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Free Practice Questions for KAZTEST Kazakh Language Proficiency

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Key Facts: KAZTEST Kazakh Language Proficiency Exam

60 Test Items

Certification test items (20 Listening, 40 Reading) plus 4 open-response tasks (2 Writing, 2 Speaking)

National Testing Center

160 Points

Maximum Certification Score (Listening 20, Reading 40, Writing 50, Speaking 50)

testcenter.kz

127 Minutes

Total Examination Duration (2 Hours 7 Minutes)

testcenter.kz

30% – 80%

Passing Thresholds per Block (A1: 30%, A2: 40%, B1: 50%, B2: 60%, C1: 80%)

National Testing Center

7,121 KZT

Official Computer-Based Testing Fee (8,263 KZT for Paper Format)

testcenter.kz

KAZTEST is Kazakhstan's national standardized assessment certifying Kazakh language proficiency at five levels (A1–C1) across Listening (20 items), Reading (40 items), Writing (2 open tasks), and Speaking (2 open tasks) in 127 minutes for a maximum 160 points, administered by the National Testing Center. This independent OpenExamPrep bank is an English-language MCQ study adaptation.

Sample KAZTEST Kazakh Language Proficiency Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to review concepts for the KAZTEST Kazakh Language Proficiency exam. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1You hear the following dialogue in an office in Astana: — Сәлеметсіз бе, Айгүл ханым! Бас директор өз кабинетінде ме? — Сәлеметсіз бе! Жоқ, қазір ол кісі мәжіліс залында жаңа жоба бойынша жиналыс өткізіп жатыр. Жиналыс шамамен жарты сағаттан кейін аяқталады. Where is the general director currently located according to the receptionist?
A.In his personal office reviewing project documentation
B.In the conference hall conducting a project meeting
C.Off-site visiting a partner organization in the city
D.In the reception area waiting for incoming guests
Explanation: Aigul clearly states: 'ол кісі мәжіліс залында жаңа жоба бойынша жиналыс өткізіп жатыр' (he is conducting a meeting on a new project in the conference hall). 'Мәжіліс залы' translates directly to conference or meeting hall.
2You hear the following conversation at a railway ticket counter: — Маған ертең кешке Алматыдан Шымкентке жүретін пойызға бір билет керек еді. — Қай санаттағы вагонды қалайсыз: купе ме, әлде плацкарт па? — Маған төменгі орыннан купе берсеңіз. What type of train accommodation does the passenger request?
A.An upper berth in a reserved-seat (platskart) carriage
B.Any available upper berth in a luxury sleeping carriage (SV)
C.A seat in a high-speed seating carriage (otyrgysh)
D.A lower berth in a compartment (coupe) carriage
Explanation: The passenger specifically requests: 'Маған төменгі орыннан купе берсеңіз' (Please give me a compartment lower berth). 'Төменгі орын' means lower berth/place and 'купе' means compartment carriage.
3You hear the following phone conversation at a dental clinic: — Сәлеметсіз бе! Мен дәрігерге қабылдауға жазылайын деп едім. — Сәлеметсіз бе! Дәрігер Қасымов бейсенбі күні сағат он бірде немесе жұма күні сағат үште бос. Қай уақыт сізге қолайлырақ? — Маған жұма күнгі түстен кейінгі уақыт өте ыңғайлы, сол уақытқа жазыңызшы. When is the patient's appointment scheduled?
A.Thursday at 11:00 AM
B.Thursday at 3:00 PM
C.Friday at 3:00 PM
D.Friday at 11:00 AM
Explanation: The administrator offered Thursday at 11:00 or Friday at 3:00 ('сағат үште'). The caller selects Friday afternoon: 'жұма күнгі түстен кейінгі уақыт' (Friday afternoon at 3:00 PM).
4You hear a conversation between two university students: — Дәурен, ертеңгі Қазақстан тарихынан емтихан сағат нешеде басталады? — Сағат онда басталады, бірақ оқытушы бәрімізге жиырма минут бұрын үшінші қабаттағы екі жүз бесінші дәрісханаға келуді тапсырды. At what time should the students arrive at the classroom according to the instructor?
A.At 9:40 AM
B.At 10:00 AM
C.At 10:20 AM
D.At 9:20 AM
Explanation: The exam begins at 10:00 ('сағат онда басталады'), but the teacher instructed them to arrive 20 minutes prior ('жиырма минут бұрын'), which means 9:40 AM.
5You hear this exchange at a clothing store in Shymkent: — Мына жейденің өлшемі маған сәл кішілеу екен. Мұның қырық сегізінші өлшемі бар ма? — Иә, дәл осы түстің қырық сегізіншісі бар. Сондай-ақ ақшыл көк түстісі де қоймада тұр. Қайсысын киіп көресіз? — Маған осы қара көк түстісін әкеліп беріңізші. What does the customer ask to try on?
A.A size 46 shirt in light blue
B.A size 48 shirt in light blue
