Applications for the Yunus Emre Institute Turkish Proficiency Exam (TYS) Have Started

The Turkish Proficiency Exam (TYS) is a language proficiency exam developed by the Yunus Emre Institute in accordance with the proficiency definitions set forth in the “Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.” It measures the reading, listening, writing, and speaking skills of individuals learning Turkish as a foreign or second language. Since 2013, it has been administered simultaneously on an international scale three times a year in Turkey and in all countries where Yunus Emre Institutes are located.

The TYS developed by the Yunus Emre Institute has received the ALTE (The Association of Language Testers in Europe) Q-mark, becoming the first Turkish language exam with approved international validity. It is of great importance to measure and evaluate the competence of individuals in Turkish reading, listening, writing, and speaking skills using measurement tools with proven validity and reliability. With the TYS, the internationally valid standardized exam for Turkish, the aim is also to standardize teaching across various institutions teaching Turkish abroad.

In addition to increasing international students’ interest in Turkey, the TYS is of great significance in terms of facilitating the acceptance of these students’ job and educational applications and ensuring they are evaluated on a more solid basis.

⏳ Exam Structure and Duration

The TYS is conducted in three sessions:

• 1st and 2nd Sessions: Sections (Reading, Listening, Writing) are administered as a group exam.

• 3rd Session: The section (Speaking) is administered individually for each candidate.

• Total Duration: The entire exam takes 180 minutes (1st session: 105 mins, 2nd session: 60 mins, 3rd session: 15 mins).

🏆 Certification and Advantages

Candidates who succeed in the exam are awarded a Turkish Proficiency Certificate at levels B2 and C1, depending on their scores. This certificate, bearing the ALTE Quality Mark (Q-mark), is the first Turkish language proficiency document with international validity.

The advantages of having a Turkish Proficiency Certificate include:

• Exemption from Preparatory Class: Candidates who gain the right to study at any institution in Turkey are exempt from the Turkish preparatory year.

• Professional Requirements: The certificate is required for foreigners who wish to work as Turkish teachers, guides, or translators.

• Career Advantage: It provides a significant advantage for individuals during job applications.

For detailed information regarding the TYS, you can visit tys.yee.org.tr.