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Testing russian as a foreign language (TORFL)

The TORFL is a contemporary test of Russian language

The LSE Language Centre is an official testing centre.

  • St Petersburg State University is the oldest institution of higher education in Russia, founded on 22 January 1724 by Emperor Peter the Great.
  • Saint Petersburg University comprises 24 academic departments with more than 30 thousands graduate, postgraduate and doctoral students.
  • For more than 20 years St. Petersburg University has been one of the leaders in the field of language testing of foreign citizens and provided services to people and organisations.
  • By the order of the Ministry of education and science of the Russian Federation of 28 October 2014 No. 1394 St. Petersburg University was included in the list of educational organisations conducting the state testing of Russian language as a foreign language, and is authorised to issue a certificate in the government-approved format. 
  • The certificate issued by St. Petersburg University is the only official document certifying levels of proficiency in Russian as a foreign language according to the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR).
  • The certificate is valid both in Russia and abroad. 

What is TORFL
  • The Test of Russian as a foreign language (TORFL) is a contemporary test of Russian language for foreign citizens compliant with the best European quality standards.
  • It consists of 6 different levels: from Elementary level (A1) up to the 4th Level Certificate (C2).
  • The TORFL comprises 5 parts examining language competencies in different fields of language use: Writing, Lexis/ Grammar, Reading, Listening, and Speaking.
  • Please review this description of language levels and competencies.

Exam policy for people with disabilities or special requirements 

Testing for applicants with disabilities or special requirements is carried out on a case-by-case basis. 

Exam preparation materials

The preparation materials for the testing of Russian language as a foreign language are available on St. Petersburg University’s website.  

Fees and Booking

Follow the links below to our online shop to see current prices and to book a test place.

Test dates will be updated each year and are normally in March/April each year.

  • the closing date for booking a test place is usually early March each year
  • on booking a test place you will be emailed a receipt of the purchase and then, soon after the closing date, you will be contacted with specific details
  • you will be asked to provide a valid ID (that will not expire until the test day)
  • provide any official documents containing information on the correct spelling of name, surname in Russian and English

If you have any questions regarding exact dates for these, or future tests not yet published and/or information on specific test content please contact Dr Olga Sobolev by email. 

Contacts

St. Petersburg State University Language testing centre            

  • Address: Lieutenant Schmidt emb., 11/2, St.Petersburg, 199034, Russia.
  • Opening hours:  Mon-Fri (except national holidays), 09:00 – 18:00
  • Phone:  +7 (812) 325 11 24 E-mail: test.language@spbu.ru
  • Instagram: torfl_spbu
  • Facebook: https://facebook.com/TORFL.SPbSU            

LSE Language Centre            

  • Address: LSE Language Centre Ground Floor, 20 Kingsway, Houghton Street, London, WC2A 2AE
  • Phone: +(44) 20 7955 7020
  • E-mail: Dr Olga Sobolev

            

 

   

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Test place booking will open in 2018