Does a Polish certificate expire? The state B1 and telc certificates
Published 3 October 2026
Neither the state Polish certificate nor the telc one has an expiry date. The Commission says it outright: the certificate is valid indefinitely. telc says there is no validity period on the certificate, and whether an older one will do for a purpose is up to the institution you show it to.
In short
- The state certificate: "valid indefinitely" — the Commission's answer in its FAQ.
- telc: no validity period on the certificate; the accepting institution decides about an older one.
- A telc duplicate can be ordered for 10 years — as long as telc keeps the results.
How long a certificate is valid
How long is the state certificate valid?
Indefinitely. To "How long is the certificate valid?" the Commission's FAQ answers in one sentence: the certificate is valid indefinitely.
The Commission issues the certificate within 30 days of receiving the exam protocol (§27 of the regulation). It keeps the data of those who obtained one in its database for 25 years from the exam (§5(5)).
Does a telc certificate lose its validity?
It has no end date. telc's Examination Regulations say there is no validity period on the certificate, and when someone presents an older one to an institution, the institution decides whether it is still valid for its purpose.
- telc archives results digitally for 10 years. During that time a duplicate can be ordered from telc directly, for a fee.
- A change of surname through marriage or divorce is not grounds for a duplicate — the name on the exam day stays valid.
- The details on the certificate follow your identity document. Corrections can be requested through the centre within 4 months of issue.
- Retaking does not cancel an earlier result: the results of all examinations stay valid.
What does this mean in practice?
A certificate passed a few years ago is still a certificate. The question worth asking is a different one: is it the right exam and level for your purpose?
- For citizenship only the state certificate at B1 counts — telc cannot stand in for it. Details: citizenship.
- For the EU long-term residence card and for studies, either will do at the required level: residence card, studies.
- If an institution asks for a higher level than you hold, an old certificate will not help whatever its date. Which exam to sit: telc or the state exam.
Whether a document is accepted is up to the office or university. Asked about citizenship, the Commission refers candidates to the voivodeship office — confirm the requirements there before you apply.