The Institut Ramon Llull issues the official certificates for the Catalan language outside of the Catalan-speaking territories.

These exams prove your fluency for academic, professional, and personal goals.

Preparing for these official tests requires a clear study plan and an understanding of the test format.

This guide walks you through exactly how to prepare for and pass your Institut Ramon Llull Catalan exam.

Understanding the exam levels

The Institut Ramon Llull categorizes its exams based on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).

You need to choose the level that accurately reflects your current Catalan ability.

You can’t switch levels on the day of the exam.

Here’s a breakdown of the official levels you can test for:

Registration and testing centers

Registration typically opens in the spring of each year.

The exams themselves usually take place between May and June.

You must register online through the official Institut Ramon Llull website.

They offer testing centers in dozens of countries around the world.

You’ll need to pay an exam fee during the registration process.

Keep an eye on the official website so you don’t miss the registration window.

Preparing for the written section

The written section tests your reading comprehension, grammar, and writing skills.

You’ll read short texts and answer multiple-choice questions to prove your comprehension.

You also have to write your own essays or letters in Catalan.

Grammar exercises will test your knowledge of verb conjugations and vocabulary.

To prepare, I highly recommend using Talk In Catalan to drill your grammar and vocabulary daily.

Reading Catalan news articles is another excellent way to build your reading speed.

You should practice writing timed essays at home before the real test.

Preparing for the oral section

The oral exam tests your listening comprehension and spoken Catalan.

You’ll listen to audio clips of native speakers and answer questions about what you heard.

You’ll also have a direct conversation with an examiner.

The examiner will ask you to describe a picture, share an opinion, or roleplay a daily scenario.

You must speak clearly and try to avoid long pauses.

Practicing out loud is the only way to build confidence for this section.

Here’s an example of a simple exchange you might have during the basic oral exam:

Descriu el que veus en aquesta fotografia.

Des-kriw el ke vews en a-kes-ta fo-to-gra-fi-a.

Describe what you see in this photograph.

A la imatge, veig dues persones menjant en un restaurant.

A la i-mad-ja, veig du-es per-so-nes men-jant en un res-taw-rant.

In the image, I see two people eating at a restaurant.

What to expect on exam day

Exam day can feel stressful if you don’t know what’s coming.

You must arrive at the testing center at least thirty minutes early.

You’re required to bring a valid passport or national ID card.

The written and listening sections are usually administered together in a large room.

The oral interview is conducted individually or in pairs later in the day.

Pace yourself during the written test so you don’t run out of time.

Remember that making a few small mistakes won’t ruin your score.