CILPE Examination

The CIPLE (Certificado Inicial de Português Língua Estrangeira) is the official A2-level Portuguese proficiency exam developed by CAPLE (Centro de Avaliação de Português Língua Estrangeira) at the University of Lisbon. It is internationally recognized and follows the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).

     Who is it for?

• Learners who have reached A2 (Elementary) level.

• People who want an official Portuguese language certificate for study, work, or personal purposes.

• It is also commonly used by those applying for Portuguese nationality, as A2 is the required minimum level in many cases.
  
  
  CIPLE Exam Structure
  
  The CIPLE (A2) Portuguese Language Examination assesses the four core language skills: Reading, Writing, Listening, and Speaking.
   

• The Reading and Writing sections are completed together in a 1 hour and 15 minute written paper and account for 45% of the overall score.

• The Listening section lasts approximately 30 minutes and contributes 30% of the final grade.

• The Speaking (Oral) examination takes around 15 minutes and represents the remaining 25% of the total score.

• The total examination time is approximately 2 hours, followed by a short break before the oral examination.
  Topics

• The exam focuses on everyday situations, such as:

• Introducing yourself

• Family and friends

• Shopping

• Food and restaurants

• Transport

• Travel

• Health

• Work and study

• Daily routines

• Asking for and giving directions

• Simple conversations and opinions
  
  Passing Score
  Candidates receive one of the following results:

• Muito Bom (Very Good): 85–100%

• Bom (Good): 70–84%

• Suficiente (Pass): 55–69%

• A minimum of 55% is required to pass.
  
  When is the exam held?
  International CIPLE exam sessions are generally offered three times a year:

• May

• July

• November
  
  Recommended Study Level
  Most students are ready for the CIPLE after completing approximately:

• A1.1

• A1.2

• A1.3

• A1.4
  
  This usually corresponds to around 60 hours of classroom instruction, together with regular self-study and practice.
  
  Suitable Course Progression
  A typical progression for students is:

• A1.1 → A1.2 → A1.3 → A1.4

• Take the CIPLE (A2) exam

• Continue to A2.1 / B1 preparation (DEPLE)

• This progression gives students a clear learning goal and an internationally recognized certificate before moving on to higher levels.