If you want your child to learn Greek and you’re wondering which Greek language fluency certification would be the best, the answer is “Ellinomatheia.” That’s because Ellinomatheia is recognized worldwide as an official certification of Greek language proficiency. The exams and their required specifications are dictated by the Center for the Greek Language of the University of Thessaloniki for students learning Greek, and are the only exams recognized by the Ministry of Education in Greece.
Why is Ellinomatheia important for kids who learn Greek?
For kids learning Greek (and adults) apart from being the only Greek fluency certification recognized by the Greek state, Ellinomatheia is also recognized by institutions across the U.S., the E.U., Greece, and many other countries for education, employment, and residency purposes — making it one of the most versatile and widely accepted credentials a Greek language learner can earn.
In the United States, Ellinomatheia is connected to the Seal of Biliteracy, a prestigious distinction that formally certifies a student’s fluency in a foreign language. This recognition can be a meaningful advantage when applying to colleges and universities, as a number of public institutions award academic credits to students who have passed the B1 level of the Ellinomatheia certification. For students in New York State specifically, passing the B1 level also qualifies them to sit for the Regents Exam in Greek — a significant academic milestone that can open additional doors in higher education.
Beyond the U.S., Ellinomatheia certification carries real weight in Greece and across the European Union, where it may be required or preferred for university enrollment, professional licensing, or establishing legal residency. For families in the Greek Diaspora, it also serves as a meaningful way to formally document a connection to the Greek language and heritage — giving students something tangible to show for years of hard work learning Greek.
Which level for my child?
There are several levels of certification available:
- Level A1 for young students (ages 8–12)
- Level A1 for Teens and Adults (older than 12) – This Certification is much more demanding than the equivalent for younger students.
- Level A2 for Teens and Adults
- Levels B1, B2, and Γ1 for Teens and Adults.
As seen above, for young students, only A1 certification is available. After A1, all the others are for teens and adults. Many confuse the levels above with Greek school levels and classes; note that A1 Certification is NOT the same as Grade 1A or 1st or A in Greek schools; it is the first level of language proficiency. The exams are very challenging since they have four sections students need to take: reading comprehension, writing, listening, and oral examination including a conversation with an examiner about a specific subject.
Ellinomatheia and Ellinopoula
At Ellinopoula, we are proud to say that the majority of our students pass their Ellinomatheia exams with a grade of “EXCELLENT” (ΑΡΙΣΤΑ) — a result that speaks directly to the quality of our curriculum and the dedication of our teaching team.
These results don’t happen by chance. Ellinopoula’s Greek language courses are built specifically around the Center for the Greek Language specifications — the same standards that govern every Ellinomatheia exam. That means your child walks into exam day prepared for every section: vocabulary, grammar, reading comprehension, and oral expression. The right preparation makes all the difference. Our students’ results prove it.
We also understand that Ellinomatheia preparation is a specialized field — very few teachers are formally qualified to prepare students for these exams. That is why Ellinopoula has assembled a dedicated team of experienced, highly qualified instructors who bring both expertise and genuine passion to their teaching. Each student receives individual, tailored support throughout the process, ensuring that no one falls behind and every learner has the opportunity to reach their full potential.
Ellinopoula currently offers courses for the following certification levels:
- A1 for Young Students
- Part A A1 for Young Students
- Part B A1 for Teens and Adults
- A2 for Teens and Adults
Whether your child is just beginning their Ellinomatheia journey or working toward a higher level of certification, Ellinopoula has a course designed to get them there — with confidence and with excellence.
Sign up for your FREE 7-day trial
Live Online Classes begin September 17th! See more here
