Introduction
If you’re applying for Italian citizenship — whether through marriage, long-term residence, or ancestry — there’s one requirement that stops many applicants in their tracks: the B1 Italian language exam.
Since December 2018, Italian law (Law n. 132, 1 December 2018) requires all citizenship applicants to prove their Italian is at least at B1 level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). No B1 certificate, no citizenship. It’s that straightforward.
The good news? With the right preparation and the right teacher, passing the B1 exam is entirely achievable — even if you’re starting from zero.
In this guide, I’ll explain exactly what the exam is, which certifications are accepted, what the test looks like, and how to prepare efficiently. As an official PLIDA examiner, I know this exam from both sides of the table.
What Is the B1 Italian Citizenship Exam?
The B1 Italian citizenship exam is an official Italian language certification that proves you can communicate in Italian at an intermediate level. At B1, you should be able to:
– Understand the main points of standard conversations on familiar topics
– Produce simple, connected text on topics of personal interest
– Describe experiences, events, and plans with reasonable fluency
– Handle everyday interactions without difficulty
This is not a test of perfect Italian. It tests real-world communication skills — your ability to function in the language, not to recite grammar rules.
Which Exams Are Accepted for Italian Citizenship?
Three exam boards issue officially recognised B1 certifications for citizenship:
1. CILS B1 Cittadinanza
Issued by the “Università per Stranieri di Siena”. This is the most widely taken citizenship exam globally. The CILS B1 Cittadinanza is a simplified version of the standard CILS B1 — it focuses on practical communication skills rather than academic language. Importantly, this certificate is valid “only for citizenship purposes ” and cannot be used for university admission or work visa applications.
2. CELI 2 (B1)
Issued by the “Università per Stranieri di Perugia”. CELI 2 is the most widely recognised certificate for citizenship and, unlike the CILS B1 Cittadinanza, it also counts as a general B1 qualification. CELI certificates “do not expire” — once you pass, the certificate is permanently valid for your citizenship application, no matter how many years pass before you submit.
3. PLIDA B1
Issued by the “Società Dante Alighieri”. PLIDA is structured identically to CELS and CELI, testing all four language skills. As an official PLIDA examiner, I prepare students for this exam with the precise knowledge of what examiners look for.
Important note:A fourth certification, CERT.IT (Università Roma Tre), is also accepted. All four are recognised under the same legal framework by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MAECI) and Ministry of Education (MIUR).
Exam Structure: What the Test Looks Like
All three accepted exams test the same four skills, in line with the CEFR framework:
| Section | Skills tested | Duration (approx.) |
| Listening (Ascolto) | Comprehension of spoken Italian | 20–30 min |
| Reading (Lettura) | Comprehension of written texts | 40 min |
| Writing (Produzione scritta) | Two short written tasks | 40 min |
| Speaking (Produzione orale) | Oral interaction with examiner | 10–12 min |
The written and oral sections may be held on the same day or on separate days depending on the exam centre.
Scoring and passing
For the CILS B1 Cittadinanza, each section carries 12 points. You need a minimum of 7 points per section(with a total of at least 28 points) to pass. If you fail even one section, you must retake the entire exam.
For the PLIDA, failing one section means you can retake only that section within 18 months of the original exam — a significant strategic advantage.
How Many Times a Year Can You Take the Exam?
Exam sessions vary by body:
- CILS: Multiple sessions per year (approximately February, April, June, October, December). Available worldwide at over 800 centres.
- CELI: Three sessions per year (spring, summer, autumn), in Italy and at authorised centres abroad.
- PLIDA: Several sessions per year at authorised centres globally.
Exam results timeline: CILS results arrive within approximately 40–45 days. PLIDA results within around 60 days. CELI results can take between 60 and 90 days from the exam date.
Who Needs to Take the Exam?
The B1 requirement applies to citizenship applicants through
- marriage (Article 5, Law 91/1992) and
- long-term residence(Article 9).
Some exemptions exist:
- Applicants who hold an Italian education qualification (school diploma or university degree issued by an Italian institution)
- Applicants under the age of 14
If you are applying through “jure sanguinis”(Italian descent), the B1 language requirement does not currently apply — though this may change and it is always advisable to check current consulate guidance.
How Long Does It Take to Prepare?
