certification of Test Completion is issued, detailing all obtained results. This certification is valid for a period of two years and can be presented for reexamination at any educational institution affiliated with the Russian State Testing System.
It's important to note that the results of subtests that were passed successfully are retained and considered in subsequent exam attempts. This allows candidates to leverage their previous successes to improve their overall performance in subsequent exams.


Preparation for the Test

Various accredited test centers around the world offer short-term preparation courses, typically structured as intensive training sessions. Sample test tasks are available on the Pushkin Institute's website. Distance learning courses are also provided by the Pushkin Institute and other Russian universities.
There are various typical tests of Russian as a foreign language helping to prepare for TRKI. Here you can download sample and demo tests for each level.


Exam Cost and Locations

The exam cost and schedule are determined by the test center conducting the TRKI. Prices range from 5000 to 6700 rubles ($76-103). Only accredited centers are authorized to conduct the exams, and they are available both in Russia and internationally.
Taking the Exam
To take TRKI (TORFL), individuals must approach accredited centers. Testing centers are open in Russia and abroad, including the Americas, Europe, Asia, Africa, and the CIS countries. The exam can be taken either on paper or electronically.
You can get tested both in Russia and in other countries. Contact the accredited center in advance, find out the exam schedule, find out what documents are needed, and sign up if necessary. University staff come to centers located abroad with testing materials, conduct the test (on paper or in electronic format), pick up the work and take it away for checking. After this, a certificate is prepared and awarded to those who pass the exam.


Where can I take the test?

You can take the TORFL (ТРКИ) exam at accredited centers in Russia and worldwide. Here's an official list of certified testing centres, including both in-person and online options: Accredited Centres List (PDF).


Distance Exam Option

TRKI can be taken remotely through any accredited exam center. Technical requirements, identity verification, and confidentiality of materials are ensured by the center. After the exam, tests are sent for evaluation, and successful candidates receive their certificates.


TRKI online

Currently you can take TORFL exams online. For your convenience, the Language Testing Centre of St.Petersburg University have prepared a brief guide on how to take the Test of Russian as a Foreign Language online. Make sure you read it carefuly.
Retaking the Exam
If a candidate does not pass a subtest, they have the option to retake it for an additional fee (50% of the exam cost). A certificate indicating test results is issued, and it remains valid for two years. Successfully passed subtests are recognized in case of re-examination.
Certificate Validity
Unlike other language certificates, TRKI certificates have no expiration date. Each certificate has a unique number and is recorded in a centralized database, allowing verification of authenticity and the issuance of duplicate certificates if needed.

2. EXAMS AT THE PUSHKIN STATE INSTITUTE OF RUSSIAN LANGUAGE

The Pushkin Institute has introduced a distinct examination system tailored for adult learners, featuring a five-part structure akin to the TRKI examinations (also offered by the Institute). However, there are slight variations in the allocated time and the quantity/pattern of tasks. Additionally, the Pushkin Institute administers specialized exams, spanning from A1 to C2 for school-aged children, followed by three exams in Business Russian (B1 to C1) and four exams in Russian for International Tourism. These examinations are available for candidates at the institute's Moscow campus or at affiliated centers abroad, all situated in European countries.

3. THE RUSSIAN CITIZENSHIP EXAM

The state test in Russian as a foreign language for citizenship admission is the official exam of Russia, distinct from the TRFL system. It is categorized as "basic," indicating its equivalence to the "basic" (A2) level of TRKI. The exam follows the TRKI structure, featuring a "subtest" for each of the four language skills and a multiple-choice vocabulary/grammar test. Despite maintaining the same framework as TRKI exams, there are variations in the allocated time, types, and quantity of tasks/questions.

4. TELC EXAMS FOR RUSSIAN

The Telc exams, short for "The European Language Certificates," are open-access Russian language proficiency tests provided by a non-profit company based in Frankfurt-am-Main, affiliated with the German Adult Education Association. Although Telc primarily focuses on German exams, it has expanded to include exams in nine other languages, including Russian at levels A1 to B2.
The Telc Russian exams are composed of 4 modules (reading, writing, listening, speaking), with varying time durations for each part as proficiency levels increase. While general information about Telc can be found on their website, detailed materials and mock papers, including audio content, are available only in Russian. Telc has gained recognition and respect in Germany, with over two thousand test centers in more than 20 countries.
The Telc exams offer four Russian language certificates, covering levels from A1 to B2, aligning with CEFR. Telc exams assess general language competence with an emphasis on communicative skills rather than academic abilities.
For exam preparation, Telc offers a module with a minimum enrollment period of one week. The accepted language levels are A1, A2, B1, and B2. The number of lessons per week ranges from 5 to 10 on an individual basis. Each module consists of 5 lessons, and for 2 or more modules, the fee per module is 210 EUR, with a price of 240 EUR per module (5 lessons).