Highest turnout ever for language tests required by Andorra's language law, with A1 and B2 levels most

A record 930 candidates registered for official Catalan language exams required for Andorra residence permits, marking the highest turnout in recent years and nearly 200 more than the 740 in January 2024.

The exams took place over the weekend at the Escola Andorrana de segona ensenyança de Santa Coloma, with levels distributed as follows: A1 (226 candidates), A2 (160), B1 (146), B2 (272) and C1 (125). The A1 and B2 levels drew the largest numbers, making up almost half of all participants. Required by the Llei de la llengua pròpia i oficial for new or renewal applications, the tests assess communication skills from basic daily interactions at A1 to advanced proficiency at C1.

On Friday, the A1 level opened at the Sant Julià de Lòria exam centre. The written section, covering listening, reading and basic writing tasks such as true-or-false questions, ran from 9:30am to 10:35am. Individual oral exams followed from 11:15am or 3pm, with the full test lasting about 80 minutes. Candidates described speaking and listening as the hardest parts, citing fast-paced audio with limited repeats and challenges in producing speech. Reading and writing felt more accessible, especially for recent arrivals. Test-takers praised examiners' friendly approach but noted that daily practice often leads to responses in other languages despite their efforts to use Catalan. Latin American accents were common among first-time and renewal applicants, who shared tips and practised outside the venue. Most stressed the value of preparatory courses at language centres.

Saturday covered B1, B2 and C1 levels at Santa Coloma. The A2 exam shifted to 6 February due to high demand, allowing proper supervision, the Department of Language Policy said.

Department director Joan Sans linked the increase to the language law's requirements, highlighting an 88% rise in A1 registrations and 80% for A2 compared to 2024. Officials see the numbers as a sign of residents' dedication to certification and integration.

In related coverage, businesses in sectors like skiing, hospitality and entertainment report that Catalan requirements have not hindered hiring foreign talent. Firms such as Grandvalira Resorts are subsidising A1 courses, including a 100% funded 30-hour online module for seasonal workers ahead of stricter rules from April 2026. Companies note employees' willingness to learn, with no major recruitment issues so far.