Certificates Frequently Asked Questions

Tandem Certificates can be earned by passing comprehensive language tests that evaluate your passive conversational skills in a language. While other language tests focus on the academic technicalities of the language, the Tandem tests focus on how well you can truly understand and use your target language.

Taking a test to earn a Tandem Certificate is a great measurement of your conversational abilities in your target language. The test results will highlight which areas of your language skills need improvement. Additionally, the Certificates provide an easy way to prove your language abilities to yourself, educators, or employers.

As the test is not proctored, a Tandem Certificate is unlikely to be accepted by official institutions or for governmental purposes as a proof of language proficiency.

We currently offer Beginner (A2), Intermediate (B1), Advanced (B2), and Fluent (C1) tests in English. We hope to offer a larger variety of languages in the future.

Currently, the tests are only available on the Tandem iOS and Android apps.

You will receive a personalized Tandem Certificate in PDF format and, if you have that specific language and level listed on your Tandem profile, will receive a check mark on your profile certifying your proficiency.

CEFR stands for the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. It is a commonly used and standardized measurement of language proficiency. The difficulty of the tests is based around the CEFR levels.

The below will help to give you some idea which level is the most accurate to your ability.

Beginner (A2): You can understand basic phrases, introduce yourself to a new friend, talk about your plans for the day, and describe your surroundings using simple sentences.

Intermediate (B1): You can go shopping, make plans with others, talk about your travels and describe the plot of your favorite movie.

Advanced (B2): You can have spontaneous and fluent conversations with native speakers, understand the news and use the language effectively for work and studies.

Fluent (C1): You can engage in conversations on nearly any topic with native speakers, easily work and study in the language, and immerse yourself in all aspects of daily life in a country where the language is spoken.

If you want more information about the CEFR levels, please see this blog post.

The tests have 3 components:

1. Reading comprehension
2. Grammar
3. Listening comprehension

As the tests focus more heavily on conversational skills - the best way to practice for one is by chatting to other Tandem members.

Ensure that you have a mobile device with sufficient battery, reliable internet, working audio, and 45-minutes of uninterrupted time.

No resources of any kind are allowed during the test. This includes dictionaries, online translators, friends, notes, and textbooks.

The time limit is 45 minutes.

Breaking the rules will result in your certificate being invalidated and you will be barred from taking tests in the future.

At least 70% of your answers on the test need to be correct in order to pass. In addition, at least 50% of your answers in each of the three categories “Reading Comprehension”, “Grammar” and “Listening Comprehension” need to be correct.

You will know your results instantly upon completion and purchase.

No. To preserve the integrity of the test, you will not be able to see which questions you got correct or incorrect. You will however see how you performed in each of the three sections.

If you pass the test, you will be able to download and share your certificate in PDF format. If you have the language and level listed on your Tandem profile, you will receive a check mark on your profile next to it.

If you fail the test, you will have the chance to take it again two weeks later. If you fail on the second attempt, you will have to repurchase the score next time you take it.

If you fail on the first attempt, you must take the second attempt within 365 days of purchase.

No, once you earn a Tandem Certificate it is valid forever.

Each test was carefully developed and tested to be fair and accurate to the level it is testing. Additionally, the tests are continuously tested, tracked and optimized.

You will be able to see your results right after completion and purchase of the test. You will also always be able to see your results and Certificates on the “My Certificates” screen.

The test is corrected automatically by our grading engine, allowing us to provide your results instantly.

No, the tests will differ every time they are taken to ensure fair examination.

After completion of the test, you will be able to pay for the results through an in-app purchase.

We will provide refunds for valid reasons. Please contact us via support@tandem.net.

If you experienced a technical issue please contact us via support@tandem.net.