SpeakGaelic FICE Exams – Cultarlann Inbhir Nis – June 2026
FICE EXAMS FOR LEVEL A1 AND A2
When : Saturday 27 June, 8:45am – 3:30pm
Where : Cultarlann Inbhir Nis, 68 Academy Street, Inverness IV1 1LP
Price : £30 per person
Have you recently been learning Gaelic and now want something to show for it? Sabhal Mòr Ostaig are delighted to host an assessment day at Cultarlann Inbhir Nis for those wishing to earn the A1 or A2 level Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) qualification in Gaelic. These assessments are aimed at those who have already reached A1 or A2 level in Gaelic, either by completing the SpeakGaelic A1 course, or an equivalent beginners’ course in Gaelic, and having completed around 100 hours of learning.
The assessment day will consist of four parts, assessing candidates’ reading, writing, speaking and listening skills in Gaelic. On successful completion of the assessments, candidates will receive a certificate from Sabhal Mòr Ostaig confirming their language ability according to the official criteria of the CEFR.
Having reached A1 level, learners should understand and be able to use familiar everyday expressions and very basic phrases. They should be able to introduce themselves and others and be able to ask and answer questions about basic personal details, such as where they are from, where they live, details about their family, hobbies and their occupation, and their likes and dislikes. Learners should be able to have basic interactions in the language covering familiar personal topics.
Having reached A2 level, learners should have already completed around 100 hours of learning and are comfortable with the basic topics covered at A1. They should understand sentences and frequently used expressions related to areas of most immediate relevance, for example, very basic personal and family information, shopping, local geography, employment. They should be able to communicate in simple and routine tasks requiring a straightforward and direct exchange of information on familiar and routine matters. They should be able to describe in simple terms aspects of their own background, immediate environment and matters in areas of immediate need.
Please see the CEFR Scale and example assessment below for more about what is expected of A1 and A2 candidates.
Timetable for the day
08:45 – Welcome; Tea and Coffee
9:30 – 10:15 – Reading Assessment
10:15 – 10:45 – Break
10:45– 11:30 – Writing Assessment
11:30 – 12:00 – Listening Assessment A1 (Break for A2)
12:00 – 12:30 – Listening Assessment A2 (Break for A1)
12:30 – 13:30 – Lunch
13:30 – 15:30 – Oral Assessment (every student will have an individual 15-minute slot)
If you have any questions, please email Màrtainn Mac a’ Bhàillidh