Exam in Russian as a foreign language, the history of Russia and the fundamentals of legislation of the Russian Federation

The exam in Russian as a foreign language, the history of Russia and the fundamentals of legislation of the Russian Federation. Since 1 January 2015, all foreign nationals willing to obtain a work permit (with the exception of the category of highly-qualified specialists), a patent, a temporary residence permit or a residence permit in Russia, are required to demonstrate proof of knowledge of the Russian language, the history of Russia, and the fundamentals of legislation of the Russian Federation. This requirement is established by the federal law 74-FZ of 20 April 2014 ‘Amendments to the federal law 115-FZ of 25 July 2002 «On the legal status of foreign citizens in the Russian Federation».

Please, note that since 1 August 2021 the format of the exam changed pursuant to: the Order of the Government of the Russian Federation No 840 of 31 May 2021 ‘On approval of the requirements on the minimum level of knowledge and proficiency required to pass the exam in Russian as a foreign language, the history of Russia and the fundamentals of legislation of the Russian Federation’; the Order of the Government of the Russian Federation No 824 of 31 May 2021 ‘On Approval of the regulations on procedures for conducting examinations in Russian as a foreign language, the history of Russia and the fundamentals of legislation of the Russian Federation’.

The exam is held in three levels, depending on the purpose of stay in the country:

• for obtaining a patent or a work permit (level 1)
• for obtaining a temporary residence (level 2)
• for obtaining a residence permit (level 3)

The exam comprises of three modules:

• Russian as a foreign language
• The history of Russia
• The fundamentals of legislation of the Russian Federation

The exam consists of oral and written parts. The test-taker will need to: select one answer; write the correct answer; or respond to the interlocutor’s question.

The exam Level 1 consists of tasks with multiple-choice questions, without a Speaking subtest.

The exam Level 2 and 3 consist of: tasks with multiple-choice questions; open questions (a letter of application or a personal letter); and a Speaking subtest (a dialogue, a monologue and a description of a picture).

Exam preparation materials (download demo materials)

• Demo materials for the exam in Russian as a foreign language, the history of Russia and the fundamentals of legislation of the Russian Federation for obtaining a patent or a work permit (Level 1)
• Demo materials for the exam in Russian as a foreign language, the history of Russia and the fundamentals of legislation of the Russian Federation for obtaining a temporary residence (Level 2)
• Demo materials for the exam in Russian as a foreign language, the history of Russia and the fundamentals of legislation of the Russian Federation for obtaining a residence permit (Level 3)

Exam fees

The cost of the exam in Russian as a foreign language, the history of Russia and the fundamentals of legislation of the Russian Federation depends on the level required by the candidate and is specified in the table.

This fee is valid for the center located at the address: St Petersburg 11/2, Lieutenant Schmidt Emb, room 210 (1st floor)

The fees for the exam at other centers can be clarified by phone.

Exam retake policy

Candidates who failed the exam are eligible to retake any of the exam modules for the full fee.

Exam preparation

To prepare for the exam in Russian as a foreign language, the history of Russia and the fundamentals of legislation of the Russian Federation, candidates may attend free classes ‘The Migrant School’ where they can learn about the exam procedure and take a mock test. Candidates will also learn about the key dates and important events in the history of Russia, legislative acts regulating migration in the Russian Federation, as well as terms and concepts used in the Integration exam.

‘The Migrant School’ classes for foreign nationals, who plan to take the Integration exam, are free of charge. They are held every Tuesday starting at 5 pm.

Exam Schedule

The exam in Russian as a foreign language, the history of Russia, and the fundamentals of legislation of the Russian Federation is held at the Language Testing Centre every Monday, Tuesday and Friday.