The C1 test is important for people who want to live and work in Sweden. You might have questions about it, but do not worry. Here you will find everything you need to know about the C1 test. For more information regarding your questions, you are always welcome to contact us.
What the C1 test is, and why people take it
The C1 test is accepted by the National Board of Health and Welfare (Socialstyrelsen) when issuing professional licenses. See legitimation.socialstyrelsen.se.
The test is well-suited for people who need a certificate showing they have very good skills in the Swedish language. For example, a passed C1 test can show future employers that you have a very high level of Swedish. The test has no medical or profession-specific profile.
Do you need a Swedish Brain course to take it?
No, you do not need to. The C1 test is an independent language test. This means it does not matter where or how you learned Swedish.
However, Swedish Brain offers C1-level courses for medical staff. In our medical Swedish courses, you will learn medical terminology, which can increase your opportunities to work in Sweden.
How do I know what level I am at?
You can test your Swedish level by taking a placement test via EUROTEST at Folkuniversitetet: folkuniversitetet-sverige.eurotest.me.
Does the C1 test qualify me for university studies in Sweden?
No, the C1 test does not qualify you for Swedish university studies. For higher education and university studies, TISUS is required instead. TISUS corresponds to level C1 on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
Can I bring any aids?
No, no aids or dictionaries are allowed during any part of the test.
How is the test assessed?
Each test is assessed by two evaluators. The grade is either Pass or Fail.
For the listening and reading comprehension parts, you must exceed a specific limit of correct answers. The written and oral parts are assessed separately to determine if they correspond to the C1 level. The test results are not analyzed further, and no comments are given.
Do I receive a certificate?
If you pass the C1 test, you receive a certificate (not a grade). If you fail, you will receive information about your result in each respective subtest.
How long should you have studied Swedish to pass the C1 test?
You should have studied Swedish for at least 1.5 years, but this can vary greatly from person to person. It depends on how intensively you have studied, your language background, your age, and how much Swedish you use in your everyday life.
How can I prepare for the C1 test?
A good way to prepare is to take a Swedish course at a suitable level. You can also prepare by reading articles and factual texts in various fields, as well as listening to programs like Vetenskapsradion on Sveriges Radio.
- SVT Play, without subtitles
- Sveriges Radio P1
- svenska.se, where you can look up words in three dictionaries at the same time. In the middle one, Svensk ordbok, you can see examples of how the words are used
- The past papers and answer keys published on the Swedish C1 test page
Upcoming test dates
- Online & AnkaraApply by 29 NovOpen
Questions about the exam day
What is the Swedish C1 exam?
It’s a proficiency test in Swedish based on the CEFR. It measures your reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills at an advanced (C1) level.
Who can take the exam?
Anyone who wants to prove their Swedish language proficiency. The exam is open to all professions, not only healthcare workers.
Is the certificate recognized by Socialstyrelsen?
Yes. Our C1 certificate is officially accepted by Socialstyrelsen for medical license applications in Sweden.
Where can I take the exam?
Online – from anywhere in the world, even from your home. On site – at our official exam center in Turkey.
How does the online version work?
The online exam is taken on the secure platform exam.net and monitored live via Zoom. You need two devices.
What does the exam include?
Morning session (10:00 Swedish time): Reading, Writing, and Listening (total 3 hours and 15 minutes). Afternoon session (from 14:00): Speaking test (25–30 minutes in pairs, via Zoom or in person).
What time should I log in on the exam day?
You must join Zoom 30 minutes before the start for ID check and setup.
Can I test the platform before the exam?
Yes. We provide demo test keys.
What security rules apply to the online exam?
Leaving the exam page may lock your test.
Do you offer a support session before the exam?
Yes. We hold an open Zoom meeting before each exam.
How long does it take to get the results?
Results are announced within 5–10 working days after the exam.
What happens if I fail one section?
If you fail only one section, you can retake that specific section for free after six months.
What happens if I fail more than one section?
If you fail more than one section, you must retake the entire exam and apply again as a new candidate.
How do I register?
Register directly on our website. After payment, you’ll receive a confirmation email with all exam details, Zoom links, and instructions.
Not sure where to start?
Book a free intro call on Zoom. We place your level and tell you honestly what it will take. No sales script.
Or come to the free Conversation Club one Tuesday and hear how a lesson sounds.