FAQ

Questions and answers for those who want to do Swedex.

For what purposes can I use Swedex?

Swedex is proof of knowledge of Swedish. It consists of two tests, an A2B1 test and a B2C1 test according to the Council of Europe's Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. It is usable proof if you for example want to work in Sweden, continue your studies in Swedish or apply for an educational programme taught in Swedish. Socialstyrelsen accept Swedex at C1 level for occupational certification.

At what levels is Swedex available?

Today Swedex is available at levels corresponding to A2, B1, B2 and C1 and according to the Council of Europe's Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.

Where can I take Swedex?

Swedex can be taken at Folkuniversitetet in Sweden and in a large number of places outside Sweden. Our test centers in and outside Sweden are listed under the heading Test centres.

How old do I have to be in order to take Swedex?

You should be at least 14 years old and should not have Swedish as your mother tongue. If there are specific reasons, younger test candidates may also take Swedex. The Swedex centre responsible should contact Swedex head office in Gothenburg for more information.

How do I apply for Swedex?

You apply to the test centre where you wish to take the test. A copy of your passport or ID card should be enclosed with your application.

Download application form (PDF)

How much does it cost to do Swedex and how long beforehand must I register?

The price and latest registration differs between various centres. Please contact the test centre where you want to take Swedex for further information.

What does the Swedex test consist of?

Swedex tests proficiency in four communication skills. The following modules are included in the test:

  • Reading comprehension
  • Listening comprehension
  • Written component
  • Speaking component

If you/your employer do not need an assessment of all four components, please contact us for further information at swedex@folkuniversitetet.se

Please note that you must do all four components if you require a certificate.

How is the test assessed?

Each test component is assessed separately. For the reading and listening components, the number of points scored determines the level. For the writing and speaking components, the level is assessed by examiners from specially designed criteria. A result is reported for each component. This means that the level can vary between the different components.

If the result is marginally under the A2 level in the A2B1 test, you may be eligible for an A1 certificate. If the result is marginally under the B2 level in the B2C1 test, you may be eligible for a B1 certificate.

Will I get a certificate?

Yes, you will receive a certificate with an overarching assessment of all four test components. It is always the lowest level that determines the final result. For example; Listening C1 + Reading C1 + Writing component C1 + Speaking component B2 = B2.

Moreover, you will receive a document that shows the results of the individual components.

How long does it take before I get my certificate?

Your certificate should be issued about 3 weeks after the test.

Is it possible to take the test again?

Yes, you can take the test again. If you need a particular level for all the test components and you have not achieved this for one of the components, you can redo just that component instead of the whole test (this is called a restprov). For example: You require C1 for all components but you achieved Listening C1 + Reading C1 + Written component B2 + Speaking component C1. You can do a restprov for the Written component and try to achieve C1. If you succeed, you will receive a C1 certificate.

A restprov must be done within 6 months.

The recommendation is that you wait 3 to 6 months before you re-take the test to allow you time to further improve your Swedish.

Can I order a re-mark?

If you need a particular level for all the test components and you have not received the result you expected for one test component, you can order a re-mark. This costs 1500 SEK including VAT. To order this, contact the Swedex head office in Gothenburg at swedex@folkuniversitetet.se. If the re-mark results in a higher overall result, you will receive a new certificate and a refund of the fee for the re-mark.

How do I know at which linguistic level I am?

You can get an idea of your level through Folkuniversitetet's placement test in Swedish where you can try evaluating your knowledge for yourself. You can read more about the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages here https://www.coe.int/en/web/common-european-framework-reference-languages/level-descriptions

What level of Swedex corresponds to the Swedish SFI test and to SVA3?

Swedex B1 approximately corresponds to the level for Sfi, course D. However, an important difference is that the Sfi exam tests whether you have passed a specific course while Swedex tests general knowledge of Swedish.

SVA 3 is more difficult to compare with Swedex because SVA 3 gives a grade for a course rather than focusing purely on the level of Swedish. SVA 3 has grades from E to A which means that it not possible to compare it directly with the Council of Europe's CEFR scale.

Does Swedex fulfil the eligibility criteria for study at a Swedish university or Yrkeshögskola (vocational college)?

Swedex does not generally make you eligible for university studies but certain institutions and vocational colleges (yrkeshögskolor) accept Swedex certificates. There is a specific Swedish exam for higher education: TISUS. Please see www.nordiska.su.se/tisus. The level for TISUS corresponds to approximatetly C1 on the Council of Europe's CEFR scale.

Do I have to take a specific course in Swedish in order to take Swedex?

No. Swedex is an independent test of Swedish. In other words, it does not matter where and how you have learnt Swedish. Folkuniversitetet offers courses at all levels for those who are interested.

How can I prepare for Swedex?

A good way to do this is to take a course in Swedish at a suitable level. There is also a mock test available on the Swedex website which reflects the actual test. Look at it so you know what the exam looks like!

Here are some tips on how to prepare for the A2B1 test:

  • Read and listen to easy-read books and news, for example Klartext, Åtta sidor, Radio Sweden på lätt svenska.
  • Watch Swedish television programmes with subtitles, for example Nyheter på lätt svenska.

Textbooks:

  • Rivstart A1+A2, Rivstart B1+B2
  • På svenska! 1, På svenska! 2, På svenska! Grammatik

Here are some tips on how to prepare for the B2C1 test:

Folkuniversitetet sometimes offers preparation courses for the B2C1 test. Otherwise you can practise yourself with articles and factual texts within different subjects areas as well as literary texts.   

Websites:
SVTplay (without subtitles)
https://www.svtplay.se/
Sveriges Radio Program 1
https://sverigesradio.se/p1

Svenska ordböcker

https://svenska.se

Here you can look up a word in three dictionaries at the same time. In the middle one (Svenska ordbok) can you see examples of how the word is used.

Textbooks:

Rivstart B2/C1
Språkporten
Avancera grammatik
Avancera ord

Form i Fokus B och C

På svenska! 3, På svenska! Grammatik

Målgrammatiken (en förklaring av svensk grammatik. Finns på flera språk)

Because a large vocabulary is required for C1 level, it is important to read and listen to as much Swedish as possible.  One effective and fun way is to listen to Swedish music. Try to find some music you like then look up the words on the internet and sing along!

How many hours of study is required to successfully reach a level within CEFR?

Research suggests that it takes approximately 200 guided learning hours for an individual to progress from one level of the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) to the next. Read more at the University of Cambridge.

To reach C1 level you should have studied Swedish for at least one-and-a-half years, but the length of time varies greatly from person to person. It depends on, for example, how intensively you study, your previous exposure to language learning, age and how much you use the Swedish language.