How to prove Bulgarian language proficiency

Trade representatives of foreign companies who are in the country and whose relations with the owners of the parent companies have become strained, but who wish to continue living in Bulgaria, also consider switching to these grounds, especially since the list of professions permitted for freelance practice is fairly long. Collecting the documents does not usually present any difficulties; the only thing that causes problems is the certificate of Bulgarian language proficiency.

Knowledge of Bulgarian generally has to be proven in order to work in a number of specialities, as well as to carry out freelance practice and obtain a long-term residence permit on these grounds. It is also required when obtaining Bulgarian citizenship by naturalisation (if citizenship is obtained by descent, language proficiency does not have to be proven). The proof is a certificate issued by the Ministry of Education and Science.

There are two types of certificate:

• Ordinary ones, which confirm the fact and the level of language proficiency. This is the universal option, suitable for obtaining citizenship and for most specialities.
• Ones intended for medical professionals, which certify command of the Bulgarian language and of professional terminology. Without such a certificate it is not possible to work in a medical speciality in Bulgaria (i.e. as a doctor, dentist or pharmacist).

It is easiest to obtain a certificate of language proficiency for those who have completed a Bulgarian school in Bulgaria or abroad. In that case there is no need to take an exam; it is enough to submit a copy of the diploma (translated and legalised if it was obtained in another country).

The application for the certificate must be submitted to the Centre for Assessment in Pre-School and School Education (Центъра за оценяване в предучилищното и училищното образование) in Sofia at: 125 Tsarigradsko Shose Blvd., bldg. 5. The Bulgarian language proficiency exams are held there as well.

The exam is free of charge and is held once a month; the exact date of the upcoming test can be found on the website http://copuo.bg/page.php?c=24&d=19. An application, a copy of the identity document and, if available, a copy of the document on completed language courses must be sent to the Centre in advance. Until the epidemiological restrictions are lifted, the set of documents can be sent by post or courier or placed directly in the Centre’s letterbox. Previously there was also the option of submitting the documents in person.

On the eve of the exam it is advisable to contact the Centre and check your incoming reference number as well as the exact start time of the test. On the day of the exam you must come to the Centre with an identity document.

The test lasts 1 hour. It contains 20 questions. To pass the exam you need to answer at least 12 of them correctly. If you fail the exam, you can only register for the test again after 3 months.

The results can be viewed on the website. Completed certificates are sent by the Speedy courier service at the recipient’s expense. To receive the document you need to send the centre an e-mail stating the incoming reference number, first name, surname, address and telephone number.

To pass the exam and thus obtain the certificate, a perfect command of Bulgarian is not required. The ability to maintain communication at a basic level is enough.

Bulgarian Expert’s specialists are ready to advise you if you have any questions or uncertainties, and to help prepare the entire set of documents.

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