Pilsonība.lv · Latviešu valoda A1–B1 · Naturalizācija
Latvian state language test A2 — how it works and how to prepare
A2 (basic level, second stage) is the level required for a permanent residence permit and EU long-term resident status. The test is run by VIAA; it has four skills, each with three tasks and 15 points. Below is the official structure and a free mock test in exactly that format.
| Skill | Tasks (official programme) | Points · time |
|---|---|---|
| Listening | 6 announcements (multiple choice) · a conversation, 4 Jā/Nē statements · 5 dialogues, insert a word from 9 given (4 extra). Each recording is played twice. | 6 + 4 + 5 = 15 · 25 min |
| Reading | 4 texts of ~100 words, 3 statements each · 6 people ↔ 12 advertisements · a text with 5 gaps, 3 options each. | 4 + 6 + 5 = 15 · 30 min |
| Writing | 4 pictures — one sentence of 5+ words each · an e-mail with 5 words to inflect · an advertisement of 35+ words (what, description, price, contact). Written on paper in pen. | 4 + 5 + 6 = 15 · 35 min |
| Speaking | 9–10 examiner questions · 2 pictures: who? doing what? where? + a personal question · questions about 3 advertisements. In person or by video call. | 15 · 10–15 min |
| Total | Passed if EVERY skill scores at least 9 of 15 (60%). One failed part means retaking the whole test. | 60 · ~100 min |
Who needs A2
A permanent residence permit and EU long-term resident status (Cabinet Regulation No. 157, para 6). For professions the level is set by separate regulations — A2 applies, for example, to part of the service sector. Naturalisation has a different test, at PMLP.
How it is scored
Each skill is scored separately: 15 points, at least 9 (60%) required. Passed skills are not banked: if one part is failed, the whole test is retaken. State fee — 52 €; low-income persons are exempt. After a rules violation a retake is possible no sooner than 6 months later.
How to prepare here
Start with the mock test — it shows your weakest skill straight away. Then: timed listening and reading sets, letters and advertisements written to a plan with scoring criteria, speaking questions with model answers, 578 frequent words and grammar with an A1/A2 tag on every lesson. In the profile, readiness is based on the weakest skill — just like in the test.
Important
This is an independent learning site. The task format follows the VISC/VIAA programme, but the texts are practice samples, not real test materials. Registration, dates and the current procedure are on viaa.gov.lv.