Testing procedures

TRKI Levels

Entrance testing: TRKI/TORFL-1 (Test of Russian as a Foreign Language, Level 1) Required for all foreign students enrolling in programs at Saint Petersburg State University.

Exit (graduate) testing:

- TRKI/TORFL-2 Taken by graduates receiving bachelors, specialist and masters degrees, as well as Ph.D. candidates, in the humanities (excluding specialist-philologists, editors, interpreters, journalists, diplomats and business managers operating in Russian–speaking environments), technical-engineering fields and the natural sciences;

- TRKI/TORFL-3 Taken by graduates receiving a bachelors degree in philology, as well as bachelors, masters, and Ph.D. candidates in the humanities with the following specializations: interpretation, editing, journalism, diplomacy and business management in Russian-speaking environments;

- TRKI/TORFL-4 Taken by graduates receiving a masters degree in philology and Ph.D. candidates in philological sciences.

Note: Individuals entering with higher Russian language competency can test at the TRKI/TORFL 2, 3 or 4 level in place of the TRKI/TORFL 1 entrance test. Upon successful completion of these tests they can be exempted from classes on basic Russian language. In these cases, the TRKI/TORFL 2, 3, or 4 entrance test carries the same weight as the corresponding exit test and includes a certificate of completion.

Candidate registration and periods of testing

A. Foreign citizens staying in Russia (excluding those studying at SPbSU - point C) wishing to test at the Testing Center at the Russian Language and Culture Institute complete the following registration procedures:

- Complete the registration application;

- Send the completed application 4 weeks before desired test date by fax: (812) 323 4287, or to the following postal address: Office 213, Bld. 11/2, Nab. Leitenanta Shmidta, St.Petersburg, 199034, Russia;

Testing is held weekly, 2 days a week (Wednesday and Thursday) beginning at 10.00;

B. Foreign citizens outside Russia complete the following registration procedures:

- Complete the registration application;

- Send the completed application 8 weeks before desired test date by fax: (812) 323 4287 or to the following postal address: Office 213, Bld. 11/2, Nab. Leitenanta Shmidta, St.Petersburg, 199034, Russia;

Testing is held weekly, 2 days a week (Wednesday and Thursday) beginning at 10.00;

C. Foreign citizens studying at Saint Petersburg State University complete the following registration procedures:

- Complete the registration application at the Testing Center no later than 2 days before desired test date;

Testing is held weekly, 2 days a week (Wednesday and Thursday) beginning at 10.00;

Testing procedure

General Proficiency Test (A1-C2), consisting of 5 subtests.

First day - Wednesday 10.00:

Grammar, Vocabulary - 50-90 minutes (depending on the testing level).

Reading - 45-60 minutes (depending on the testing level).

Writing - 50-80 minutes (depending on the testing level).

Second day - Thursday (individually scheduled):

Listening - 25-45 minutes (depending on the testing level).

Speaking - 45-60 minutes (depending on the testing level).

Testing results

Candidates are informed of test results by mail:

• 1 week after testing (for students in St. Petersburg)

• 4 weeks after testing (for students in Russia outside of St. Petersburg)

• 6 weeks after testing (for students outside of Russia)

General evaluation of testing results

A passing grade at each of the proficiency TRKI levels requires a minimum score of 66% for each subtest (a score of 60% for one of subtests is allowed).

Testing results:

• Satisfactory (from 66% to 100%)

• Unsatisfactory (65% and lower)

Students receiving satisfactory testing results will obtain a certificate of completion no later than 8 weeks after testing.