Prepare the CAPLE exam

The exam takes place in different locations known as LAPE (an acronym for Local para Aplicação e Promoção de Exames/Place for Application and Promotion of Exams) hosted mainly by universities and other institutions that offer language courses in Portugal as well as abroad. In some countries, embassies and/or consulates may also offer this possibility. To find out where is the LAPE most convenient for you, please visit CAPLE’s official website.

It is also important to check the exam annual schedule for each LAPE because depending on demand and examiners availability they may offer less opportunities for candidates to take the exam  than those made available at the University of Lisbon where CAPLE is located. If you are taking the exam outside Portugal, there are usually less opportunities to sit the exam than in Portugal. Each examination center also decides how many candidates will examine, so it is important that you are aware of the registration start and end dates to make sure that you sit the exam at the centre and at the time that is most convenient for you.

The calendar for the CAPLE exams is published early in January, so make sure you visit their website site to find out which is the LAPE closest to you as well as the calendar for the exams dates they will be offering that year. Sometimes, the website of the LAPE will have that information as well, so make sure that you visit that website too.

As any other language certificate, CAPLE will test you ability to listen, read, write and speak (all the four skills) but each exam has a different format, depending on the level. Be sure to understand the format of your exam as well as each section within that exam. Taking an exam is challenging enough so it is important to prepare thoroughly for the type of questions you can expect as well as the time limit for answering every part of each section of the exam. For more information of the format of the exam as well as tips on answering each question time check our our blog entries.

If you are planing to sit a CAPLE exam, make sure that you plan carefully where and when your exam will take place. Most importantly, give yourself enough time to prepare for the exam because, like every other language certificate exam, only dedication and regular practice will prepare you to succeed.

I guess that the first and most important decision you must take is what level should I register for. The answer will depend on what you need your certificate for.

Do you want to obtain Portuguese nationality?

If you want to apply for Portuguese nationality you will have to demonstrate that your proficiency is at the CEFL A2 level so you must take the CIPLE exam, which tests your ability to communicate in basic everyday situations, such as introducing yourself, ordering food, or asking for information. A detailed description of the format and content of this exam is available on CAPLE’s official webpage. Make sure to read it carefully if you decide to take this exam.

Do you need a proficiency certificate for other purposes?

If you need a certificate for professional or other purposes then the level of the CAPLE exam you decide to take should reflect your current proficiency in the language but your goals for using Portuguese. It’s important to choose a level that is challenging but also achievable, so you can have a positive testing experience and build confidence in your language skills.

If you have some experience with the language e and can communicate in basic situations, then you may consider taking the DEPLE (B1 level). If you have a good command of Portuguese and can communicate effectively in most situations, you can consider taking the B2 (DIPLE). If you have a more advanced level of Portuguese, you can take the C1 exam (DAPLE), which tests your ability to communicate in more complex situations, such as discussing abstract topics or expressing opinions on current events. You will need to have near-native proficiency in Portuguese to apply for the DUPLE (C2 level).

If you are not sure which is you proficiency level in the language, the best way to find out is to ask a Portuguese language instructor with experience training students for these exams. Taking a proficiency level test can also help you to determine your language level but only if they respect two very important criteria: they are not grammar based and all four skills are included.

Once you have made a decision regarding the level, the examination centre and the day you will take your exam, you must familiarize yourself with the exam format. This can easily be done by downloading the sample test for your exam from the CAPLE official website.

The key to success on the CAPLE exam is preparation and practice. Being fully aware of what the exam entails and having completed as many exam-test as possible will help you feel confident on the exam day which is a major step towards not only passing the exam but having a good result.