The six levels
Each ТРКИ level matches a level of the European framework (CEFR), from A1 to C2. Evolang’s units follow the same ladder, so each unit checkpoint is practice for the matching exam.
| Exam | Russian name | CEFR | What it shows | Practise with |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ТЭУ | A1 | Basic survival Russian: greetings, shopping, simple questions. | Unit 00–01 | |
| ТБУ | A2 | Everyday situations: travel, work, family, simple stories. | Unit 02 | |
| ТРКИ-1 | B1 | Independent everyday and study use; the usual entry level for Russian universities. | Unit 03–04 | |
| ТРКИ-2 | B2 | Free use in professional and academic life; often required for degrees in the humanities. | Unit 05 | |
| ТРКИ-3 | C1 | Professional work in Russian: translation, journalism, diplomacy. | Unit 06 | |
| ТРКИ-4 | C2 | Near-native command, at the level of an educated native speaker. | Unit 07 |
The five subtests
Every level has the same five parts. Each is marked separately, so a strong result in one cannot make up for a weak one. The Russian names below are what you will see on the paper.
1 Vocabulary and grammar Multiple-choice gaps testing case endings, verb aspect, prepositions and word choice. Tip: Learn verbs with the case they govern: помога́ть + dative.
2 Reading Authentic texts (news, adverts, short articles) with questions on detail and the writer’s view. Tip: Read the questions first, then the text.
3 Listening Dialogues, announcements and short talks, usually heard once or twice. Tip: Listen for numbers, times and names; they are favourite questions.
4 Writing A letter or message from a brief, and a short text based on something you have read or heard. Tip: Cover every point in the brief; missing one costs marks.
5 Speaking Role-plays, reacting to situations, and a short talk on a topic, with an examiner. Tip: Answer in full sentences and keep talking; silence scores nothing.
How marking works
Each subtest is scored as a percentage. There is no overall average: you pass the level when every subtest reaches 66%, with one allowance. Exact point scales differ by level and test centre, so always check the centre’s own rules.
Sample tasks (ТРКИ-1, B1)
One task in the style of each subtest, written for this page. Choose an answer to see the explanation and gloss.
Ле́ксика. Грамма́тика. Choose the correct form to complete the sentence.
Я ча́сто помога́ю … с дома́шним зада́нием.
Чте́ние Read the notice and answer the question.
Уважа́емые посети́тели! С 1 по 15 ию́ля библиоте́ка рабо́тает с 10 до 16 часо́в. В выходны́е библиоте́ка закры́та. When can you visit the library on Saturday 6 July?
Ауди́рование Listen to the announcement and answer the question.
When does the train leave?
Письмо́ Which opening suits a letter to a university admissions office?
Choose the best first line.
Говоре́ние The examiner says the line below. Which reply fits best?
Choose the most natural reply.
A twelve-week study plan
For learners who are roughly at the target level and want to pass it. Each block uses pages already on Evolang.
- Weeks 1–3 Grammar gaps Review cases, aspect and verbs of motion; these carry the grammar subtest. Cases →Verb tables →
- Weeks 4–6 Reading and listening One graded text and one dialogue a day; answer before opening the transcript. Graded reading →Listening →
- Weeks 7–9 Writing and speaking Two writing tasks a week; record yourself answering role-play prompts. Writing practice →Phrases →
- Weeks 10–12 Mock tests Take the matching unit checkpoint under time pressure, then fix weak areas. Unit checkpoints →Mixed review →