Table of Contents
- Greek Language Certification: The Essential Distinction
- A Structured Pathway Toward Official Certification
- How We Support Your Examination Preparation
- What Do the Official Greek Proficiency Examinations Assess?
- How to Build a Greek Examination Preparation Plan
- Pathway to B2 Greek for University Studies
- Official Examination Dates and Registration: May 2027
- Official Examination Centre in Thessaloniki
- Official Certificate of Attainment in Greek Resources
- Certificate of Attainment in Greek – Frequently Asked Questions
- Plan Your Greek Certification Preparation with Philoxenia
The Certificate of Attainment in Greek (Πιστοποιητικό Ελληνομάθειας) is an official Greek-language qualification administered through the Centre for the Greek Language (CGL). It assesses language proficiency across the CEFR levels A1–C2 and provides formal evidence of Greek-language ability for purposes where the relevant institution accepts it.
At Philoxenia Greek Language School in Thessaloniki, we teach Greek through CEFR-aligned courses and help learners prepare for official Greek-language examinations. We provide preparation and guidance; the official examinations, assessment and certificate award belong to the authorized examination bodies, not to Philoxenia .
Greek Language Certification: The Essential Distinction
Philoxenia prepares students; the Centre for the Greek Language administers the official examinations. Our Greek classes develop the CEFR-level skills students need for their target examinations, while the official Certificate of Attainment in Greek is issued through the authorised examination system after a successful result.
- Study: Choose a Greek course that matches your starting level, goals and available time.
- Preparation: Practise the language skills and exam-style tasks relevant to your target CEFR level.
- Certification: Apply for the official examination through the CGL and obtain the qualification by passing it.
A Structured Pathway Toward Official Certification
Our Greek-language curriculum develops listening comprehension, reading comprehension, spoken communication and written expression, with grammar, vocabulary and language awareness integrated into our teaching. We combine CEFR-aligned instruction with preparation activities appropriate to each student's examination level.
Completion of a course does not automatically grant an official certificate, guarantee examination admission or guarantee a pass. Candidates must register separately for the official examination and comply with the CGL's applicable rules.
Which Greek proficiency levels are available?
| CEFR level | Broad language focus | Preparation priorities |
|---|---|---|
| A1 | First everyday interactions | Basic exchanges, familiar information, short messages |
| A2 | Common daily situations | Routine communication, short texts, essential practical tasks |
| B1 | Independent everyday communication | Extended exchanges, connected texts, everyday problem-solving |
| B2 | More complex and independent expression | Extended reading and listening, reasoned discussion and writing |
| C1 | Advanced and flexible language use | Nuanced comprehension, complex discourse and accuracy |
| C2 | Highly proficient language use | Precision, sophisticated expression and demanding texts |
How We Support Your Examination Preparation
At Philoxenia, we help students make informed decisions about the level and timing of their examination preparation. Depending on the student's starting level and learning goals, our support includes:
- Briefings on exam format, assessment demands and candidate expectations.
- Guidance on official sample materials and structured examination practice.
- Feedback on speaking, writing, reading and listening tasks.
- Advice on choosing a realistic learning pathway and target level.
- Guidance through the official online examination registration process.
Our teaching and exam-preparation support are distinct from the CGL's official examination administration. We cannot promise a particular result or substitute course documentation for the official certificate.
What Do the Official Greek Proficiency Examinations Assess?
The Certificate of Attainment in Greek assesses a candidate's ability to understand and use Greek at a specified level. For a realistic preparation plan, we work on the four core communication skills, while strengthening the language structures and vocabulary needed to perform the tasks.
- Listening: Understanding spoken Greek in exchanges and recordings appropriate to the examination level.
- Reading: Identifying meaning, purpose and relevant details in written Greek.
- Writing: Producing clear, level-appropriate written responses for the task and audience.
- Speaking: Responding, interacting and expressing ideas in Greek during an oral assessment.
The complexity of these tasks changes from A1 to C2. For exam-specific task formats and level requirements, candidates can consult the official examination structure and sample examination papers. We use these resources to help students understand what to practise.
How to Build a Greek Examination Preparation Plan
A realistic preparation route starts with the language level you have already reached, not just the date of the next examination. At Philoxenia, we help learners identify an appropriate course pathway and focus on the skills needed for their target level.
