Foreign Language Proficiency Level Determination Exam (YDS)

The Foreign Language Proficiency Examination (YDS) is a centralized examination organized by the Measurement, Selection and Placement Center (ÖSYM) in Türkiye to assess foreign language proficiency. The YDS is used in academic applications, public personnel recruitment, language allowances and graduate education processes, and is conducted multiple times throughout the year in different formats.

Purpose and Applications of the Examination

The YDS is used to measure foreign language proficiency in various fields:

• Academic applications: For admission to graduate programs (master’s and doctoral).

• Public institutions: For civil service appointments, specialist positions and language allowances.

• Associate professorship and academic promotions: For appointment to academic positions in universities.

• Overseas assignments and scholarship applications: For education and work programs provided by public and private sectors.

Who Can Apply for the Examination?

The following individuals may apply for the YDS:

• Graduates or final-year students of undergraduate programs,

• Individuals planning an academic career,

• Candidates seeking employment in public institutions,

• Civil servants wishing to receive a language allowance,

• Private sector employees seeking to document their language proficiency.

Examination Format and Content

The YDS consists of 80 multiple-choice questions and lasts 180 minute (3 hour) duration. The examination content includes:

• Vocabulary knowledge and grammar

• Reading comprehension (paragraph questions, sentence completion, translation)

• Identifying sentences with similar meanings

• Determining the sentence that disrupts text coherence

The examination is offered in English, German, French, Arabic, Russian and several other languages.

Variants of the YDS and Examination Schedule

The YDS is administered in different formats:

• YDS/1 (Spring Semester)

• YDS/2 (Autumn Semester)

• e-YDS (Electronic version conducted on designated dates throughout the year)

The e-YDS is administered via computer at examination centers designated by ÖSYM and has the same content as the traditional YDS.

Scoring and Validity Period

• The YDS is scored on a scale of 100 complete points.

• There is no pass or fail threshold; however, each applying institution sets its own minimum score requirement.

• YDS scores are generally valid for five years, although applying institutions may set different validity periods.

Application Process

• Applications are submitted online through the ÖSYM Candidate Operations System (AİS).

• The application fee is determined by ÖSYM and paid through authorized banks or the online payment system.

• Candidates may download their examination admission documents from the ÖSYM system.