The honest answer depends on your starting level:
- -Complete beginner (A0 → B1): Approximately 18 months of consistent weekly lessons
- Some prior Italian (A2 → B1): Approximately 6–9 months
- Confident intermediate learner: 2–3 months of targeted exam preparation
The key word is consistent. Sporadic study produces inconsistent results. Weekly one-to-one lessons, combined with exam-focused practice from someone who knows the test, is by far the most efficient path.
5 Tips from an Official PLIDA Examiner
Having sat on the other side of the table as an examiner, here is what I know about how candidates succeed — and where they lose marks:
1. Don’t confuse the B1 Cittadinanza with the standard B1.
The citizenship-specific CILS exam (B1 Cittadinanza) is easier than the regular CILS B1. It is closer in difficulty to CILS A2, with a stronger focus on practical communication. Do not over-prepare for the wrong exam.
2. The oral section is not just answering questions.
Examiners look for genuine interaction — the ability to maintain a conversation, respond to follow-up questions, and show sociolinguistic awareness. Scripted phrases are not enough.
3. Grammar errors in writing have real consequences.
Italian penalises errors in gender agreement, preposition use, and auxiliary verb selection. *Ho andato* instead of *sono andato* is not a minor slip at B1. These errors affect your score under the grammatical accuracy criterion.
4. Don’t underestimate the listening section.
Most students over-prepare for writing and neglect listening. Exam audio uses natural speech, not slow classroom Italian. Practice with authentic material from the beginning.
5. Choose your exam based on your situation, not on what others tell you.
CILS is the most popular globally. CELI is the most widely recognised in Italy. PLIDA offers a carry-over advantage (retake one section rather than the whole exam). The right choice depends on your location, timeline, and learning style — a decision best made with your teacher.
How to Book the Exam
You register for the exam directly with an authorised exam centre — not through your teacher. Your teacher’s role is to prepare you; the booking is your responsibility.
Steps:
1. Choose your exam (CILS, CELI, or PLIDA)
2. Find an authorised centre near you via the official university website
3. Register before the deadline (typically 30–40 days before the exam date)
4. Pay the exam fee (approximately €100–€120 depending on the body and centre)
5. Bring a valid passport on exam day
In the UK, CILS exams are available at centres in London and other major cities. PLIDA and CELI exams are also available at authorised UK centres.
Start Preparing Today
The B1 exam is not something to leave to the last minute. With the right structured preparation — and a teacher who knows the exam from the inside — it is a very achievable goal, even from a beginner level.
My students start with a free trial lesson. We assess your current level, agree on which exam makes the most sense for you, and build a structured plan around your timeline.
What Happens After You Pass?
Passing the B1 Italian citizenship exam is a significant milestone, but it is just one part of the citizenship application process. Here is what happens next:
Once you receive your certificate, you submit it as part of your citizenship application to the relevant Italian consulate or prefecture. The certificate does not expire — so there is no rush to submit immediately after receiving it.
The citizenship process itself can take anywhere from one to four years depending on your consulate, the type of application, and the completeness of your documentation. The language certificate is one of the simpler parts of the process — getting it right early means one less thing to worry about later.
Many of my students find that the discipline of preparing for the B1 exam gives them a lasting foundation in Italian. By the time they pass, they are not just exam-ready — they are genuinely conversational. That is the goal every lesson works towards.
Some of the most common questions
Does the B1 certificate expire?
CELI 2 certificates do not expire — they are permanently valid for citizenship applications. CILS B1 Cittadinanza and PLIDA B1 certificates: check with the relevant institution for current policy, though in practice these have not been known to expire for citizenship purposes.
Can I take the exam online?
No. CILS, CELI, and PLIDA citizenship exams must be taken in person at an authorised centre.
Do I need to buy textbooks or study materials?`
Not if you study with me. All materials are prepared and provided for each student — tailored to your level and your specific exam. No textbooks, no extra costs.
What if I fail one section?
With CILS, you must retake the entire exam. With PLIDA, you can retake only the failed section within 18 months. With CELI, a passed oral section can be carried over if you fail the written block (and vice versa) for one year.
Q:How do I know if I’m ready to sit the exam?
Your teacher should be able to give you a clear, honest assessment. If you’re studying with me, we track your progress continuously and I will tell you directly when you are exam-ready — and when you are not.
