Latvian state language certificate (valsts valodas prasmes apliecība)

It is the result of the state language proficiency test (valsts valodas prasmes pārbaude), the only test Latvia uses to measure Latvian for jobs and residence. The test used to be run by the National Centre for Education (VISC); its pages now redirect to the State Education Development Agency (VIAA), which organises it under Cabinet Regulation No. 157 of 2022.

People still say "certificate", but since Regulation No. 157 the outcome is issued as a decision (lēmums) showing your points and percentage in each skill and, if you pass, your level and grade. Certificates issued before the regulation remain valid, and if you lose one you can ask VIAA for a statement of your result through latvija.gov.lv.

Latvia uses the CEFR scale: a basic, intermediate and highest level, each with two grades, from A1 to C2.

Annex 1 of Regulation No. 157 sets C1 for doctors, for nursing and midwifery professionals, for physician assistants, for other senior health professionals and for nursing associate professionals. The Academic Information Centre gives the same C1 rule for physicians and nurses.

The Health Inspectorate asks practitioners educated abroad for a document certifying state language proficiency at first registration in the Register of Medical Practitioners. You do not need the test if you hold a Latvian-language school or higher education diploma. For permanent residence, the regulation sets a lower level, A2.

1. Choose a date and centre from VIAA's schedule. Tests run in Riga, Daugavpils, Liepāja, Rēzekne and Ventspils.
2. Complete VIAA's application form, stating the level and grade you want, for example C1.
3. Send it by email with a secure e-signature, or by post to VIAA in Riga.
4. Pay the €52 state fee to the State Treasury at least seven working days before the test. Latvian, EU, EEA and Swiss citizens do not pay.
5. Sit all four parts: listening, reading, writing and speaking. Listening and reading are done on a computer, and speaking is assessed individually by two assessors, in person or by video link.
6. Read your decision on latvija.gov.lv from the seventh working day after the test, or ask for it by registered post for €18.

You pass if you score at least 60% of the maximum points in each of the four skills. A strong reading score cannot make up for weak speaking. Your performance is only assessed if you complete every part, so leaving early means no result.

Writing is marked by two independent assessors, with a third if their marks differ by more than three points.

• Underestimating C1. It is the highest level but one, and certification exams for doctors are also held in Latvian. Start studying when you start the recognition process with the AIC, not after.
• Losing the fee. The fee is not refunded if you fail, or if you miss the test and do not send VIAA documents justifying your absence within one month.
• Retaking at the wrong level. Your most recent decision is the one that counts. An earlier result stays valid only if you fail an attempt at a higher level.
• Breaking test rules. If you are removed for a breach, you cannot sit the test again for six months.

You can challenge a decision with VIAA, whose appeal commission reviews it under the Administrative Procedure Law; its decision can then go to court.