If you've been learning Swedish and want an official certificate to validate your language skills, perhaps for work, study, or personal achievement, you might consider taking the Swedex exam. Unlike tests primarily focused on academic settings (like TISUS), Swedex aims to assess practical, everyday Swedish communication skills.

Developed in cooperation with the Council of Europe and aligned with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), Swedex offers internationally recognised proof of your Swedish proficiency. This guide provides an overview of the Swedex exam, its levels, format, and how to prepare.

What is Swedex?

Swedex is an independent language examination available at various CEFR levels (currently A2, B1, and B2). It tests your ability to understand and use Swedish in realistic situations related to daily life, work, and study. Passing the exam results in a certificate that is valid indefinitely and recognized internationally, including by employers and educational institutions in Sweden and abroad.

Why Take the Swedex Exam?

• Official Validation: Provides certified proof of your Swedish language level according to the internationally recognized CEFR scale.
• Employment: Can enhance your CV and demonstrate your language skills to potential employers in Sweden or international companies using Swedish.
• Study: While not typically replacing TISUS for university admission in Sweden, it can be a valuable qualification for other forms of study or to demonstrate progress.
• Personal Goal: Offers a concrete goal for your language learning and a sense of accomplishment upon passing.
• Motivation: Preparing for a specific exam provides structure and motivation for your studies.

Swedex Levels (Based on CEFR)

Swedex exams are currently offered at three levels:

• Swedex A2: Demonstrates basic ability to communicate in simple, routine tasks requiring a direct exchange of information on familiar topics. Corresponds to a basic user level.
• Swedex B1: Shows the ability to understand the main points of clear standard input on familiar matters regularly encountered in work, school, leisure, etc. Can handle most situations likely to arise whilst travelling in an area where the language is spoken. Corresponds to an intermediate/independent user level.
• Swedex B2: Indicates the ability to understand the main ideas of complex text on both concrete and abstract topics, including technical discussions in their field of specialisation. Can interact with a degree of fluency and spontaneity that makes regular interaction with native speakers quite possible without strain for either party. Corresponds to an upper-intermediate/independent user level.

You choose the level you wish to take based on your current proficiency and goals.

Swedex Test Format (General Overview)

The exact tasks vary slightly by level (A2, B1, B2), but the exam generally consists of both written and oral components designed to test all four language skills plus grammar/vocabulary.

Written Part

• Reading Comprehension (Läsförståelse): Reading various types of texts (articles, emails, advertisements, brochures) and answering questions (multiple choice, matching, true/false).
• Vocabulary and Grammar (Ordförråd och grammatik): Tasks testing knowledge of common vocabulary and grammatical structures (e.g., gap-fill exercises, choosing the correct word).
• Listening Comprehension (Hörförståelse): Listening to dialogues, announcements, and short monologues and answering questions (multiple choice, matching, true/false).
• Written Production (Skriftlig produktion): Writing one or more texts based on prompts (e.g., writing an email, a short message, a description, or expressing an opinion), demonstrating ability to communicate clearly in writing for specific purposes.

Oral Part

• Speaking (Muntlig produktion): This usually involves a paired interview format (two candidates and one or two examiners).
  • Tasks often include interacting with the other candidate and the examiner, describing pictures, expressing opinions, discussing topics, and participating in a role-play or problem-solving scenario.
  • Assesses fluency, pronunciation, vocabulary range, grammatical accuracy, and interaction skills.

Scoring

• Swedex uses a pass/fail system for the overall exam at each level: Godkänd (Pass) or Icke godkänd (Fail).
• To pass (Godkänd), you generally need to achieve a minimum score in both the written and oral parts of the exam.
• Specific points are awarded for different tasks within each section, and the total points determine the pass/fail outcome based on pre-set thresholds for each level.

Tips for Swedex Preparation

• Choose the Right Level: Honestly assess your current Swedish skills (or take a placement test) to select the appropriate CEFR level (A2, B1, or B2) for the exam.
• Understand the Specific Format: Obtain detailed information about the format, task types, and timings for your chosen level.
• Focus on Practical Communication: Swedex emphasizes using Swedish in everyday situations. Practice expressing opinions, making requests, describing things, and interacting naturally.
• Build Vocabulary and Grammar: Systematically learn vocabulary relevant to the CEFR level and solidify your understanding of core grammatical structures.
• Practice All Skills: Dedicate time to reading Swedish texts, listening to audio materials (podcasts, news), writing different types of texts (emails, messages), and speaking regularly (with language partners, tutors, or in class).
• Use Sample Tests: Work through official Swedex sample materials or practice books to become familiar with the question types and difficulty.
• Time Management: Practice completing written tasks within the allocated time during your preparation.
• Oral Exam Practice: If possible, practice paired speaking tasks, expressing opinions, and discussing topics with others.

Validate Your Swedish Skills

The Swedex exam offers a valuable way to measure and certify your practical Swedish language skills against an international standard. Passing the exam requires a solid understanding of everyday Swedish and the ability to communicate effectively across different situations. With focused preparation and consistent practice, you can confidently approach the test and achieve your desired level.

Prepare thoroughly for your Swedex exam with targeted instruction and practice in Sprachlingua's comprehensive online Swedish courses.