Is there a validity for the A2 level test certificate?
Sorry if this question has been asked before, but searches with different parameters didn’t reveal an answer.
I haven’t yet received my final approval, so starting to learn may be premature; however I like learning languages and speak several already, so I was thinking about starting my journey in Portuguese.
However I would like to avoid giving the exam multiple times. If I start now, the A2 level should take about 6 months, and I am unlikely to need the certificate for another 5 years (who knows with all the chaos surrounding the GV process up to citizenship).
The exam itself is unlikely to be an issue, as I DO intend to take it up to at least B2 if not further, but as I mentioned, would like to avoid taking it more than once.
Exam certificates don’t expire. The risk is that the requirement might go up to B1. There is no harm in starting to learn, although I wouldn’t sign up for the A2 exam until the new law gets published.
If you’re a linguist and intend to reach level B2 anyway, then maybe just start learning now and skip the A2 exam, then go straight for the B1 or B2 exam? The requirement is A2 or above, so you could apply for citizenship with a B1 or B2 certificate, even if the requirement stays at A2.
Hello.
Might be a dumb question. I live in the US. How does one obtain the Residence Permit (or biometrics done to obtain RP card) in order to take a language certificate course? Is there a quick way to get this done?
Thank you.
I am planning to take the NIALP course in person in Sept. Their website clearly states that they issue a certificate at the end of the course and I confirmed with my attorney that the certificate they issue is acceptable. I also got an message from Kamal the director in May that the fee was 1250 for the course.
Is it really wise to take the A2 courses anymore? It’s expected that the language requirement is gonna be tightend in the new law. It may even become B1 . Then everyone will have to take this B1 course/exams instead. All A2 certificates acquired earlier are as good as a tissue paper
I’m trying to learn the language. The way I see it, it can’t hurt to learn the language and have the certificate in my back pocket. Could the requirement become B1/B2…maybe, so many other things could also change. I cannot imagine that the course cost starting at zero to B1 is going to be the same as zero to A2. Having made the plans and commitment I plan to just go ahead with it for now. Learn the language, practice speaking, watch movies etc so I don’t lose proficiency. It never hurts to speak another language, however poorly you do it. It the best icebreaker between strangers.
I don’t see any problem taking the A2 course now, even with the uncertainty.
I haven’t seen any concrete talk about raising the language requirement to B1+, but if it that were to happen, your current certificate would take you most of the way there. Probably you’d need another 70-100 hours to get to a B1 certificate, you don’t start from scratch.
And if you’re in a situation where you can apply for citizenship in the next year or two under the current law, definitely try to get the A2 certificate sorted as soon as possible. If the lawmaking process drags on and you reach your point of eligibility then you’ll be ready to submit your application without delay.
Hello, I am glad to hear how much you like Edusetpt. I have spoken to Joana and she is amazing but I am having troubles understanding some of the government requirements for obtaining the A2 certificate (for citizenship application). I will be taking the course online from the US. She said I will need an NIF, which my lawyer can obtain, and biometrics. Is it possible to obtain biometrics from outside Portugual and submit them? How did you handle the NIF and biometrics? I’m also confused whether these are required to start the course or only at the end when she submits the course completion to the government for the certificate.
If you’ve applied for the GV, you almost certainly have a NIF. Biometrics are in person, in Portugal. I wouldn’t start language couses wothout first having completed my biometrics, unless I was living in PT.
It seems that there is a huge interest in obtaining certificate A2 portuguese. Is there anyone here who is interested in learning portuguese without obtaining certificate? Or certificate is a must-have condition? No certificate no learning..
Living in Portugal has shown me that while certificates may satisfy residency requirements, truly embracing Portuguese—despite its notorious difficulty—is what transforms visitors into community members. To answer your question, yes, there are many of us genuinely committed to learning the language, putting in sincere effort daily to bridge the cultural divide. Beyond the practical advantages of navigating life more smoothly, this linguistic journey has opened doors to heartfelt connections: neighbors patiently correct our mistakes, friends include us in lively football debates and family meals, and even simple errands become opportunities for warm exchanges. While the occasional frustrations exist, they pale in comparison to the overwhelming kindness we’ve received—proof that our imperfect but determined efforts to speak Portuguese are the real keys to belonging in this welcoming country.
We live in Portugal and want to learn the language for practical reasons, but getting a certificate ready for citizenship is also useful. I don’t think you need to split people up into just two groups.
Probably you are halfly right in my case. I don’t live in Portugal and has been learning Portuguese with 2 different private tutors who do not issue certificates. Having obtained 2 CAPLE certificates, I am aiming for next one, as I take certification as the encouragement to continue my Portuguese endeavour and do my part of being Portuguese in the future.
