celpebras

Registration Guide

CELPE-BRAS Registration: How to Sign Up for the Exam in 2026

Registering for CELPE-BRAS requires careful attention to deadlines, documents, and the official INEP portal. This guide walks you through every step of the registration process so you can secure your spot without surprises.

Registration Overview

CELPE-BRAS registration is handled exclusively through the official INEP system at celpebras.inep.gov.br. The process opens twice a year, typically 3-4 months before each exam edition. Registration is entirely online, but candidates testing abroad may need to coordinate with their local Brazilian consulate or authorized testing center for additional steps.

The entire registration process takes approximately 15-30 minutes if you have all documents ready. However, payment processing can take 1-3 business days depending on your chosen payment method. Your registration is only confirmed after payment is verified by the system, so do not wait until the last day to register.

2026 Registration Windows

CELPE-BRAS has two editions per year. Each edition has its own registration window that typically opens for 2-3 weeks.

1st Edition (April 2026)

Registration closed. The 1st edition exam takes place in late April 2026. If you missed this window, focus on preparing for the 2nd edition.

2nd Edition (October 2026)

Registration expected to open in July-August 2026. Set calendar alerts now and have your documents ready in advance. The exact dates will be published in the official edital on the INEP website.

Step-by-Step Registration Process

Follow these steps carefully to complete your CELPE-BRAS registration. Having all documents ready before you begin will make the process much smoother.

1

Create Your Account on the INEP Portal

Visit celpebras.inep.gov.br and click on 'Create Account' or 'Inscreva-se'. You will need a valid email address that you check regularly, as all official communications will be sent there. If you already have an INEP account from a previous edition, you can log in with your existing credentials.

2

Fill Out Your Personal Information

Enter your full legal name exactly as it appears on your identification document. This includes nationality, date of birth, contact address, and phone number. Double-check everything — mismatches between your registration data and your ID document can prevent you from taking the exam.

3

Upload Required Documents

Upload a clear, legible scan or photo of your identification document (passport or national ID). The system accepts PDF, JPG, and PNG formats. File size limits apply — typically 2MB per document. Also upload a recent 3x4 passport-style photo with a white background.

4

Select Your Testing Center

Choose your preferred testing center from the available list. Popular centers in major cities fill up quickly, especially in Sao Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Lisbon, and Buenos Aires. If your first choice is full, select an alternative immediately — do not wait for spots to open.

5

Pay the Registration Fee

Generate your payment slip (boleto bancario) for R$167.10 if testing in Brazil. International candidates pay through the method specified by their testing center (usually USD 60-90). Payment must be made before the deadline. Credit card, bank transfer, and Pix are accepted for candidates in Brazil.

6

Confirm Your Registration

After payment is processed (1-3 business days), log back into the portal to verify your registration status shows as 'Confirmed.' Save or print your confirmation page with your candidate number and assigned testing room. You will need this on exam day.

Required Documents

Have these documents ready before starting your registration. Missing or unclear documents are the most common cause of registration delays.

  • Valid passport or national identification document with photo. The document must not be expired on the exam date. For candidates in Brazil, the RNE/CRNM (foreign resident card) is also accepted.
  • Recent 3x4 cm passport-style photograph with white background, taken within the last 6 months. No glasses, hats, or face coverings.
  • Proof of foreign nationality (for candidates who are naturalized citizens or have dual nationality). This verifies your eligibility, as CELPE-BRAS is exclusively for non-native Portuguese speakers.
  • A valid email address that you check regularly. All communications about your registration, exam room assignment, and results will be sent to this email.
  • For candidates with disabilities: medical documentation specifying the accessibility accommodations you need (extra time, accessible room, sign language interpreter, etc.).

Registration Fees

Fees vary depending on your testing location. Budget for these costs when planning your exam preparation.

Testing in BrazilR$ 167.10
Testing abroadUSD 60-90 (varies by center)
Accepted payment methodsBoleto, Pix, credit card, bank transfer

Common Registration Issues

Avoid these frequent problems that cause candidates to miss their registration window or face complications on exam day.

  • Name mismatch: The name on your registration must match your ID document exactly. If your passport shows 'Maria Helena Silva Santos,' do not register as 'Maria Santos.' Even minor discrepancies can result in being turned away at the testing center.
  • Late payment: Generating a boleto on the last day of registration is risky. If the payment does not clear before the deadline, your registration is cancelled automatically. Register and pay at least one week before the closing date.
  • Expired documents: Check that your passport or ID will still be valid on the exam date, not just on the registration date. Renewing a document takes weeks and cannot be expedited for exam purposes.
  • Wrong testing center: Once confirmed, changing your testing center is extremely difficult and sometimes impossible. Research locations, distances, and logistics before making your selection.

Official INEP Registration Portal

All CELPE-BRAS registration is handled through the official INEP portal. Bookmark this link and check it regularly for announcements about registration dates, editals, and updates.

Visit celpebras.inep.gov.br

Related Guides

Written by: CELPE-BRAS Practice Editorial Team — Portuguese language education specialists with experience in CELPE-BRAS exam preparation and curriculum development.

Source: INEP (Instituto Nacional de Estudos e Pesquisas Educacionais Anisio Teixeira), Brazilian Ministry of Education. Information based on official CELPE-BRAS documentation and previous edition guidelines.

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