CAPLE Portuguese exams
The CAPLE (Center for the Evaluation and Certification of Portuguese as a Foreign Language) is a unit of the School of Arts and Humanities of the University of Lisbon (FLUL). CAPLE function includes the evaluation and certification of proficiency in Portuguese as a foreign language (PLE).
PLE examinations of the CAPLE-FLUL are only given to foreign citizens. They are accepted for study purposes, academic career, employment, obtaining of Portuguese nationality, etc.. They are accepted by different national and foreign entities and institutions. These examinations assess competence in Portuguese as a foreign language (PLE). They correspond to the six levels (A1 to C2) of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), regardless of how and where the candidate learned it.
At the end of each level, Caravela School offers tests that follow the format, content type and evaluation criteria of the CAPLE Portuguese exams. So, the students have accurate information about their level of proficiency in Portuguese. Furthermore, they are prepared to take, at any time, one of the CAPLE-FLUL PLE exams corresponding to the that level.
For more information on the preparation courses for the CAPLE Portuguese exams, consult our Portuguese courses for specific purposes.
Levels of the QECR and CAPLE-FLUL exams
Level A1
The student understands and uses familiar, everyday expressions, and simple phrases to meet specific needs. They can introduce themself, introduce others, ask questions and give answers about personal details such as where you live, the people you know, and the things you have. They communicate in a simple way, when the interlocutor speaks slowly and tries to cooperate.
Exam: Certificado Acesso ao Português
Level A2
The student understands isolated phrases and frequent expressions related to important everyday situations (e.g. simple personal and family information, shopping, the surroundings).
They communicate in simple tasks and routines that require a simple and direct exchange of information on familiar subjects. They can describe, in a simple way, their education, their surroundings and talk about daily topics.
Exam: CIPLE – Certificado Inicial de Português Língua Estrangeira
Level B1
The student understands the main points when clear and standardized language is used and the subjects are familiar (work, school, leisure, etc.). They can deal with most situations they encounter.
They express themself in a simple and coherent way on subjects that are familiar or of interest to them. They can describe experiences, events, dreams, hopes and ambitions, as well as briefly justify an opinion or plan.
Exam: DEPLE – Diploma Elementar de Português Língua Estrangeira
Level B2
The student understands the main ideas in complex texts on concrete and abstract subjects, including technical discussions in their area of expertise.
They are able to communicate with some spontaneity and comfort with native speakers. They express themself in a clear and detailed way on a great variety of subjects and can debate a topic of current affairs.
Exam: DIPLE – Diploma Intermédio de Português Língua Estrangeira
Level C1
The student understands a vast number of long and difficult texts.
They express themself fluently and spontaneously. They use language flexibly and effectively for social, academic and professional purposes. They express themself on complex issues, in a clear and well-structured, articulate and fluid way.
Exam: DAPLE – Diploma Avançado de Português Língua Estrangeira
Level C2
The student effortlessly understands virtually everything he hears or reads.
They are able to summarize information from various oral and written sources, reconstructing arguments and facts coherently. They express themself spontaneously, fluently and accurately, distinguishing small variations of meaning in complex situations.
Exam: DUPLE – Diploma Universitário de Português Língua Estrangeira
