CAPLE Portuguese exams: levels A1 to C2 and who needs them

CAPLE is the name behind the official Portuguese exams from the University of Lisbon, with Camões, from A1 to C2. If you are applying for Portuguese nationality or need proof of your Portuguese for work or study, here is what we can confirm. Our CAPLE preparation path lists the steps.

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16Word: the free Portuguese level test — A1 to B2 in a few minutes, no account needed

What CAPLE offers

CAPLE offers exams from A1 to C2. They are often used for work, for study and for citizenship. Our checks of its site were only partly successful, so for parts, marks and centres, go to the official website or contact CAPLE directly.

Portuguese nationality

For nationality, the usual requirement is A2. Our guide on the A2 requirement and the CIPLE exam explains the rules and cites official sources. Read it before booking.

European or Brazilian Portuguese?

CAPLE comes from Lisbon. If you have been learning Brazilian Portuguese, expect differences in pronunciation and in some vocabulary and grammar. Listen to European Portuguese regularly in your final weeks, especially if the exam includes listening.

How to prepare

  1. Take a free Portuguese level test.
  2. Find out the exact level your authority, employer or university asks for.
  3. Learn 16 Portuguese words a day with spaced repetition.
  4. Practise sentences and dialogues to get verbs and prepositions right.
  5. Ask CAPLE for official sample material.

A realistic pace

If you are starting from zero and need A2, a small daily routine over several months is more dependable than cramming. Five minutes of words every morning and one short listening session in the evening, kept up without gaps, builds the base that an A2 exam needs.

Portuguese from your level

Choose your goal and 16Word sets out your path.

16Word's paths stop at B2. For C1 and C2, you will need advanced material as well.

See also language exams for citizenship.

Keep exploring

Every exam below has its own preparation page on 16Word.

The other language exams

More guides on language exams

Related guides and free level tests

CAPLE: frequently asked questions

What levels do CAPLE exams cover?

From A1 to C2.

What level do I need for Portuguese nationality?

The usual requirement is A2. See our guide on the A2 requirement.

Who runs CAPLE?

The University of Lisbon, with Camões.

What are CAPLE exams used for?

Often for work, study and citizenship.

Why does this guide not give the exam format?

We could only partly read the official site, and we publish only what we can confirm.

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