- Establish your starting point. Complete beginners can begin at A1 without automatically taking a placement test. Students with previous Greek study may use our Greek placement test to support level selection.
- Choose your learning pace. Our eight-month Intensive course offers a distributed weekly schedule, while the three-month Superintensive course offers a higher-frequency pathway. Group formation and exact class times are subject to confirmation.
- Build and review your skills. Use structured lessons, feedback, independent revision and official practice tasks to identify areas requiring further work.
- Apply for the official examination. Consult the CGL's published registration dates, candidate rules and examination-centre directory. Official examination registration is separate from enrolling at Philoxenia.
Each Intensive or Superintensive cycle covers a defined two-level curriculum track, but curriculum coverage is not an automatic declaration of individual proficiency or exam readiness. Preparation needs and progress vary by learner.
Pathway to B2 Greek for University Studies
For students planning university studies in Greece, we offer Greek language instruction and preparation for official proficiency examinations at the CEFR level relevant to their studies. Where B2 is the required level, we help students work towards the language skills assessed at B2. The official Certificate of Attainment in Greek is awarded after a candidate successfully passes the examination administered by the Centre for the Greek Language; it is not issued by Philoxenia.
Students beginning at A1 can follow our CEFR-aligned course pathway through A1–A2 and B1–B2. Each full Intensive or Superintensive course cycle covers the curriculum for two consecutive CEFR levels, so the A1-to-B2 curriculum pathway consists of two course cycles, subject to appropriate group availability and individual learning progress. We teach and prepare students for the official exam; the certificate is earned through the examination process.
| Philoxenia programme | One course cycle | Weekly teaching load | Academic hours / cycle | A1-to-B2 curriculum pathway |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Intensive Greek Courses | 8 months | 4 academic hours | 128 | Two 8-month cycles |
| Superintensive Greek Courses | 3 months | 10 academic hours | 120 | Two 3-month cycles |
The durations above describe our teaching pathway and curriculum coverage. To obtain the official Greek-language certificate needed for an application, a student must successfully pass the relevant CGL examination. We can help learners choose a preparation route based on their starting level; the receiving institution determines which certificate and CEFR level its applicants must present. Use our registration form to indicate your preferred course. Group availability and lesson times are confirmed separately.
Official Examination Dates and Registration: May 2027
The Centre for the Greek Language has published the May 2027 examination timetable. The published application period is 1 February–14 March 2027 . Candidates should always check the CGL's official announcements for later changes, examination fees and their examination centre's procedures.
| Level | May 2027 written examination |
|---|---|
| A1 (children / adolescents and adults) | Tuesday, 11 May 2027 (morning) |
| A2, including A2 for professional purposes | Tuesday, 11 May 2027 (midday) |
| B1 | Thursday, 13 May 2027 (morning) |
| B2 | Wednesday, 12 May 2027 (morning) |
| C1 | Wednesday, 12 May 2027 (afternoon) |
| C2 | Thursday, 13 May 2027 (afternoon) |
Oral examinations are organized in connection with the written examinations according to the official timetable. Check official examination dates and registration updates .
Planning Around the Official Examination Calendar
Our course cycles and the CGL examination calendar are separate schedules. If you have a university application deadline or another reason to obtain the qualification by a specific date, check the official examination and results procedures early. We can discuss a suitable study route, but we cannot change CGL deadlines, examination outcomes or certificate issuance times.
Official Examination Centre in Thessaloniki
For 2027, the School of Modern Greek Language at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki is listed by the Centre for the Greek Language among the official examination centres in Thessaloniki. This is separate from Philoxenia Greek Language School: we provide language education and preparation, not the official examination itself .
Candidates living elsewhere may check the official directory of examination centres in Greece and abroad. Future additional examination sessions should be checked against official CGL announcements; they should not be assumed to recur automatically.
Official Certificate of Attainment in Greek Resources
- Official examination dates and announcements
- Official online examination registration
- Examination structure and task types
- Sample examination papers
- Accredited examination centres
- Official examination results
Greek Certification · Student Questions
Certificate of Attainment in Greek – Frequently Asked Questions
Answers from our school to questions about the official Greek exam, planning your preparation and using the qualification.
What is the Certificate of Attainment in Greek?
It is an official qualification that certifies proficiency in Greek through examinations administered by the Centre for the Greek Language.
