Czech test for permanent residency

I very recently got my permanent residency here in CR. As a non EU citizen, I did have to pass the Czech language test that was instituted about a year ago.

I don't know how many of you this might affect, but here's a few reflections I have of the test, which I passed in late October.

It is a quite low level test, but certainly not without its challenges, so more experienced Czech speakers shouldn't underestimate it, there are a couple of little traps in it, I found the listening part most challenging.

There are four parts to it: reading for comprehension, listening for content, writing and speaking. They are done in that order and there is a gap between the first three and speaking. If you don't pass the first three, they don't let you do the speaking.

The "Check your Czech" website is useful to a degree in assessing your reading and listening abilities, but not of much use when it comes to writing and speaking.

I would recommend to anyone who needs to do this test, even if you are presently of a higher than beginner level in Czech abilities, contact some of the language schools and try to set up at least a few sessions with a Czech for foreigners teacher who is properly certified to assess and prepare people for that test.

Consulting a Czech teacher who knows exactly what you will be walking into and is certified to prepare you for it is certainly a worthwhile investment for anyone here who needs to pass that test.

There are currently three places in Brno where you can sit the test:
Masaryk University
State Language School (Kotlarska Street)
Pelikan language school (Lidicka Street)

I did my test at Pelikan (they have the test every Saturday morning) and found the people quite friendly and welcoming. They made me feel quite at ease and not the least bit intimidated. (No, I don't work for Pelikan)

Please feel free to ask me any questions about the test either on the board or by PM.