Self-service
Get ready for the language proficiency exam
Learn more about Estonian language proficiency requirements and language proficiency examinations
Check your language certificates
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Learning the language
Learning for the language proficiency exams
Last modified 07.07.2026
You can learn Estonian in a group setting or with an individual tutor. There are several private language schools providing training for language proficiency exams. It is advisable to research and compare prices from different language schools to find the best option that suits your needs and budget.
Official Estonian language proficiency examinations are provided by the Education and Youth Board (HARNO). These examinations are for employees whose mother tongue is not Estonian and who need to prove to their employer that they speak the Estonian language at the level required for their job position. Some language courses may be provided by your employer, or the Unemployment Insurance Fund (Töötukassa) might help with language courses if they are part of your job-seeking efforts.
Self-service
Get ready for the language proficiency exam
Learn more about Estonian language proficiency requirements and language proficiency examinations
Check your language certificates
Log in and see certificates
Important to know concerning this step
Last modified 07.07.2026
Here, you can find information about language schools and trainers who have met the quality requirements and received an activity licence from the Language Board. The Language Board has given a positive assessment of the trainer's curricula, the teachers' competence and the learning environment. This list is updated once a month.
Last modified 07.07.2026
- To get a residence permit. According to paragraph 1 of Art. 234 of the Aliens Act, a foreigner wishing to obtain a long-term residence permit is required to confirm their knowledge of the language at B1 level. In some cases, when renewing a temporary residence permit, you will also need to prove your knowledge of the Estonian language. Based on Part 3 of Art. 179 of the Aliens Act, a foreigner applying for a temporary residence permit for work must have at least A2 proficiency in Estonian if they have lived in Estonia for more than five years on a temporary residence permit for work.
- To meet the requirements for the skills and use of the Estonian language officials, workers and entrepreneurs – Legal Act.
- For admission to the Estonian-language programmes of the University of Tartu, you are generally required to have at least B1 proficiency in Estonian.
- Estonian language proficiency examinations are one of the two exams you need to pass to apply for citizenship. The other examination is the Examination of Knowledge of the Constitution and the Citizenship Act of the Republic of Estonia.
You need to pass the Estonian language proficiency examination at B1 level.
Last modified 07.07.2026
You can receive compensation for language learning costs if you have passed the Estonian language examination at the proficiency level A2, B1, B2, or C1. Compensation can be applied to the extent of 100% of the amount used for language learning, but not more than 384 eur. See more information on the website of the Education and Youth Board (HARNO): Estonian language proficiency examinations.
Last modified 07.07.2026
Contacts
The Estonian Integration Foundation is a public institution that promotes the integration of people of different linguistic and cultural backgrounds living in Estonia.
Free educational programme provided by the Estonian state, intended to help those who have arrived in Estonia adapt and become accustomed to local life more easily.