At Philoxenia, we prepare learners for the examination, but we do not issue the official Certificate of Attainment in Greek.
Is the Certificate of Attainment in Greek internationally recognized?
The certificate is an official Greek-language qualification that can be presented to institutions in Greece and abroad.
Recognition for a particular university application, employer, professional registration or administrative process depends on that organization's rules. We recommend confirming the accepted qualification and required CEFR level before applying.
Which CEFR levels are covered by the Certificate of Attainment in Greek?
The official certification covers A1, A2, B1, B2, C1 and C2.
There are also distinct examination categories, including A1 for younger candidates and A2 for professional purposes. We can help you plan preparation for an appropriate level based on your existing knowledge.
Where are the Certificate of Attainment in Greek exams held?
Official exams take place at authorized examination centres in Greece and abroad, including an official centre in Thessaloniki.
We recommend checking the CGL examination-centre directory before registering. Philoxenia is a teaching school, not the awarding examination centre.
Who can participate in the Certificate of Attainment in Greek exams?
Greek-language learners can apply for the appropriate official examination subject to the CGL's current eligibility and registration rules.
You do not need to have studied at Philoxenia to apply. We encourage candidates to choose a level based on their actual skills and the official examination requirements.
Does Philoxenia Greek Language School prepare students for the Certificate of Attainment in Greek?
Yes. Our CEFR-aligned teaching and targeted examination preparation help students develop the skills assessed by the official certificate.
We offer guidance on examination format, official practice materials and preparation planning. We do not conduct the CGL examinations or guarantee an examination result.
Is the Certificate of Attainment in Greek required for university studies in Greece?
For Greek-taught university studies, applicants may need an official Greek-language proficiency certificate at the level specified by the receiving university or programme. We offer the corresponding Greek courses and examination preparation; we do not issue the official certificate.
The Certificate of Attainment in Greek is obtained by successfully passing the official examination organised through the Centre for the Greek Language. We help students prepare for their target CEFR level, including B2 when required, and recommend checking the receiving institution’s current language-document requirements before selecting an examination level.
Does completing a Philoxenia course automatically award the official Greek certificate?
No. Our course-completion documentation is separate from the official Certificate of Attainment in Greek.
After successful completion of a full Philoxenia course cycle, we can issue a Certificate of Course Completion. To receive the official proficiency certificate, you must meet the CGL's examination requirements and pass its assessment.
Can I register for the official Greek exam without enrolling in a preparation course?
Yes. Official examination registration is handled through the CGL's application process, not through compulsory Philoxenia enrolment.
You can review the official online application and use the sample papers to assess the tasks involved. We can provide preparation if you would like additional support.
What should I do if I studied Greek previously but am unsure which examination level to choose?
We recommend assessing your existing knowledge before committing to an exam level or preparation schedule.
If you have previously studied Greek, you can take our Greek placement test and tell us your examination goal. Complete beginners do not automatically need a placement test.
Are the official examination fees included in Philoxenia course tuition?
No. Our course tuition covers Philoxenia instruction, while examination registration and official examination fees are handled separately through the authorized examination system.
Check the current official fee information before applying. Course textbooks are also purchased separately.
Can I use a Philoxenia enrolment document or course certificate instead of the official proficiency certificate?
No. Our Certificate of Attendance, Certificate of Course Completion and Certificate of Pre-Enrollment are not substitutes for the official Certificate of Attainment in Greek.
We issue the appropriate school document according to a student's enrolment, payment and academic status. Acceptance for a particular purpose, including a visa process, is determined by the competent authority.
Plan Your Greek Certification Preparation with Philoxenia
Our Intensive Greek Courses provide an eight-month learning cycle, and our Superintensive Greek Courses provide a three-month learning cycle. Each course covers two consecutive CEFR curriculum levels. Both can be offered in person, live online or hybrid, subject to group availability. We can help you choose an appropriate programme based on your level, available study time and target examination.
Students enrolled at Philoxenia have free access to Babylonia Language Lab for supplementary practice. Textbooks are purchased separately. See our payment methods for tuition payment information and register for a Greek course if you would like to begin your preparation.
Philoxenia Greek Language School · Egnatia 45, Thessaloniki (City Centre) · Tel: 2310 53 5444 · Mobile: 694 723 8850 · info@greeklanguageschool.com
