Test of Russian as a Foreign Language

The Russian state system of certification levels for general proficiency in Russian as a foreign language (TORFL) includes the following test system:

  • TEU — Test in Russian as a foreign language. Elementary level (A 1);
  • TBU — Test in Russian as a foreign language. Basic level (A 2);
  • TRKI 1 — Test in Russian as a foreign language. First certification level (B 1);
  • TRKI 2 — Test in Russian as a foreign language. Second certification level (B 2);
  • TRKI 3 — Test in Russian as a foreign language. Third certification level (C 1);
  • TRKI 4 — Test in Russian as a foreign language. Fourth certification level (C 2).

The Russian state system of certification levels for general proficiency in Russian as a foreign language correlates with the testing systems adopted in other countries.

Россия Элементарный уровень Базовый уровень I уровень (ТРКИ-1) II уровень (ТРКИ-2) III уровень (ТРКИ-3) IV уровень (ТРКИ-4)
А1 A2 B1 B2 C1 C2
Европа Level 1: Breakthrough Level Level 2: Waystage Level Level 3: Threshold Level Level 4: Vantage Level Level 5: Effective Operational Proficiency Level 6: Good User
США Novice Intermediate Intermediate_hight Advanced Advanced Plus Superior Native

Since 1997 the Russian State Testing System (TORFL) is an official member of the Association of Language Testers in Europe (ALTE).

Testing procedure

TORFL is an international exam to determine the level of Russian language proficiency. General knowledge of Russian as a foreign language includes six levels:

  • Elementary,
  • Base,
  • I certification,
  • II certification,
  • III certification,
  • IV certification.
    The test for each level consists of five components (subtests):

  • Lexico-grammar,
  • Reading,
  • Listening,
  • Letter,
  • Speaking.

To pass the exam successfully, you must score at least 66% for each subtest. If the test taker received less than 66% for one of them, he or she has the right to retest for an additional fee (50% of the cost of the exam) on the failed subtest. In this case, a Certificate of passing the test is issued, which indicates all the results obtained. The certificate is valid for 2 years, it can be presented for a retake at any educational institution included in the Russian state testing system.

The results of successfully passed subtests are taken into account when re-passing the exam.

The exam is taken by specialists from the Center for Language Testing of the State Institute of the Russian Language. A.S. Pushkin. Those who successfully pass the exam will be issued within three months of the test date.

The upcoming exam is scheduled for June 29, 2024. The exam cost will be available soon.