What is CAPLE?
CAPLE (Centro de Avaliação de Português Língua Estrangeira or Centre for Evaluation of Portuguese as a Foreign Language) is a certificate of proficiency in Standard European Portuguese as a second language offered in Portugal and 45 other countries and territories. The official CAPLE examinations and certificates/diplomas are developed, delivered, and accredited by a tri-partite collaboration in Portugal between the School of Arts and Humanities at the University of Lisbon and the Instituto Camões, which administers the examination procedures on behalf of the Portuguese Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
What are the different levels of the CAPLE Exams?
The exam levels correspond to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) levels.
- A2: CIPLE – Initial Certificate of Portuguese Foreign Language (Certificado Inicial de Português Língua Estrangeira)
- B1: DEPLE – Elementary Diploma of Portuguese Language (Diploma Elementar de Português Língua Estrangeira)
- B2: DIPLE – Intermediate Diploma of Portuguese Language (Diploma Intermédio de Português Língua Estrangeira)
- C1: DAPLE – Advanced Diploma of Portuguese Language (Diploma Avançado de Português Língua Estrangeira)
- C2: DUPLE – University Diploma of Portuguese Language (Diploma Universitário de Português Língua Estrangeira)
What is the exam format?
There are four parts of evaluation in every level that tests all four major language abilities – reading, writing, listening, and speaking. There is also an additional part called “Competência Estrutural” that appears on only the DIPLE, DAPLE, and DUPLE tests. The weight and amount of time allocated for each section varies by level.
What am I required to do in each part?
Compreensão da Leitura (Reading Comprehension)
In this part, candidates are required to read and understand the written information given and answer questions based on what they have read.
Produção e Interação Escritas (Written Production and Interaction)
In this part, candidates are required to fill out forms and enter personal information, and write out understandable and clear informational texts on matters related to private domains, such as private letters or notes.
Compreensão Oral (Oral Comprehension)
In this part, candidates are required to listen to and understand simple interactions or conversations on various matters related to public and private concerns and answer questions based on what they have heard.
Produção e Interação Orais (Oral Production and Interaction)
In this part, candidates are required to take part in simple, brief communicative conversation, speaking on matters related to professional, public, and private events or concerns. Candidates may interact with the examiner, other candidates, and/or both.
Competência Estrutural (Structural Competence)
In this part, candidates are required to fill in blanks with appropriate words or re-organize text in various ways, and also transform any sentences that need changes.
How is the exam scored?
The minimum passing mark to receive the certificate or diploma for any test is 55%. Four categories of results dictate how well a candidate does.
| Result | Mark Range |
|---|---|
| Muito Bom (Very Good) | 85% – 100% |
| Bom (Good) | 70% – 84% |
| Suficiente (Sufficient) | 55% – 69% |
| Insuficiente (Insufficient / Fail) | 0% – 54% |
Who recognizes the CAPLE Exams?
CAPLE certificates/diplomas do not expire over time and are recognized across Portugal by various national and international institutions for the benefit of foreigners looking to:
- study and gain admission to Portuguese universities
- find work and pursue a professional or academic career in Portugal
- obtain Portuguese nationality or permanent residency status
Where and when can I do the CIPLE Exams?
In order to register for a CIPLE Exam, you need to find an authorised Exam Centre. There are around 100 authorized centers in 35 countries. Please use this link to find a centre in the desired country. On each center page, you can find the available seasons and the deadline for the registration.