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 ran April 28–May 1, 2026, with results published June 30.
2nd Edition (October 2026)
Registration runs July 27–August 6, 2026. Payment is due August 7. Exams run October 20–23 in Brazil and November 24–27 at centers abroad.
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.
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.
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.
Upload Required Documents
Upload a clear copy of the required identification document. INEP accepts PDF, PNG and JPG files up to 2 MB. Follow any additional instructions shown by your selected test center.
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.
Pay the Registration Fee
Pay the amount and use the method specified by your selected test center. INEP currently lists maximum fees of R$247 in Brazil and US$115 abroad; the exact amount can be lower and varies by center.
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.
- A clear digital copy in PDF, PNG or JPG format, no larger than 2 MB, as required by the registration system.
- 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.
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.brRelated Guides
Written by: CELPE-BRAS Practice Editorial Team — Portuguese language education specialists with experience in CELPE-BRAS exam preparation and curriculum development.
Source: INEP, Brazilian Ministry of Education. Dates, document limits and maximum fees checked against official CELPE-BRAS information on August 5, 2026.
Read the official INEP 2026/2 announcementFrequently Asked Questions
When are the CELPE-BRAS registration periods?
For 2026/2, registration is open from July 27 through August 6, with payment due August 7. Future windows are announced by INEP in each edition's official notice.
What documents do I need to register for CELPE-BRAS?
You need an accepted identification document and a digital copy in PDF, PNG or JPG format up to 2 MB. Your selected test center may request additional documents.
How much does the CELPE-BRAS exam cost?
The registration fee varies by location. In Brazil, the fee is set by INEP. At international testing centers, the fee is set by the host institution and may be higher. Check your preferred testing center for exact pricing.
Can I change my testing center after registering?
Changes to testing center or exam date are generally not allowed after registration closes. Choose carefully and register early, as popular testing centers fill up quickly.
Try CELPE-BRAS Writing Practice
Write a response to a real exam-style task and get instant AI feedback — no account needed.
Get AI FeedbackWhile You Wait, Start Practicing Free
Don't waste the weeks before registration opens. Build your writing and speaking skills now with AI-powered feedback tailored to CELPE-BRAS criteria.
Start Practicing Free