C.A size 48 shirt in dark blue
D.A size 50 jacket in navy blue
Explanation: The customer requests size 48 ('қырық сегізінші өлшемі') and chooses the same dark blue color ('осы қара көк түстісін') that was originally tried on.
6You hear two colleagues speaking in an office hallway: — Ербол, түскі үзіліске бірге барамыз ба? — Мен бүгін асханаға бара алмаймын, сағат бірге дейін есеп бөліміне тоқсандық қаржылық есепті тапсыруым керек. Мені күтпей бара беріңіз. Why can Erbol not join his colleague for lunch?
A.He needs to submit a quarterly financial report to the accounting department by 1:00
B.He has an urgent meeting with an external corporate client
C.He already ate lunch earlier in the morning before arriving at work
D.He has to travel to another branch office to deliver signed contracts
Explanation: Erbol says: 'сағат бірге дейін есеп бөліміне тоқсандық қаржылық есепті тапсыруым керек' (I must submit the quarterly financial report to the accounting department by one o'clock).
7You hear this dialogue at a public service center (ХҚКО / ЦОН): — Сәлеметсіз бе! Маған мекенжай анықтамасын алу керек еді. — Қазір мекенжай анықтамасы қағаз түрінде берілмейді. Сіз оны eGov мобильді қосымшасы немесе жеке кабинетіңіз арқылы кез келген уақытта тегін жүктеп ала аласыз. What advice does the consultant give to the citizen?
A.Pay an administrative fee of 1,000 KZT at the cash desk to receive a paper certificate
B.Download the address information for free through the eGov mobile app or personal account
C.Submit a written petition to the local district akimat to obtain the paper document
D.Return in three working days after the internal verification process is complete
Explanation: The consultant informs the citizen that paper address certificates are no longer issued ('қағаз түрінде берілмейді') and can be downloaded freely via the eGov app ('eGov мобильді қосымшасы ... арқылы кез келген уақытта тегін жүктеп ала аласыз').
8You hear the following announcement at Nursultan Nazarbayev International Airport in Astana: 'Құрметті жолаушылар! Ауа райының қолайсыздығына, қалың тұман мен боранға байланысты, Астана — Алматы бағытындағы сағат он жеті елуде ұшатын бір жүз он төртінші рейс екі сағатқа шегерілді. Жолаушылардан күту залында болуды сұраймыз.' What is the primary reason for the flight delay?
A.Technical maintenance work on the aircraft engine
B.Airport runway surface resurfacing and repair
C.Late arrival of the inbound aircraft from another city
D.Adverse weather conditions including heavy fog and snowstorm
Explanation: The announcement explicitly states: 'Ауа райының қолайсыздығына, қалың тұман мен боранға байланысты' (Due to adverse weather, thick fog, and snowstorm), the flight is delayed by two hours.
9You hear an announcement over the sound system at an Almaty metro station: 'Құрметті жолаушылар! Эскалатормен көтерілу және түсу кезінде оң жақта тұрып, сол жақтан өтушілерге жол беріңіздер. Сондай-ақ кішкентай балаларды қараусыз қалдырмаңыздар және жеке заттарыңызға мұқият болыңыздар.' Which behavioral rule is specifically emphasized regarding escalator etiquette?
A.Stand on the left side and pass on the right
B.Avoid using mobile phones while standing on the moving stairs
C.Stand on the right side and allow passing on the left
D.Do not step onto the escalator with large luggage carts
Explanation: The announcer asks passengers: 'оң жақта тұрып, сол жақтан өтушілерге жол беріңіздер' (stand on the right side and yield passage to those passing on the left).
10You hear an automated weather warning on the radio from the Emergency Situations Department (Төтенше жағдайлар департаменті): 'Назар аударыңыздар! Ертең, жиырма үшінші наурызда Ақмола және Қарағанды облыстарында секундына жиырма бес-жиырма сегіз метрге дейін күшті жел соғып, көктайғақ күтіледі. Қала сыртындағы тасжолдарға автокөлікпен шықпауға және қауіпсіздік шараларын сақтауға кеңес береміз.' What warning and recommendation are given for suburban highways?
A.Heavy snowfall will close city bridges, so walk rather than drive
B.Extreme winds and black ice are forecast, so avoid driving out onto intercity highways
C.Highway tolls will be doubled during stormy weather conditions
D.Drivers must install winter studded tires immediately at checkpoint stations
Explanation: The broadcast warns of strong wind up to 25-28 m/s and black ice ('көктайғақ'), recommending people not travel onto country roads by car: 'Қала сыртындағы тасжолдарға автокөлікпен шықпауға ... кеңес береміз'.

