Achieving this level of proficiency in Russian language allows the foreign citizen to satisfy the basic needs of communication to interact with native speakers in a minimum set of daily communication situations restricted to a minimum set of linguistic resources.

Communication situations at this level are linked to everyday life and cultural spheres. The set of linguistic resources that provides communication in these areas is strictly minimized in accordance with the communication requirements of this level.

The Elementary level certificate attests that the foreign citizen possesses a sufficient and necessary knowledge for further study of language for cultural purposes and to achieve the next level (Basic) of proficiency of Russian language.

It's assumed that in order to achieve the Elementary level of general knowledge of Russian language it's required 100-120 hours of study.

Achieving this level of proficiency in Russian language allows the candidate to satisfy the most essential communication needs in certain situations related to everyday life communication with native speakers. This level is a necessary stage for the next (First) level of proficiency of Russian language, after which there are higher levels. Basic level also provides the minimum basis required to hold any professional activity on a limited volume.

The Basic level certificate attests that the foreign citizen possesses a sufficient and necessary knowledge for further study of Russian language for cultural purposes and for mastering the Russian language as means of professional communication.

It's assumed that in order to achieve the Basic level of general knowledge of Russian language it's required 160-180 hours of study (under the condition of language proficiency at the Elementary level).

The Basic level certificate gives the right to obtain citizenship of the Russian Federation.

Achieving this level of proficiency in Russian language allows the candidate to satisfy basic communicative needs in real situations of communication with native speakers in everyday life and social-cultural spheres.

Certificate of this level is required for admission to Russian higher educational institutions with obligatory study of Russian language in accordance with educational standards. In this case, in addition to this examination, the candidates must pass an additional test module of Russian language set on their professional orientation.

It's assumed that in order to achieve the First level of general knowledge of Russian language, under the condition of language proficiency at the Basic level, it's required 160-180 hours of study. When learning is "from zero", it takes about 440 to 460 hours. It should be taken into account that the indicated number of hours is only approximate and can vary substantially depending on the conditions of teaching, the chosen specialty and individual student characteristics.

The successful passing of the test at this level confirms a high level of communicative competence in all spheres of communication.

Reaching this level, the person may conduct a professional activity in Russian language in the rank of specialist in the area of technical engineering, humanitarian and natural Sciences.

In the higher education system the certification test with the further reception ofcertificate is carried out as Final State Attestation Exam, giving the right to receive:

— Diploma of Bachelor's degree in humanities, natural sciences (except philology), medical-biological areas, technical engineering and those with economic profile, graduates of Russian institutions of higher education.

— Diploma of Masters' degree in humanities, natural sciences (except translators-interpreters, experts-philologists, journalists, editors, managers, diplomats, who conduct their activities in a Russian-speaking staff, for all these specialists there will be an intermediate test), medical-biological, technical engineering, and economic profile people admitted to the Masters program with a bachelor's Degree diploma from a center of higher education from abroad.

It's required 380 hours of study to achieve approximately the Second level of general knowledge of Russian language. 340 hours of study require foreign students to achieve the Second level of Russian language skills tailored to their professional orientation. This means that it is not less than 720 hours of study, under the condition of having a language proficiency at the First level which is required to obtain the Second level of language proficiency.

Mastering the Russian language at Third level volume gives the right to carry out professional activities in this language as a linguist, translator, editor, journalist, diplomat, manager, working in a Russian-speaking staff.

According to the rules of the higher education system in Russia, the certification test of Third level for receiving the certificate is carried out as Final State Attestation Exam. After successfully passing the exam, the student has the right to receive the diploma of Bachelor's degree, Specialist or Master of the fields mentioned above (except specialists and masters in Russian Philology, for whom this examination is intermediate)

It's required 280 hours of study to achieve the Third level of general knowledge of Russian language, under the condition of having a language proficiency at the previous level, with:

120 hours of study will be centered in the general knowledge of the Russian language.

160 hours of study will be for the use of Russian language in the sphere of professional activity.

The test confirms a high level of proficiency in Russian language, close to the level of a native speaker. The presence of the given certificate is necessary for obtaining the diploma of Master in Philology, which gives the right to all kinds of teaching and research activities in the field of the Russian language.