Test of Russian as a Foreign Language

TRKI (TORFL) – is an international exam to determine the level of Russian language proficiency. General knowledge of Russian as a foreign language includes six levels and correlates with testing systems validated in other countries.

A1 (elementary level); skills: basic vocabulary, bidding good morning/goodbye, making a request of somebody.

A2 (basic level),skills: basic vocabulary and communication (shopping in Russian, communication on public transport or in a restaurant).

B1 (first certification level), skills: maintaining social/business interaction, curriculum vocabulary.

B2 (second certification leve), skills: reasonably fluent communication, understanding mass media and lecture information; using various language styles.

C1 (third certification level), skills: fluent communication without fumbling for words or phrases, effective use of language for studies and professional activity.

C2 (fourth certification level); skills: native speaker level.

The test comprises five subtests: Grammar and Vocabulary, Reading, Listening, Writing, Speaking.

To pass the TRKI test, you need to:

•  average at least 66% across all 5 subtests;
•  score at least 66% in 4 of the subtests and at least 60% in the other.

TRKI (TORFL) certificate is indefinite.If you have an international TRKI (TORFL) certificate the results of these examinations can be recognized by HSE University and used instead of HSE's internal examinations. More information is at Recognition of International Exam Results.