About the KAZTEST Kazakh Language Proficiency Exam

The KAZTEST (ҚАЗТЕСТ) system is Kazakhstan's official state system for assessing and certifying proficiency in the Kazakh language. The National Testing Center publishes descriptors and a certification scale for five levels — A1 elementary, A2 basic, B1 intermediate, B2 upper-intermediate, and C1 advanced. KAZTEST runs in two forms: diagnostic testing, which determines a candidate's level from Listening and Reading only (2 blocks, 60 test items, 70 minutes), and certification testing, which confirms it across four blocks: Listening (20 items, 20 min), Reading (40 items, 50 min), Writing (2 open tasks, 50 min), and Speaking (2 open tasks, 7 min) — 127 minutes and a maximum of 160 points. The Center's published cohort for certification testing includes Bolashak scholarship candidates, applicants to doctoral programmes and to the Academy of Public Administration, Nazarbayev Intellectual Schools staff, KNB Academy candidates, the Presidential Youth Personnel Reserve, candidates for head of a state education organization, and UNT candidates converting a KAZTEST result into a Kazakh Language score. Candidates must reach the designated percentage of the maximum score in every single block to receive the official electronic certificate, which is valid for two years from issuance. This independent OpenExamPrep practice bank is an English-language multiple-choice study adaptation designed to help candidates work through tested grammatical structures, reading comprehension passages, listening transcript analysis, and sociolinguistic formulas. It is not an official translation, an official exam simulation, or a substitute for writing, speaking, or listening practice in the state language.

Exam sponsor: National Testing Center (Ұлттық тестілеу орталығы / NTC), a state enterprise of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan; the KAZTEST rules were approved by the Committee for Language Policy. The requirements and fees below concern the certification or admission exam, separate from our free practice resources.

Assessment

Certification testing is a standardized four-block examination: Listening (Тыңдалым, 3 audio recordings of 5 + 5 + 10 items = 20 items, 20 min, max 20 points), Reading (Оқылым, 4 texts of 6 + 10 + 12 + 12 items = 40 items, 50 min, max 40 points), Writing (Жазылым, 2 open tasks, 50 min, max 50 points), and Speaking (Айтылым, 2 open tasks, 7 min, max 50 points). Maximum total score is 160 and total testing time is 127 minutes (2 hours 7 minutes). Diagnostic testing covers only Listening and Reading — 2 blocks, 60 test items, max 60 points, 70 minutes. Electronic certificates issued from 15 October 2024 are valid for two years.

Time Limit

127 minutes (2 hours 7 minutes) for certification testing; 70 minutes for diagnostic testing

Passing Score

A percentage of the maximum score must be reached in every block (Listening max 20, Reading max 40, Writing max 50, Speaking max 50; 160 total): A1 30%, A2 40%, B1 50%, B2 60%, C1 80%

Exam / Certification Fees

7,121 KZT (electronic) / 8,263 KZT (paper)

Exam sponsor website

Our practice resources: topics covered

We aim to reflect publicly available exam outlines and topic information in our study resources. Coverage, format, and difficulty may differ from the actual exam, and we cannot guarantee that every detail is accurate or current. Confirm exam requirements, fees, and policies with the official exam sponsor.

25% (25 questions)

Тыңдалым (Listening Comprehension)

Dialogue understanding in public, service, and workplace contexts, automated announcements, broadcast news, and academic lectures

30% (30 questions)

Оқылым (Reading Comprehension)

Textual analysis of administrative notices, cultural traditions (Nauryz, Dombra, Kokpar), prominent historical figures, and analytical socio-environmental texts

25% (25 questions)

Жазылым және Грамматика (Writing & Morphosyntax)

The official Writing block is two open-response tasks, so these items instead drill the accuracy it is graded on: vowel harmony (сингармонизм), consonant assimilation, 7 noun cases, possessive and personal affixes, verbal aspects and moods, complex sentences, and official document formats

20% (20 questions)

Айтылым және Әлеуметтік нормалар (Oral & Sociolinguistic Discourse)

The official Speaking block is two spoken tasks, so these items instead test the choices it is graded on: Kazakh conversational formulas, polite negotiation, honorific registers (Сіз/сен), condolence and congratulatory etiquette, proverbs, and set idiomatic expressions

