The Celpe-Bras exam is the only official Portuguese language proficiency certificate for foreigners recognized by the Brazilian government. It proves that a person can understand and communicate effectively in Portuguese, both in academic and everyday situations.
For a complete and updated overview of the CELPE-Bras exam, including structure, levels, grading, and preparation, read our full CELPE-Bras exam guide.
The Exam
The Celpe-Bras test is divided into two parts that measure how well you can use Portuguese in real contexts.
Written Part: Duration – 3 hours
Oral Part: Duration – 20 minutes
Through a single exam, candidates can be certified at one of four proficiency levels:
Intermediate
Higher Intermediate
Advanced
Higher Advanced
Celpe-Bras Proficiency Levels and Evaluation Criteria
Each level reflects how comfortably a person can use Portuguese in real situations. Here’s what each certification means:
Intermediate
Awarded to candidates who show partial operational control of Portuguese. They can understand and produce oral and written texts about limited subjects in familiar contexts. Some interference from their native language may appear, especially in unfamiliar situations, but it does not prevent communication.
Higher Intermediate
Granted to those who meet all Intermediate requirements but with fewer language errors or interferences in pronunciation and writing.
Advanced
Awarded to candidates who demonstrate broad operational control of Portuguese. They can understand and produce texts about a wide variety of topics in both familiar and unfamiliar contexts. Occasional mistakes may occur, mainly in less familiar situations, but they do not compromise communication.
Higher Advanced
Granted to candidates who meet all Advanced-level criteria, but with even fewer inaccuracies or interferences.
Celpe-Bras Score Scale
| Level | Score |
|---|---|
| No Certification | 0.00 – 1.99 |
| Intermediate | 2.00 – 2.75 |
| Higher Intermediate | 2.76 – 3.50 |
| Advanced | 3.51 – 4.25 |
| Higher Advanced | 4.26 – 5.00 |
How the Final Certification Is Decided
Each candidate receives a score for the written part and another for the oral part. The final certification corresponds to the lower level between the two results. Example:
Higher Intermediate in the Written Part
Advanced in the Oral Part
Final Certification: Higher Intermediate
Where and When You Can Take the Exam
The Celpe-Bras exam takes place twice a year, usually in April and October. You can register through INEP’s official website and choose from accredited test centers in Brazil or abroad, including universities, embassies, and cultural institutes.
Who Needs the Celpe-Bras Exam
This certification is often required by Brazilian universities for international students, and it can also be used for professional validation or immigration purposes. If you plan to study, work, or live in Brazil, the Celpe-Bras is your official proof of Portuguese proficiency.
That’s a wrap!
If you’re planning to take the Celpe-Bras exam, start preparing today at our Papagaio School