Eesti keele kõrgtaseme test

This is an examination at an advanced level for adults whose first language is not Estonian. This examination provides an official certificate of Estonian as a second/foreign language for private or official purposes (e.g. for employment, for those professions where higher education is required).

Writing

Candidates are expected to be able to write non-specific texts of a professional nature. There are two tasks. The first requires candidates to write a short report (describing or comparing figures from graphic input, marking inferences) of approximately 150 words. The second task requires the candidate to write a semi-formal text (longer report or proposal) of approximately 200-250 words.

Listening

Candidates are expected to understand each text as a whole, gain detailed understanding and appreciate gist and the attitude of the speaker. They must also be able to identify and interpret the context. The texts are take from audio-visual media.
There are three sections lasting approximately thirty-five minutes in all. The first section is a short monologue (daily news), the second is a longer dialogue of conversational extracts and the third is a longer dialogue/interview or monologue. The tasks candidates are asked to perform include the following: short answers to questions and multiple-choice questions.

Reading

Candidates are expected to be able to read and understand three authentic non-fictional texts on topics of general interest. They should demonstrate a variety of reading skills including skimming, scanning, deduction of meaning from context and selection of relevant information to complete the given task. Candidates are also expected to demonstrate their knowledge and command of grammar and lexis at the required level. Texts are taken from newspapers, magazines, leaflets, books, etc.

There are three compulsory texts, giving a total of about 1,500 words. There are thirty items. The task types are: matching, multiple-choice, gap-filling (at sentence and word level) and finding of grammatical errors.

Speaking

Candidates are tested in pairs by an examiner. They must be able to demonstrate a range of oral skills: interactional, social, transactional, negotiation and collaboration.
The candidates first introduce themselves and respond to questions about their careers. First task requires the candidates to apply their oral skills to a problem-solving situation. It is a conversation between candidates on a pre-given topic. Second task requires the candidates to demonstrate their ability to produce a coherent monologue: one-minute talk on work-related topic.

Weighting of components

Each component is equally weighted at 25% of the total marks.

Results

There are two qualifications: pass and fail. In order to obtain a pass, a minimum of 60% is required.