Official Russian Exams and Certifications

The TEOU, TBOU and TRKI are official diplomas issued by the Russian Ministry of Education for people with a native language other than Russian.

TEOU:
Certificate of Russian as a foreign language, elementary level 1 (TEOU)
The first elementary level exam tests basic grammatical knowledge and the ability to communicate in simple, everyday situations using the Russian language.

TBOU:
Certificate of Russian as a foreign language elementary level 2 (TBOU)
The second elementary level exam recognises a good knowledge of Russian grammar and the ability to communicate in simple social and cultural situations.

Following the elementary level exams is a series of four exams to certify your Russian language level:

TRKI – 1:
Certificate of Russian as a foreign language intermediate level 1 (TRKI - 1)

TRKI – 2:
Certificate of Russian as a foreign language intermediate level 2 (TRKI - 2)

TRKI – 3:
Certificate of Russian as a foreign language advanced level 1 (TRKI - 3)

TRKI – 4:
Certificate of Russian as a foreign language advanced level 2 (TRKI - 4)

In addition to the official examinations, the majority of universities offer a range of exams to suit specific needs. For example, a Russian exam for professionals, a Russian language test for students wishing to undertake higher studies in Russia and a test for business Russian.
In general, the exams are organised three times per year in September, January and June. Enrolment must take place 8 weeks (two months) before the exams begin if you live outside of Russian, 4 weeks if you are in Russia.