This paper analyzes the results of initial test intended for checking the ability to implement knowledge of standard Croatian language by 1st year students of the School of Economics in Zagreb. The test is conducted each year at the beginning of the studying process as a part of the Business Croatian Language Course. Such a test promptly settles any concerns about the ability of students to participate in the course and diminishes possible reluctance to learning while at the same time strengthening their persistence, motivation and cooperation. The goal was to identify the average literacy level in order to define students’ language competence and establish the starting linguistic platform of teaching. This paper represents the first part o...