Official Lithuanian Exam Information
Comprehensive guide to the state language exam — legal requirements, registration, structure, and results.
Legal Requirements (2026)
From January 1, 2026, amendments to the Law on the State Language require individuals who interact directly with customers to serve them in Lithuanian at a minimum A1 (basic) proficiency level. The National Education Agency (NŠA) is the sole institution where you can obtain the required state language proficiency certification by passing the exam.
A1 to A2 Two-Year Rule
The A1 requirement applies for a two-year period. After two years, individuals must demonstrate A2 level to continue working in service or retail sectors.
The two-year period is calculated from the date a foreigner first receives a document granting residence rights in Lithuania. If that document was issued before December 31, 2025, the two-year period starts counting from January 1, 2026. This also applies to holders of seasonal employment permits.
Exemption: The state language proficiency requirement does not apply to foreigners with temporary protection status (this includes Ukrainians who have fled the war). Other exemptions may apply — check with the Migration Department for your specific situation.
Who Needs Which Exam?
Customer-Facing Workers — A1, then A2
Employees in services, retail, transportation, and other sectors who communicate with clients. A1 from 2026, upgrading to A2 after two years.
Temporary Residence Permit (TRP) Renewal — A2
A2 language exam required after 5 years of residence. Only the language exam — Constitution exam is NOT needed for TRP.
Permanent Residency (PRP) — A2 + Constitution
Both A2 language exam AND Constitution exam required.
Higher-Level Requirements
Some citizenship and profession-specific cases may require higher language categories. Our platform focuses on A1/A2 and Constitution preparation. Verify higher-level requirements on official NŠA and Migration Department pages.
How to Register
Create an Account on the NŠA Portal
Go to eksternams.nsa.smm.lt and register. There is a step-by-step video tutorial from NŠA. eksternams.nsa.smm.lt — video tutorial
Select Your Exam & Date
For basic/Category I (A1-A2), select the "state language proficiency exam for basic-I categories." Registration opens 30 days before each exam and closes 7 days before.
Pay Within 24 Hours — €52
After receiving registration confirmation, you must pay within 24 hours or your application is cancelled. Once payment is received, your status changes to CONFIRMED.
Receive Confirmation
You will get an email confirming your exam location. The exam takes place at a designated school in your municipality.
Exam Fee
Official exam fee for 2026 (was €49 in 2025). Same fee for retakes. Payment must be completed within 24 hours of registration.
Exam Structure
The exam consists of three parts, all conducted electronically except for the oral interview:
Part 1: Reading & Writing (Computer-Based)
- Reading: Reading (Skaitymas): Short texts, schedules, advertisements. Comprehension questions.
- Writing: Writing (Rašymas): Form filling, short message or letter (50-80 words).
Part 2: Listening (Computer-Based)
- Listening (Klausymas): Dialogues and announcements via headphones.
- Audio is played twice. Questions appear on screen.
Part 3: Speaking (Oral Interview)
- Speaking (Kalbėjimas): Live interview with an examiner.
- Topics: introduce yourself, family, work, daily routine, hobbies.
What to Bring & When to Arrive
- Valid passport or ID card (original, not a copy)
- Arrive at least 30 minutes early
- The exam is computer-based — no pen or paper needed
- Phone must be turned off during the exam
Results & Certificates
Results are published on the NŠA portal (eksternams.nsa.smm.lt) and sent to your email. Certificates are prepared by NŠA within 7 business days after results, then sent to your exam center which distributes them within 3 business days.
Appeals: If you disagree with your evaluation, you can submit a signed appeal to the NŠA Director within 2 business days after results are announced. Send to: info@nsa.smsm.lt
Language Proficiency Categories
For customer-facing workers in service/retail during first two years.
For employees in services, manufacturing, retail, transportation who communicate with clients. Also required for TRP renewal after 5 years.
Higher-level categories exist for some legal and profession-specific paths. This platform currently focuses on A1/A2 and Constitution exam preparation.
Important: NŠA is the only institution that can certify your language proficiency. A certificate of completion from a Lithuanian language course is not proof of language proficiency.
2026 Exam Schedule
15 Category I (A1-A2) exam sessions are planned for 2026, with up to 800 candidates per session.
For the complete schedule with exact dates:
Useful Official Links
NŠA Contact Information
Nacionalinė švietimo agentūra (NŠA)
Email: info@nsa.smsm.lt
Phone: +370 658 18504
Hours: Mon-Thu 8:00-17:00, Fri 8:00-15:45 (lunch 12:00-12:45)
Address: K. Kalinausko g. 7, LT-03107, Vilnius
Disclaimer: This page is compiled from publicly available information from the National Education Agency (NŠA) and official Lithuanian government sources. Lithuanian Exam Prep is an independent practice platform and is not affiliated with NŠA or the Migration Department. For the most current official information, always check nsa.smsm.lt directly.