Which Greek exam certificate should you take in 2026?

For general proof of Modern Greek, use Ellinomatheia (Certificate of Attainment in Greek). The Centre for the Greek Language in Thessaloniki, supervised by the Ministry of Education, organises the exams at CEFR-linked levels A1 through C2 (including Γ1/Γ2 naming on older materials). Candidates are tested in listening, reading, speaking, and writing, and must pass all skills for the certificate. Exam centres operate in Greece and abroad; Athens candidates often use accredited centres such as the Hellenic American Union path listed by CGL partners. Registration windows are typically early-year for a mid-year sitting; check the live CGL calendar.

For Greek naturalisation, most non-ethnic applicants need the Certificate of Knowledge Adequacy for Naturalisation (PEGP). That Interior Ministry exam targets B1-equivalent Greek plus geography, history, culture, and political institutions. It is not the same booking as Ellinomatheia. Confirm exemptions and accepted substitutes on gov.gr and the PEGP portal before you study the wrong paper.

Build level through CGL or university Modern Greek courses first: Learn Greek in Greece. Hardness context: How hard is Greek. Employers and professional licences may name a specific Ellinomatheia level rather than “any Greek course”: Greek for work. Students should ask the faculty which certificate they accept: International student community.

Residence titles and citizenship remain separate files: Apply for a residence permit.