Charles University in Prague

Founded in 1348, Charles University in Prague belongs to one of the oldest universities in Europe. At present, it is a public university, an independent scientific and educational institution with more than 42,000 students, almost 5,000 of whom are foreign. Among its 17 faculties and additional university institutes, the Institute for Language and Preparatory Studies (ILPS) plays the leading and traditional role of providing Czech language instruction and testing to foreigners. However, it also ranks among its activities foreign language courses, distance learning, research, and professional activities, such as creating textbooks and training teachers. The Research and Test Centre was established at the ILPS in 2006. The ILPS is a member of other testing associations, such as EALTA and ILTA, and its employees are members of the following accredited organizations: the Association of Teachers of Czech as a Foreign Language, the Linguistic Association, the Czech and Slovak Association of Teachers of Foreign Languages in Higher Education, the American Association of Teachers of Slavic and East European Languages, and the International Association of Teachers of Czech. The Institute also benefits from cooperation with the Institute of Czech Studies (ICS) at the Faculty of Arts of Charles University. It is no coincidence that the Czech Reference Level Descriptions were written by experts at ILPS (A2), ICS (B2), or at both institutions (B1).

The Czech Language Certificate Exam (CCE) is offered at A1, A2, B1 and B2 levels according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). Exams at the C1 level and, for young learners, the A1 and A2 are under development. The CCE exam verifies all four levels of achieved communication competence in accordance with the criteria specified in the CEFR and its content draws upon language material specific to the respective definitions and relevant referential levels established for the Czech language. The exam consists of 4 or 5 subtests, namely: Reading Comprehension, Listening Comprehension, Writing and Speaking. A Grammar/Lexical test is included at the B2 level. The CCE exam is designed not only for Charles University students, but also for all foreigners age 16 and over who want or need to prove their level of communication competence in the Czech language and is recognized by most Czech and foreign employers and by some universities and colleges.

Candidates can enrol in one of the many intensive, long-term, short-term, evening, individual or online courses offered by the ILPS at various levels and in various study centres. An Exam Preparation Course for CCE is offered as well.

Websites:
Charles University: http://www.cuni.cz
Institute for Language and Preparatory Studies: http://ujop.cuni.cz
Czech Language Certificate Exam: http://ujop.cuni.cz/cce
Institute of Czech Studies: http://ubs.ff.cuni.cz

Contact:
Katerina Vlasáková
Charles University in Prague
Institute for Language and Preparatory Studies
Jirího nám. 1/I
290 36 Podebrady
Czech Republic

Email: katerina.vlasakova@ujop.cuni.cz, vtc@ujop.cuni.cz
Telephone: +420 612 279, +420 325 615 291
Mobile: +420 724 579 724
Fax: +420 325 615 291