Polish B1 · adult certificate exam
Polish B1 exam: format, timing and pass marks
Understand the exam before you decide what to practise and how to manage a complete paper.
Key information
The state Polish B1 certificate exam for adults assesses listening, reading, grammar, writing and speaking. The written part lasts up to 190 minutes and speaking up to 15 minutes. You need at least 50% in each part. Before a mock exam, read the instructions in your chosen paper and assess each skill separately.
Who is the adult B1 exam for?
This guide covers the state certificate exam for adults, which candidates can take from the age of 18 on the examination date. The version for children and young people has different rules and tasks, so check the age-group label when choosing materials.
A practical starting point is being able to communicate in everyday situations, understand the main idea of straightforward texts and produce connected messages. Reading the rules alone cannot establish your readiness. Try sample tasks and use the results to guide your learning.
What does the exam include?
Four modules make up the written part. Speaking, the fifth skill, is assessed separately. Prepare both to recognise correct answers and to create your own written and spoken responses.
| Part | What it assesses | How to practise |
|---|---|---|
| Listening | Understanding recordings and specific information | After your attempt, find the evidence for the answer in the transcript. |
| Reading | Overall meaning, details and the purpose of a text | Point to the sentence that supports your answer. |
| Grammar | Selecting and producing correct forms in context | Explain the correction and write your own sentence. |
| Writing | Completing the task in the required text form | First identify the reader, purpose and every required point. |
| Speaking | Responding to prompts and taking part in a conversation | Record an answer, then review its clarity and coherence. |
How long does the Polish B1 exam last?
The official exam structure states up to 190 minutes for the written part and up to 15 minutes for speaking. The Commission’s detailed table lists 25 minutes for listening, 45 for reading, 45 for grammar and 75 for writing.
Published papers from earlier sessions may use a different split between listening and reading. When practising, follow the time limits printed in your chosen paper. During the actual exam, follow the instructions and announcements from the examination team.
Allow more than the task-solving time for a full mock exam and review. Confirm the speaking appointment, breaks and daily arrangements with your centre. Do not plan transport or other commitments solely around the 190-minute figure.
What score do you need to pass?
For the adult B1 exam, the threshold is at least 50% in each part. Listening, reading, grammar, writing and speaking therefore count separately. A high average cannot compensate for a result below the threshold in one module.
For illustration, scores of 70%, 65%, 45%, 70% and 60% do not meet the pass requirement because one part is at 45%. This illustrates the rule; it is not a way to predict an exam result from any short practice exercise.
During revision, record each module’s result and the reasons for your mistakes. Do not assess writing and speaking only by comparing your response with a model answer. Use the criteria and, when possible, feedback from a teacher.
What should you check in the instructions?
Listening instructions explain how to complete the task; a recording may be played once or twice. In writing, choose a set and complete the tasks belonging to that set according to their instructions. Do not pick individual tasks from different sets.
Understanding the topic does not by itself mean you have completed the task correctly. Also check the required answer format, the number of items, the intended reader and the word limit stated in the prompt.
- Read the worked example when one is provided.
- Identify whether you must choose an answer, match items or supply a form yourself.
- For writing, make a short plan covering every required point.
- Before finishing, check unanswered items and whether your answers are legible.
How can you organise your first mock exam?
Get an official adult B1 paper with its recording and available checking materials. Choose a quiet place, prepare a timer and record the start time of each part. Do not interrupt the attempt to check individual answers.
Afterwards, divide mistakes into three groups: gaps in knowledge, misunderstood instructions and timing problems. This helps you decide whether to work on language, careful reading or pace. Return to selected tasks a few days later.
Complete preparation includes speaking too. MyPolishExam provides practice for the written sections; speaking is not currently included in the offer. Practise the oral part with a teacher or partner, or by recording your own responses.
Frequently asked questions
Does the B1 exam have four or five parts?
The adult exam has four written modules and a separate oral part, making five assessed areas. Written practice alone does not cover the complete exam.
Is an average of 50% enough?
No. In the adult B1 exam you need at least 50% in each part. Track results separately during preparation instead of relying on one overall average.
Do listening and reading have the same timing in every paper?
Official materials from different sessions may use different time allocations. Follow the chosen paper during practice and the examination team’s instructions on exam day.
Is my app score an official certificate exam result?
No. Exercises, mock results and feedback support preparation. The certificate and official result are issued through the state examination system.
How should I start preparing?
Try sample tasks from every part, identify your difficulties and schedule regular revision. If you are already close to B1, use our 30-day plan; beginners need a longer period of study.
Official sources
Exam rules checked against official sources on 23 September 2026. Follow the detailed instructions in your chosen paper and from your examination centre.
- Official exam structure and pass thresholdscertyfikatpolski.pl
- Age groups and the detailed B1 tablecertyfikatpolski.pl
- Official papers from previous yearscertyfikatpolski.pl
- The Commission’s guidance for candidatescertyfikatpolski.pl
Put the plan into practice
Try a task, review your mistakes and choose what to practise next.
Explore B1 mock-exam practice