Examinations for the Certificate of Attainment in Greek

The three lower levels (A1, A2, and B1) examine all four language skills (Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking). The three higher levels (B2, C1, and C2), apart from the four language skills, examine Use of Language focusing on grammar (morphology and syntax) and on vocabulary.

Exam questions are meant for the general public and the content is of general interest. The examination is communication-oriented; it emphasises not only grammatical accuracy and correctness, but also the candidate's ability to use the language efficiently in a specific place and within a specific linguistic context, whether formal or informal. The skills to be examined are clearly distinguished, the manner and the means of examination are clearly stated, and the number and length of the correct answer(s) is stated.

The Hellenic American Union has been formally accredited by the Ministry of Education, Research and Religious Affairs and the Centre for the Greek Language as an examination center for the Examinations for the Certificate of Attainment in Greek.

Examinations for all levels are administered once a year, in the middle of May. However, following the decision taken by the Center for the Greek Language, the exams for the B1 level will be now administered twice a year, every October and May, starting from October 2023.

Registrations for the May administration are open from the beginning of February until the middle of March. Whereas registrations for the October administration are open during the first two weeks of September.

Candidates wishing to take the examinations at the Hellenic American Union examination center in Athens should register at the Hellenic American Union.

The Centre for the Greek Language, at the suggestion of the Hellenic American Union, may provide special arrangements (Nonstandard Test Accommodations) for candidates with special needs (e.g. extended testing time, alternate test formats, etc.) These special arrangements may be effected only after the candidate has submitted a request to the Centre for the Greek Language at the same time as the application is submitted.

• If you are a Foreign Language School owner or teacher, you can access your students’ results through the web page of the Hellenic American Union (with the use of your students’ personal six-digit registration code and birth date).
• If you are an individual candidate, you can access your results through the web page of the Hellenic American Union (with the use of your personal six-digit registration code and birth date).
• Candidates who wish to receive a signed printed copy of their results must submit a request to the Centre for the Greek Language.

Rescoring

Candidates who wish to have their examination rescored may do so at a fee to be deposited at a bank account available from the Centre for the Greek Language. All relevant enquiries and rescoring requests must be submitted directly to the Centre for the Greek Language.

Language School Owners, School  Owners, and teachers

• The Hellenic American Union Center for Examinations and Certifications ships the Attainment in Greek and the Attainment in Greek certificates as soon as the test developer makes them available.
• Shipping is done by courier service and is free of charge.
• Certificates are delivered to candidates care of the Language School Owner or teacher who has registered the candidates.
• The Hellenic American Union does not ship certificates earned by candidates from Vocational Training Centers.
• The above-mentioned apply only to candidates participating in examinations administered by the Hellenic American Union.

Individual candidates

• The Hellenic American Union Center for Examinations and Certifications ships the Attainment in Greek and the Attainment in Greek certificates as soon as the test developer makes them available.
• Shipping is done by courier service to the postal address indicated on the candidates’ application and is free of charge.
• The above-mentioned apply only to candidates participating in examinations administered by the Hellenic American Union.

Other requests

The Centre for the Greek Language can accommodate the following candidates’ requests:

• Certification of lost/damaged certificates
• Authorization of copies of certificates
• Translation of certificates
• Certification of successful participation in examinations

The Hellenic American Union Center for Examinations and Certifications can accommodate the following candidates’ requests, as long as the candidates participate in examinations administered by the Hellenic American Union: 

• Certification of participation in examinations (free of charge)
• Certification of registration in examinations (free of charge)

For the two above-mentioned requests, candidates must complete and sign the relevant application.

Use this link to enter the ORFEAS online registration system. From there, follow the steps as suggested. Choose your exam, date and venue and then provide your personal details. In the last step you will be asked to pay with your card of choice. All the information you will need for the day of the exam will arrive in your inbox via email and SMS.

If you have any questions about the procedure, even as you complete the steps in the process, contact us on 2103680000 for assistance. We have staff available from 9 am - 7 pm on weekdays to help you complete the registration process and answer your questions.

Once you complete your registration you will be sent updates on the status of your application. For example, any changes to the date of the examination, if these occur, will be communicated to you via email, SMS or telephone by our support team.