To pass the telc B1 exam, you don't need a perfect score. You just need to be strategic. The exam is split into two main parts that are graded independently: a written section and an oral section. You must pass both.

Let's break that down. The total score for the written exam is 225 points. To pass, you need a minimum of 135 points (60% of 225). The oral exam is worth 75 points, meaning you need at least 45 points (60% of 75) to pass. Failing one part means failing the entire exam, even if you ace the other.

The written exam combines four different subtests. The points are not distributed equally, which is important for your strategy. Knowing where the most points are can help you focus your preparation. The organisation behind the exam, telc gGmbH, designed it this way to test a balanced range of skills.

Notice that Reading and Listening are worth 75 points each. This is your safety net. A strong performance in these receptive skills can compensate for a weaker score in Writing or Language Elements, as long as your total written score reaches that crucial 135-point threshold. For example, scoring very high on the Listening test can give you some breathing room on the Writing task.

The written part of the exam is a marathon, not a sprint. You will complete the Reading, Language Elements, and Listening sections together in a single 150-minute block. There are no breaks between these parts. You decide how to allocate your time.

The oral exam is usually held on a different day. It lasts about 15-20 minutes and is conducted with another candidate. Your performance here is judged solely on those 75 points, completely separate from your written score. This entire structure is based on the CEFR B1 level requirements.

Let's review the key scoring points.

Now, check your understanding of the scoring system.

Understanding these scoring rules is the first step. By knowing where the points are and what's required to pass, you can prepare much more effectively.