Preparing for the KAZTEST Kazakh Language Proficiency Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: A percentage of the maximum score must be reached in every block (Listening max 20, Reading max 40, Writing max 50, Speaking max 50; 160 total): A1 30%, A2 40%, B1 50%, B2 60%, C1 80%
  • Assessment: Certification testing is a standardized four-block examination: Listening (Тыңдалым, 3 audio recordings of 5 + 5 + 10 items = 20 items, 20 min, max 20 points), Reading (Оқылым, 4 texts of 6 + 10 + 12 + 12 items = 40 items, 50 min, max 40 points), Writing (Жазылым, 2 open tasks, 50 min, max 50 points), and Speaking (Айтылым, 2 open tasks, 7 min, max 50 points). Maximum total score is 160 and total testing time is 127 minutes (2 hours 7 minutes). Diagnostic testing covers only Listening and Reading — 2 blocks, 60 test items, max 60 points, 70 minutes. Electronic certificates issued from 15 October 2024 are valid for two years.
  • Time limit: 127 minutes (2 hours 7 minutes) for certification testing; 70 minutes for diagnostic testing
  • Exam / certification fees: 7,121 KZT (electronic) / 8,263 KZT (paper) Official sources

Using Our Practice Resources

  • Work through all 100 available questions
  • Review every answer and explanation
  • Track weak areas and revisit them
  • Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

KAZTEST Kazakh Language Proficiency: Suggested Study Strategy

1Master the vowel harmony system (үндестік заңы): memorize front vs back vowels and ensure suffix allomorphs match stem phonetics.
2Thoroughly review all seven noun cases (септіктер), especially distinguishing dative (-ға/-ге), locative (-да/-де), and ablative (-дан/-ден) functions.
3Learn the four continuous auxiliary verbs (жатыр, отыр, тұр, жүр) used to form the actual present tense (нақ осы шақ).
4Familiarize yourself with cultural set phrases and proverbs ('тұрақты сөз тіркестері' and 'мақал-мәтелдер'), which frequently appear in reading and sociolinguistic sections.
5Practice reading authentic public notices, news articles, and informational texts in Kazakh to build speed for the 40-question Reading block.
6Understand that passing requires meeting the percentage threshold across every single block independently: failing even one block disqualifies the candidate from that level certificate.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the KAZTEST (ҚАЗТЕСТ) examination?

KAZTEST is the official standardized state system of Kazakhstan designed to evaluate and certify proficiency in the Kazakh language at five levels, A1 through C1. It is administered by the National Testing Center (Ұлттық тестілеу орталығы / NTC) under the Ministry of Science and Higher Education and assesses communication across listening, reading, writing, and speaking.

What is the structure and duration of the KAZTEST certification test?

The certification test consists of four mandatory blocks: Listening (20 test items, 20 minutes), Reading (40 test items, 50 minutes), Writing (2 open tasks, 50 minutes), and Speaking (2 open tasks, 7 minutes). The National Testing Center counts 60 test items plus 4 written and oral tasks, for a maximum of 160 points across 127 minutes (2 hours 7 minutes).

How does diagnostic KAZTEST differ from certification KAZTEST?

Diagnostic testing determines a candidate's level and covers only two blocks — Listening and Reading — with 60 test items, a maximum of 60 points, and 70 minutes (1 hour 10 minutes). Certification testing confirms the level and adds the Writing and Speaking blocks, running 127 minutes for a maximum of 160 points. Only certification testing produces the electronic certificate.

What are the passing score thresholds for KAZTEST levels?

To receive a certificate at a given level, candidates must reach the required percentage of the maximum score in each of the four blocks (Listening 20, Reading 40, Writing 50, Speaking 50): A1 Elementary (30%), A2 Basic (40%), B1 Intermediate (50%), B2 Upper-Intermediate (60%), and C1 Advanced (80%).

How much is the KAZTEST exam fee and how do candidates register?

The official exam fee is 7,121 KZT for the computer-based format and 8,263 KZT for the paper-based format. Registration and online payment (via Kaspi.kz or bank card) are conducted through the personal account portal at app.testcenter.kz.

How long is a KAZTEST certificate valid?

KAZTEST electronic certificates issued from October 15, 2024 onwards are valid for two years from the date of issue. Authenticity can be verified at certificate.testcenter.kz using the candidate's IIN and individual testing code.

Can KAZTEST results be converted into UNT (ЕНТ) points?

Yes. Applicants taking the Unified National Testing with Kazakh Language as their profile subject can convert valid KAZTEST certificates: Level B1 yields 42 points, Level B2 yields 46 points, and Level C1 yields the maximum 50 points on the UNT.

How should this OpenExamPrep practice resource be used?

This independent OpenExamPrep bank is an English-language multiple-choice study adaptation developed to reinforce your mastery of Kazakh grammar rules, reading comprehension strategies, listening contexts, and cultural idioms. It is not an official translation or format simulation, and candidates should also practice listening to authentic audio and composing written essays in the state language.