Estonian language proficiency exam (eesti keele tasemeeksam)

Tasemeeksam means level examination. Harno (Haridus- ja Noorteamet, the Education and Youth Board) holds state Estonian proficiency exams at four levels of the CEFR: A2, B1, B2 and C1. There is no C2 exam; Harno says no position requires that level. Each exam tests writing, listening, reading and speaking. The written part lasts two to three hours depending on the level, followed by the speaking part after a short break.

The exam is free of charge, and the certificate is electronic only, with the same legal force as a paper one.

Estonia sets language requirements for employees in a government regulation under the Language Act. Doctors must have Estonian at C1, and nurses and midwives at least B2. This applies whatever your nationality.

Language also matters before you are registered. If you trained outside the EU, the Health Board (Terviseamet) refers you to a compliance examination, and it states that the compliance examination is taken in Estonian, including the supervised work practice. In practice, most applicants work towards the level their job will require before they start.

1. Choose your level. You can register for only one exam at a time.
2. Register before the deadline. Registration closes on the first day of the month before the exam. For the last quarter of 2026 the deadline was 1 October, with B2 on 14 November and C1 on 15 November.
3. Use the right channel. With an Estonian personal identification code (isikukood) you register online in the EIS test database at eis.harno.ee. Without one you apply on paper, by post with a copy of your identity document or in person at Harno's customer service.
4. Prepare. Harno offers free pre-exam consultations, sample tasks, sample exam videos and the Keeletee online course.
5. Sit the exam. Exams are held every quarter in Tallinn, Tartu, Narva and Jõhvi and start at 10:00.

You pass with at least 60% of the total points, and a score of zero in any one part fails the exam. Results are published no later than 40 days after the exam, in EIS or on eesti.ee. If you score below 45%, or miss the exam without a valid reason, you can register again after six months. If you missed it for a valid reason such as illness, you can send an explanation and proof to Harno within 14 days to try sooner.

Harno does not state an expiry date for the certificate, but notes that language skills change over time.

• Missing the deadline. Registration closes on the first day of the month before the exam, more than a month ahead, so a missed date can cost you a quarter.
• Booking a level too early. A very low score triggers the six-month wait, so take a practice test first.
• Underestimating the time. Our Estonia country guide explains why language is usually the longest stage of the route.