The Celpe-Bras is the official Portuguese proficiency exam recognized by the Brazilian government. It certifies different levels of language mastery, from Intermediate to Advanced Superior, through one single exam. The test is divided into two parts: Written and Oral. If you want to understand in detail how the test works, check out our paget about Celpe-Bras
Written Part
The Written Part lasts three hours and includes four tasks that combine reading and listening comprehension with written production. During this section, candidates read and watch authentic materials and respond by producing texts that demonstrate their ability to communicate clearly and appropriately.
Exam Composition
Each task is based on real-life situations and integrates different skills. Candidates are expected to understand the content, identify the purpose, and write a coherent text addressed to a specific audience.
Before writing, it is helpful to reflect on key questions such as:
Who am I?
What is my objective?
What do I need to do to achieve this objective?
How will I do it?
Are there any additional instructions?
Who will read my text?
Task 1
The first task asks you to read a text or watch a short video and write a message or response related to it. The focus is on demonstrating comprehension and producing a short, well-organized text that fits the proposed situation.
Task 2
The second task continues to assess your ability to integrate comprehension and written production, usually through a different context or type of text. It may require summarizing, expressing opinions, or adapting information for a new audience.
Task 3
In the third task, you are asked to create a more elaborate written text that requires organizing ideas, maintaining coherence, and using an appropriate tone. The goal is to show consistency and the ability to communicate naturally in Portuguese.
Task 4
The fourth task combines all the skills evaluated so far. You interpret information and write a text that reflects your understanding, perspective, and linguistic competence.
Evaluation of the Written Part
All written texts are evaluated by a team of teachers and researchers specialized in Portuguese as a foreign language. Two independent evaluators grade each text without knowing each other’s scores. If there is a significant difference between their evaluations, a third evaluator reviews the text to ensure fairness.
Evaluation Criteria
Discursive adequacy:
Who writes
For whom
With what purpose
How well the information from the source text is integrated
Textual adequacy:
Clarity
Cohesion
Vocabulary
Grammar
Oral Part
The Oral Part lasts about 20 minutes and simulates a natural conversation between the candidate and the examiner. It is conducted face-to-face and uses provoking elements such as photos, short texts, or everyday topics that help guide the conversation.
Two evaluators participate in this section:
The Interlocutor, who conducts the dialogue and interacts directly with the candidate.
The Observer, who listens silently and takes notes for evaluation.
The conversation assesses how the candidate communicates in real situations, expressing ideas, opinions, and reactions naturally in Portuguese.
Evaluation of the Oral Part
The evaluation considers both linguistic competence and communicative ability. The main criteria are:
Comprehension: how well the candidate understands questions and comments during the conversation.
Fluency: the ability to maintain communication naturally and continuously.
Pronunciation: clarity of speech and how understandable it is to native speakers.
Vocabulary and Grammar: adequacy of word choice and sentence structure.
Interaction: how well the candidate responds, asks questions, and participates actively in the dialogue.
The Oral Part focuses on real communication, not perfection. Candidates are encouraged to express themselves with confidence and coherence, even if minor mistakes occur.
Final Thoughts
The Celpe-Bras exam evaluates more than grammar. It measures how well you can use Portuguese to communicate naturally and effectively in real contexts. Focus on clarity, purpose, and cultural understanding while practicing your language skills.
Keep studying and preparing with us at papagaio.cc/school. Explore our interactive lessons and continue improving your Portuguese every day.