Latvian Language Agency to take over state language exams

From next year, the Latvian Language Agency, a state language agency, will organise Latvian language proficiency examinations for adults, taking over the responsibility from the State Education Development Agency, LSM reported.

More than 20,000 people have taken the examinations over the past three years. Applicants have done so for various reasons, including naturalisation, obtaining a residence permit and employment requirements.

The number of examinees is expected to increase in the coming years. From next year, state language requirements will also apply to Ukrainian war refugees, while a new Immigration Law will enter into force.

The government also plans to introduce state language examinations for everyone who has learned Latvian using public funds. Lana Francesca Dreimane, deputy state secretary at the Ministry of Education and Science, said this would help assess the effectiveness of publicly funded language courses.

She said bringing language training, examinations and certificates under one institution would improve consistency in methodology and quality. She described the assessment of Latvian language proficiency as a complex process that requires particular attention because of immigration.

Latvian Language Agency director Inita Vītola said the changes would provide a unified approach to adult education and examinations by allowing the learning and assessment processes, as well as their quality indicators, to be considered together.