Which Exam Should I Choose? A Guide to Swedex, TISUS, and Other Swedish as a Second Language Exams

Learning Swedish can be both challenging and enjoyable, and for many, the goal is to demonstrate their skills, for example, for academic purposes or professional endeavors. But once you have decided to take a language test, which exam should you choose? There are several options, with TISUS and Swedex being the most common. Let's take a closer look at what distinguishes them and what other tests might be relevant.

TISUS: For Those Who Want to Study in Sweden

TISUS (Test in Swedish for University and Higher Education Studies) is the most well-known exam for those planning to study at a Swedish university or college and who do not have the required proficiency in Swedish. You may have a high school diploma from another country or an IB diploma and wish to be eligible to study all courses and programs at a university or college in Sweden.

What does it test? TISUS measures your Swedish language skills at an advanced level (approximately C1 according to the CEFR – Common European Framework of Reference for Languages). The test is designed to assess the type of language skills required in an academic environment and is considered by many to be the most challenging exam.

The test consists of three parts:

• Reading Comprehension: You will read authentic texts from academic sources and answer questions that test your ability to understand complex texts.

• Written Proficiency: Here, you get to show your ability to write a coherent and well-structured text in Swedish. To pass, you must be able to present an advanced academic argument in Swedish. Imagine that your Swedish should be at the same level as someone who has graduated from high school in Sweden.

• Oral Proficiency: In this part, you will have a conversation with a test leader and with other test participants to show your ability to communicate fluently and correctly. Here, too, you should be able to conduct an abstract, academic discussion.

Who is it recommended for? TISUS is primarily intended for individuals who require a formal certificate to meet the eligibility requirements for higher education in Sweden.

Swedex: The International Exam

Swedex is an exam in Swedish as a foreign language that can be taken at different levels and is internationally recognized. Swedex tests your ability to use Swedish in real-life situations, focusing more on practical application than on academic skills.

What levels are available? Swedex is available at several levels, from beginner to advanced:

• A2 – For those with basic knowledge.

• B1 – For those who can communicate in everyday situations.

• B2 – For those who can communicate with reasonable fluency.

• C1 – For those with advanced knowledge.

What does it test? The exam assesses your skills in the following areas:

• Reading Comprehension

• Vocabulary and Grammar

• Listening Comprehension

• Written Proficiency

• Oral Proficiency

Who is it recommended for? Swedex is ideal for individuals who require an official certificate of their language skills, such as for a job, citizenship, or simply to demonstrate their proficiency. Since it is available at several levels, you can choose the one that best suits your current skill level. The C1 level of Swedex is also approved by the National Board of Health and Welfare (Socialstyrelsen) for those who want to work as a nurse or doctor in Sweden.

Other Tests and Certificates

There are also other ways to prove your Swedish skills, even if they are not as formal as TISUS and Swedex. Some language schools offer their own internal certificates that can be useful in specific contexts. These certificates confirm that you have completed a particular course or reached a certain level, but they are not formally recognized for higher education or for licensed professions in healthcare.

So, Which One Should I Choose?

The simple answer is: it depends on your goal.

• Choose TISUS if your primary goal is to study at a Swedish university or college.

• Choose Swedex if you need an internationally recognized certificate to demonstrate your skill level for work or personal purposes.

Both exams are excellent ways to confirm your progress in Swedish. At The Swedish Teacher, we can guide you to the exam that suits you best and support you on your way to a passing result!