The exam, A to Z
The Estonian language exam 2026 — dates, structure & the day itself
Every sitting of the eesti keele tasemeeksam Harno has published, and which level each one is for.
Next sitting: Nov 7, 2026 35days away
| Date | Levels | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Sep 5, 2026 | A2 | Past |
| Sep 6, 2026 | B1 | Past |
| Sep 19, 2026 | B2 | Past |
| Sep 20, 2026 | C1 | Past |
| Nov 7, 2026 | A2 | Upcoming |
| Nov 8, 2026 | B1 | Upcoming |
| Nov 14, 2026 | B2 | Upcoming |
| Nov 15, 2026 | C1 | Upcoming |
Each level sits on its own day, with the written parts and the speaking test on the same day. Registration is done in EIS and closes on a published deadline weeks before the sitting — check the deadline for your level before you plan around it.
Where the exam is held
The exam runs once a quarter at Harno's exam points. You choose which one when you register.
Tallinn
Pae Gümnaasium, Pae 5
Once a quarter, all four levels.
Tartu
Tartu eksamipunkt, Jakobi 2
Once a quarter, all four levels.
Narva
Narva Eesti Gümnaasium, Kraavi 1
Once a quarter, all four levels.
Jõhvi
Ida-Virumaa Kutsehariduskeskuse Jõhvi õppekoht, Kutse 13
Once a quarter, all four levels.
Pärnu
Tammsaare Kool, A. H. Tammsaare pst 30
Twice a year, in March and September, at A2, B1 and B2 — if at least 12 people register.
When a sitting is large, the written part may move to another building in the same city. The address on your exam invitation is the one that counts.
Next date for each level
A2
Next sitting: Nov 7, 2026
Practise A2B1
Next sitting: Nov 8, 2026
Practise B1B2
Next sitting: Nov 14, 2026
Practise B2C1
Next sitting: Nov 15, 2026
Practise C1
State exam structure
Four parts, each with its own timing and points. The exam is passed as a whole: at least 60% of the total, and no part scored zero. Timings differ by level:
A2written ≤110 min · 60% threshold per module
Listening 30m · Grammar 15m · Reading 50m · Writing 30m · Speaking 15m
B1written ≤120 min · 60% threshold per module
Listening 35m · Grammar 15m · Reading 50m · Writing 35m · Speaking 20m
B2written ≤185 min · 60% threshold per module
Listening 35m · Grammar 15m · Reading 70m · Writing 80m · Speaking 20m
C1written ≤195 min · 60% threshold per module
Listening 45m · Grammar 15m · Reading 60m · Writing 90m · Speaking 20m
What exam day looks like
The mock trains the content and the timing. This page prepares you for the rest — the parts most people don’t expect. Administered by the Haridus- ja Noorteamet (Harno). Exams are held at Harno exam centres across Estonia.
The exam starts at 10.00 — latecomers are not admitted
The written part begins at exactly 10.00. Be there 15–20 minutes early: your photo ID is checked at the door and you are shown to your seat. Anyone who arrives late is not let in, and there is no second slot that day — the next chance is the next session.
All four parts on one day
Every level is sat on a single day: the written part runs as one block in a fixed order with short breaks, and speaking starts 15–20 minutes after the written part ends. Expect the day to run from the morning into the afternoon.
Closed book, on paper, by hand
No dictionaries and no electronic devices. You write on printed answer sheets by hand — there is no on-screen interface. Our mock lets you type for convenience, but we recommend also drafting the writing task on paper under the same time limit, because handwriting speed is different (we can’t mark paper). Write in black or blue ink. On a choice item, marking more than one option counts as wrong — two ticks is not a hedge. Any outside help, whether a neighbour's sheet, a phone or a note, scores zero for that paper.
Listening: recordings play a fixed number of times
Each recording is played a fixed number of times and no more. Read the questions before you listen, follow the keywords, and never leave a sub-item blank — there is no negative marking. The mock enforces the same play counts.
The oral part — short preparation, recorded conversation
Speaking starts 15–20 minutes after the written part ends. You get a task and a short preparation time — note key points, not full sentences — then speak before two assessors; the conversation is recorded. Avoid long silences: keep going with phrases like „Minu arvates…“ or „Ühelt poolt…“. You are graded on task fulfilment, grammar, vocabulary and pronunciation.
The pass rule is all-or-nothing
You need at least 60% of the total and no part at zero. Parts balance each other — a stronger part covers a weaker one — but a zero in any part fails the whole exam: no partial certificate, no carrying a part over. You can register again straight away if you scored at least 45%; below that you wait six months.
Results and the certificate
Results arrive within about 40 days and are visible in eesti.ee and EIS. If you disagree with the result, you have 30 days to appeal. The certificate is issued by Harno and costs nothing (0 €); it never expires.
Dates checked against Harno's calendar on 2026-09-18: harno.ee