B1 Italian Language Exam for Italian Citizenship

The CELI 2 citizenship and the CILS B1 citizenship are the necessary levels to obtain Italian citizenship.

The level B1 is usually demonstrated by the ability to carry out simple conversations on somewhat complex topics, understanding the main elements of everyday discussions.

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Accepted exams for Italian citizenship

To obtain Italian citizenship, it is necessary to obtain an official certification verifying the passing of level B1.

Both the University for Foreigners of Perugia and the University of Foreigners of Siena are providers of the CELI and CILS qualifications, which are recognized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The security decree requires certification of a level no lower than B1 in order to obtain Italian citizenship.

Level B1 – pre-intermediate – of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages ​​(CEFR) is equivalent to level CELI 2 and level CILS B1.

Equivalence of CELI and CILS Certifications as per the Common Framework of Reference (CEFR) for Languages

LEVEL CILS CELI Test your Italian
A1 – basic CILS A1 CELI IMPATTO Italian Test A1
A2 – elementary CILS A2 CELI 1 Italian Test A2
B1 – intermediate CILS B1 / CILS B1 cittadinanza CELI 2 Italian Test B1
B2 – upper intermediate CILS B2 CELI 3 Italian Test B2
C1 – advanced CILS C1 CELI 4 Italian Test C1
C2 – mastery CILS C2 CELI 5 Complete Italian Test

Level B1 – intermediate – of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages ​​(CEFR) is equivalent to level CILS B1 and level CELI 2.

At B1 level, Italian learners can understand the main points of clear standard input on familiar matters and can produce simple connected texts on topics that are familiar or of personal interest.

CILS B1 and CELI 2 exams

CILS B1 cittadinanza

Structure:

  • Listening (25%)
  • Reading comprehension and language competence (25%)
  • Writing (25%)
  • Speaking (25%)

Duration of CILS b1 exam: 2 hours 5 minutes

Please note: To obtain the CILS B1 cittadinanza certification, the candidate must pass all the parts.
The candidate will have to retake the entirety of the exam upon failure of any of the parts.

CELI 2 – cittadinanza

Structure:

  • Reading comprehension (25%)
  • Writing and written interaction (25%)
  • Listening comprehension and phonetic discrimination (25%)
  • Speaking (25%)

Duration of CELI 2 exam: 2 hours and 30 minutes

Please note: If one of the two parts (oral and written) is not passed, the entire exam must be repeated.

Costs, Dates, and CILS/CELI centers

CILS

CILS exams take place various times a year, simultaneously all over the world.

Important: To take the CILS exam it is necessary to respect strict deadlines, for example, the application must be registered at least 45 days before the exam.

It costs 100€, both in Italy and abroad.

Please note: Neither CELI nor CILS can be taken online.

CELI

There are three sessions per year, taking place in March, June, and November. You can take the CELI exam at the center closest to you, or in Florence, at our school!

Important: To take the CELI exam, strict deadlines and long waiting times are imposed. Marking the exams can take up to 3 months, while sending the certificate, up to 4 months.

Here, at Europass, it costs 120€.

B1 exam preparation

We offer a specific online group course for the CILS B1 Citizenship Exam, available twice a year, starting in early March and early September.

The course includes:

  • Small group classes

  • A 12-week structured program

  • Plenty of practice quizzes and exam simulations

This is the ideal option if you’re looking for a focused and supportive environment to prepare for the exam.

Discover the B1 online course

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