European Certificate
for Classics
Setting Standards in Classical Education Across Europe
The European Certificate for Classics (ECCL) provides a common European framework for assessing and certifying competences in Classical Languages and Cultures. Developed within EUROCLASSICA, it is based on shared educational standards and curricula and reflects a competence-oriented, modern approach to classical education across Europe
European Latin Examination (ELEX)
A European certification exam evaluating competences in Latin language, textual understanding, and cultural knowledge.
European Greek Examination (EGEX)
A European certification exam evaluating competences in Ancient Greek language, textual understanding, and cultural knowledge.
Certification Levels for EGEX & ELEX
Foundation Level
The entry level of the EUROCLASSICA certification framework for both Latin (ELEX) and Ancient Greek (EGEX). Candidates demonstrate basic language skills, text comprehension, and foundational knowledge of classical culture and civilisation.
Vestibulum Certification Awards
🥇 Gold 🥈 Silver 🥉 Bronze
Intermediate Level
The second level of the EUROCLASSICA certification framework for both Latin (ELEX) and Ancient Greek (EGEX). Candidates demonstrate a broader vocabulary, more advanced grammar, deeper text analysis, and an expanded understanding of the ancient world.
Ianua Certification Awards
🥇 Gold 🥈 Silver 🥉 Bronze
European Certification Examinations
Information & Rules for European Latin Examination
ELEX
The European Latin Exam (ELEX) is EUROCLASSICA’s international certification programme for students of Latin. It provides a common European framework for assessing linguistic competence, textual understanding, and knowledge of the culture and civilisation of the ancient world.
Developed by EUROCLASSICA, the examination is based on established educational principles and draws upon the European Curriculum for Classics. Its academic foundations include the educational philosophy of Johann Amos Comenius, the Latin Grammar of Charles E. Bennett (Goldwin Smith Professor of Latin at Cornell University), the Oxford Latin Course, the Biberacher Modell, the Austrian Curriculum for Latin, and the educational objectives of the Council of Europe regarding language learning and cultural understanding.
ELEX is designed to encourage the study of Latin not only as a language, but also as a gateway to the literature, history, mythology, and cultural heritage that have shaped Europe for centuries. Through the examination, candidates develop language awareness, analytical thinking, reading competence, and a deeper understanding of the classical foundations of European culture.
The certification is available at two progressive levels.
Vestibulum
Foundation Level
The introductory level focuses on fundamental Latin vocabulary, grammar, simple text comprehension, and basic knowledge of Roman life, mythology, and culture. Candidates engage with adapted texts and demonstrate an understanding of key elements of the ancient world.
Ianua
Intermediate Level
The second level expands linguistic and cultural knowledge through a broader vocabulary, more advanced grammatical structures, and the interpretation of original or lightly adapted Latin texts. Candidates explore historical, political, literary, and rhetorical aspects of the classical world while strengthening their analytical and translation skills.
For both levels, candidates may achieve one of three certification distinctions based on their examination performance:
🥇 GOLD – Outstanding achievement
🥈 SILVER – Strong achievement
🥉 BRONZE – Successful achievement
Examinations & Results
Information & Rules for European Greek Examination
EGEX
The European Greek Exam (EGEX) is EUROCLASSICA’s international certification programme for students of Ancient Greek. It provides a common European framework for assessing language competence, textual understanding, and knowledge of Greek heritage, history, mythology, and culture.
Designed within the framework of the European Curriculum for Classics, EGEX promotes the study of Ancient Greek as both a language and a key to understanding one of the most influential civilisations in European history. Through the examination, candidates engage with authentic elements of Greek language and culture while developing analytical thinking, reading competence, and intercultural awareness.
The examination assesses four core areas of competence: morphology, syntax, text comprehension and vocabulary, and Greek heritage and culture. Candidates are expected not only to understand Ancient Greek texts, but also to connect language, mythology, history, and cultural traditions with their continuing influence on European civilisation.
The certification is available at two progressive levels.
Vestibulum
Foundation Level
The introductory level focuses on basic Ancient Greek vocabulary, fundamental grammar, and the understanding of mythological texts. Candidates develop knowledge of the Olympic gods, the labours of Herakles, the Trojan War, the return of Odysseus, and important cultural sites such as Delphi and the Greek theatre.
Ianua
Intermediate Level
The second level expands linguistic and cultural knowledge through more advanced grammar, syntax, and text interpretation. Historical texts become the central focus, accompanied by broader knowledge of Athenian society, public and private life, the Olympic Games, and major events in Greek history.
For both levels, candidates may achieve one of three certification distinctions based on their examination performance:
🥇 GOLD – Outstanding achievement
🥈 SILVER – Strong achievement
🥉 BRONZE – Successful achievement
Examinations & Results
Contact
For more information about EUROCLASSICA European Certificate for Classics, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our ECCL Coordinator
Jeroen Vis
ECCL