Hello together.
As far as I understood for FIDE test, it seems that it's not a "goal-set" exam (which is pre-set for the level you want to achieve), but rather as an overall evaluation for one's knowledge, then, they evalute each individual part for the levels (e.g. writing A1, oral A2 etc.).
I am just wondering would it be possible to take multiple FIDE exams during the course of learning the lanauge? e.g. in 2023, i will do a FIDE test with A2 oral, A2 writting, then in 2024, i will do another FIDE test achieving B1 oral and B1 writting...
Would that be allowed? and if yes, would that multiple FIDE tests have some impacts (especially multiple test records having negative impacts) on later naturalisation or getting C permit?
many thanks to all and wish you a great new year.
You could take the oral and written test separately as many times as you like. You will pay a lot more. They are cheaper when done together. The fees can be found here :
https://fide-service.ch/en/proofs/fide-test
As far as I recall, the written test in available in two levels. You can either attempt the A1-A2 or the A2-B1 levels and you make the choice at the time of the exam. The outcome of the assessment will determine whether you achieve A1, A2 or B1.
And the oral test is singular — it will be guided by the examiner who will start speaking with you at level A2 and will then try calibrate you for A2, A1 or B1.
See how the tests works by downloading the test manual and the sample tests here :
https://fide-info.ch/fr/test/testfide
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wow.. many thanks for the detailed info. And sorry that I am pretty new to the FIDE system, now, getting much better picture.
btw, do you or anyone else having some recommendation about preparing the FIDE test? e.g. some comprehensitve language/online course to take or materials etc. Anything is way much more welcome (i am aware that it's not really neccessary to follow/pay some course, but i think probably having a regular plan/push would be nice).
again, happy new year to you and all the friends here in the forum and wish you a great succ. in 2023!!
I would focus on the language learning and not on the test preparation. Choose the methods that work best for you to learn in a way that is fun and at your own pace, independent of what test you will or will not take. For my learning I used a combination of language school and university courses, a private tutor, apps and websites, video courses, listening to music and podcasts, reading the daily newspapers, hanging around native speakers to listen to and practice speaking ... in short a cultural immersion. Oh and I changed the default language on my phone as well. These worked well for me in different ways at different points in time. I did nearly ace the FIDE.
As with any language skill assessment it can certainly help to have someone who is familiar with the test guide you, although the sample tests provided on the FIDE site are sufficient for understanding what to expect and to gauge your readiness.
If you must join a language learning school then I suggest to pick one that also serves as an FIDE test location (see dates and locations for your city on the test registration site). Chances are that some of the teachers there may likely be more familiar with the test.
Good luck 🍀 to you ! When you have passed the FIDE let us know !
Two questions:
1. Can you take the FIDE test in any canton, or are you restricted to your canton of residence?
(SZ only has two dates listed for the entire year, both this month. Not very convenient.)
2. A friend who is having age related hearing issues needs to take this test. She will be fine with the written part, and will be fine with listening if done face-to-face. However, listening to a taped conversation will be very difficult.
She asked her doctor about some kind of letter to apply for an exemption, but was told that her level of hearing difficulty does not count, one needs to be fully deaf.
Can any of you who have taken the test give more detail about the listening portion? Is one allowed to re-play the tape if one is hard of hearing? Any info/advice would be appreciated, especially experience from folks with similar low level hearing issues.
When i did the test it was in a room with 6 other people, the tape was played only once. Maybe its possible to talk to the school and see what they say?
For me only the written part was taken in a room with other participants, the listening and speaking tests were individual. The listening part was played once, but then I could answer if I felt confident or ask to hear it one more time before answering.
Regarding tips, I'd say try to use the language everyday:
- practice reading simple texts, like ads and short paragraphs in common/free newspapers. You have to be able to catch the gist of the content
- practice listening/watching news
- practice conversations, Italki worked really well for me
At the exam don't bother about details, don't try to be perfect. It's more about your communication skills than your language correctness. It's fine to make a simple spelling or grammar mistake as long as the message can be understood. During speaking part 2 or 3 times I used English term, uttering "I don't know what is the translation of the word", and just went on with the conversation - I got B1.
As for where you can take the exam: anywhere! The farther it is from your home or work the more inconvenient, that's all to it.
Yes, to re-play the tape a second time. See link to test manual I posted above. Page 35 (version francais).
During the test your friend will do well to inform the examiner that she is hard of hearing and ask to be spoken loudly to, as I did for a similar reason, and the examiner was kind to oblige me. It should be not an issue as the speaking test is conducted individually.
For the listening comprehension section, I took the test in the room by myself while other candidates waited outside. This may now have changed based on the other responses I see here or simply that it is left to each test centre to organize efficiently. In any case it would not hurt to request upfront to listen at a higher volume (as I had done) and if possible, also individually.
In addition, see also page 10 of the manual. There is some allowance in the law to for those who have disabilities to prove their language skills. Perhaps your friend could get some attestation from her doctor validating her partial listening disability to supplement her test results, if needed.