Sproochentest pass mark: how the score works

You pass the Sproochentest with at least half of the points in the speaking test, or with an average of at least 50% across speaking and listening. Both tests are compulsory, and a strong listening mark can lift a speaking mark that falls below half.

The pass rule

Article 15 of the law of 8 March 2017 on Luxembourg nationality sets the rule, and INLL repeats it on its Sproochentest page:

1. The candidate takes both tests: speaking at level A2 and listening at level B1.
2. A candidate with at least half of the points in the speaking test has passed.
3. A speaking mark below half can be compensated with the listening mark. The candidate then passes when the arithmetic average of the two marks, rounded up to the next unit where needed, reaches at least half of the points.

The speaking test is marked out of a maximum of 100 points (regulation of 22 July 2019, article 5), and the listening answer sheets are corrected with a grid of 100 points in total (article 6).

Worked examples

These examples apply the rule to marks out of 100:

Speaking is the direct route, and listening is the second route. Preparing both gives you two ways to reach the pass line.

Three profiles, one rule

These illustrative marks out of 100 show how different strengths reach the same pass line:

How the speaking test is marked

The speaking test takes place in front of two examiners, designated by the director of INLL. Article 5 of the regulation gives them different jobs:

• The interlocutor leads the interview and gives a global mark. This mark counts for 20% of the final speaking mark.
• The observer marks with a detailed scale. This mark counts for 80%.

INLL's assessment grid, published in April 2026, scores the observer's four criteria from 0 to 5:

INLL also states that the language assessed is the standard language used in private and public life at that level. The INLL Sproochentest page lists the criteria as repertoire, fluency, clarity, use of grammatical structures, coherence, ability to be understood and interactivity.

How the listening test is marked

The listening test has three recordings: a news bulletin or news extract, a conversation or dialogue, and a recording that gives information on a given subject. Candidates answer a questionnaire with binary or multiple-choice questions by ticking one answer per question. Each recording plays twice, and the whole test lasts 25 minutes (regulation, article 6). INLL's published sample test has three exercises and 16 questions in total, so you can rehearse the exact shape before the day.

After the result

• Certificate. A passing candidate receives the certificate, issued as a single original signed by the government commissioner, the director of INLL and the secretary of the commission, and sent by registered letter (article 12).
• Validity. According to the INLL FAQ, the certificate is valid for an unlimited period of time.
• Review of your tests. On written request to the commissioner you can consult the recording of your speaking test and the questionnaire you completed in the listening test, with explanations from the commissioner, the director of INLL or an examiner (article 11).
• Retake. There is no cap on attempts. You register again once the results of your previous test are available.

Score your own practice answers

You can use INLL's four criteria on every recorded answer. After you record a topic answer, replay it and give yourself 0 to 5 on each criterion:

1. Lexis: did you use a range of topic words, or the same three?
2. Morphosyntax: did your sentences keep correct verbs and word order at A2 level?
3. Phonetics: was the answer clear and fluent from start to finish?
4. Task fulfilment: did you answer the question, add detail and stay coherent?

MoienLab's A2 oral practice pairs examiner-style questions with a guided self-evaluation recording, so the habit of scoring your own answer is built into the practice.

Turn the criteria into a study plan

Each criterion in the grid maps to a daily habit:

The free level test shows your starting point in under 8 minutes with 12 questions across A1, A2 and B1. Full Access then gives you the complete route: 57 lessons, 570 exercises, four B1 listening sets and a timed mock exam, for 59 € over 12 months with one payment. See Full Access.