How to Pass the CCE–A2 Exam (Permanent Residence in Czechia)
So, you want to stay in Czechia for good? Great choice! Beer, castles, and saying čtvrtek čtrnáctého without crying — what’s not to love? But before the Ministry lets you settle down with your trdelník, there’s one little hurdle: the CCE–A2 exam.
Don’t worry, it’s not impossible. In fact, it’s designed to show you can survive in Czech: buy a ticket, order food, answer basic questions, and write short texts. Let’s break it down so you know exactly what to expect.
Why the CCE–A2 Exam Matters
Legal requirement: You need CCE–A2 to apply for permanent residence in the Czech Republic.
Level check: It shows you have basic communication skills (CEFR A2).
Motivation: It gives you a clear milestone. Passing means: “Yes, I can live my life in Czech, not just survive, but function.”
What the Exam Looks Like
The exam has four parts, all done in one day:
Reading (40 min): Short texts, ads, simple articles. Answer True/False, match questions to texts, or choose from options.
Listening (25–30 min): Short dialogues and announcements, each played twice. Then answer questions or mark True/False.
Writing (40 min): Two tasks:
Task 1: an informal e-mail (MIN. 40 words).
Task 2: a diary entry (MIN. 60 words).
Speaking (10–13 min): Two parts: personal questions (family, work, hobbies) and a role-play situation (e.g., buying a ticket, ordering food).
To pass, you must score at least 60% in each part, not just overall.
140 minutes of written tests + 10–13 minutes speaking (individual). This level proves you can handle everyday Czech and is required for permanent residence.
Common Struggles at A2
Too short writing: If you write fewer than 35/54 words, you automatically get 0 points.
Mixing formal and informal: Don’t start your friend’s e-mail with Vážený pane.
One-word answers in speaking: Don’t just say Ano. → Say: Ano, mám psa. Jmenuje se Max a je moc hodný.
Forgetting to transfer answers: Only what’s on the official answer sheet is scored.
How to Prepare Smartly
Practice listening daily: Czech Radio and Czech TV (ČT) are your best friends. Search topics like doprava or služby to train with real Czech audio. For more listening, reading, writing, and speaking tips, check out the Painless Czech Guidebook.
Write under time pressure: Count words and check that you answered all bullet points.
Role-play in speaking: Practice common situations with a partner: ordering coffee, asking for directions, inviting a friend.
Review grammar basics: Czech cases, verb aspect, gender of nouns and pronouns will save you points.
Step-by-Step Plan
You don’t need to reinvent the wheel. I’ve already created a weekly study plan that tells you exactly what to do every day for two months. Check out the CCE A2: 2-Month Study Plan and walk into the exam confident and prepared.
The CCE–A2 exam is not here to scare you. It’s proof that you can handle everyday Czech life. With the right preparation and maybe a few espressos you’ll be celebrating your new permanent residence permit in no time.
