Italian Citizenship Language Requirements: B1 Test, CILS, CELI & PLIDA Explained

What is the Italian citizenship language requirement?

Italian law requires applicants for citizenship by marriage (cittadinanza per matrimonio) and long-term residency (cittadinanza per naturalizzazione) to provide proof of Italian language proficiency at CEFR B1 level. This requirement was formally strengthened under Decree-Law 113/2018 and its subsequent implementation.

The B1 requirement does not apply to citizenship by descent (jure sanguinis)—the path for those who can demonstrate Italian ancestry. For residency and marriage-based applications, however, a recognised B1 certificate is mandatory for the application to proceed.

Which Italian language certificates are accepted for citizenship?

The Italian Ministry of Interior accepts certificates from the following officially recognised examining bodies. All must be at B1 level or higher.

What does the B1 Italian language test assess?

All accepted B1 certificates test the four core language skills: reading comprehension, listening comprehension, written production, and oral production. The specific format varies by examining body but all test broadly the same communicative competences at the B1 CEFR level.

• Reading comprehension: understand written texts on familiar everyday topics
• Listening comprehension: understand spoken Italian in clear, standard speech
• Writing: produce simple connected texts on familiar subjects
• Speaking: interact in everyday conversations, express opinions, describe experiences

For a detailed breakdown of what B1 means in practice, read our guide to CEFR Italian levels explained.

What is the CILS exam and how do you prepare for it?

CILS (Certificazione di Italiano come Lingua Straniera) is issued by the Università per Stranieri di Siena—one of Italy's most prestigious language institutions. It is the most widely available B1 certificate internationally and a popular choice for citizenship applicants.

• Format: five components — reading, listening, writing, grammar-vocabulary, speaking
• Duration: approximately 3–4 hours total across components
• Scoring: each component is graded; a minimum score per section is required to pass
• Sessions: typically available in June and December (additional sessions vary by centre)
• Cost: approximately €90–130 per exam (varies by country)
• Preparation: official CILS preparation books are widely available; practice tests online at unistrasi.it

For a step-by-step CILS B1 preparation strategy, read our dedicated CILS B1 exam preparation guide.

What is the PLIDA exam and how does it differ from CILS?

PLIDA (Progetto Lingua Italiana Dante Alighieri) is issued by the Società Dante Alighieri, Italy's oldest and largest cultural association promoting Italian language worldwide. It is available at Dante Alighieri Society chapters in dozens of countries.

• Format: four components — reading, writing, listening, speaking
• Duration: approximately 3 hours total
• Special feature: strong emphasis on communicative competence over grammar rules
• Sessions: 4+ times per year at affiliated centres
• Cost: approximately €80–120
• Suitability: particularly good for learners who are stronger in spoken Italian

What is the CELI exam?

CELI (Certificato di Conoscenza della Lingua Italiana) is issued by the Università per Stranieri di Perugia. CELI 3 corresponds to B1 level. It has strong academic recognition and is available at exam centres in approximately 90 countries.

• Format: reading, listening, grammar, writing, speaking
• Exam sessions: 3–4 per year
• Cost: approximately €100–140
• Academic reputation: very strong; preferred by some universities and professional bodies

Who is exempt from the Italian citizenship language requirement?

Not all citizenship applicants are required to submit a B1 certificate. Exemptions apply in specific circumstances.

• Education in Italian: applicants who completed at least one year of education in Italian (in Italy) are exempt
• Citizenship by descent (jure sanguinis): the language requirement does not apply
• Disability: applicants with certified physical or mental conditions that prevent language testing
• Special inter-governmental agreements: some bilateral agreements may create additional exemptions
• Always verify: exemption rules can change — confirm with the relevant Italian Prefecture or embassy before applying

How long does it take to reach B1 Italian for citizenship?

The timeline depends on your starting point, the intensity of your study, and your native language background. Here is a realistic framework:

How much does the B1 Italian citizenship test cost?

Exam fees vary by country and examining body, but typically range from €80–150 for the certificate exam itself. Preparation costs depend on whether you study independently (books, apps), in group courses, or with a private teacher. Private lessons for B1 exam preparation typically cost €30–80 per hour depending on teacher and country.

What happens if you fail the B1 Italian language test?

You can retake the exam as many times as necessary—there is no official limit. Most examining bodies allow retakes at the next available session. Analyse your score report to identify which components to focus on in your preparation for the resit.

• Request your score breakdown — understand which components you failed
• Focus preparation on weak areas for 6–8 weeks before the next session
• Take a mock exam one week before the real resit under timed conditions
• Consider targeted private lessons for speaking if that was your lowest score

How do you apply to take the B1 Italian citizenship exam?

The process differs by examining body and country. Generally: find an accredited exam centre near you on the official exam body's website, register for your chosen session, pay the fee, and attend on the exam date. Allow 6–8 weeks for results and certificate processing after the exam.

• CILS exam centres: search at unistrasi.it/cils
• PLIDA exam centres: search at societadantealighieri.it/plida
• CELI exam centres: search at unistrapg.ac.it/celi
• Allow certificate processing time: 6–10 weeks after exam date
• Ensure certificate validity: some jurisdictions specify certificate must be no more than 5 years old

How do you prepare for the B1 Italian speaking test?

The speaking component is the part most candidates feel nervous about. It typically involves a short introduction, a task-based conversation, and a discussion on an everyday topic. The examiner is looking for communicative competence, not perfection.

• Practise speaking for 15 minutes every day — consistency beats long occasional sessions
• Record yourself and listen back to identify pronunciation and fluency issues
• Do mock oral exams with a native Italian teacher in the 4–8 weeks before your exam
• Prepare to discuss: your job, family, hobbies, where you live, everyday plans
• Learn to paraphrase — if you do not know a word, describe it in Italian instead
• Show confidence: examiners reward communicative effort, not grammatical perfection

What Italian grammar and vocabulary do you need at B1?

At B1, you need to handle familiar everyday topics in all four skills. The key grammar areas typically assessed are: present, past (passato prossimo + imperfetto), future, conditional, subjunctive in common structures, reflexive verbs, object pronouns, prepositions, and modal verbs.

Avoid the most frequent B1 errors by reading our guide to common Italian grammar mistakes before your exam.

“The B1 Italian certificate is not just a bureaucratic hurdle—it is proof that you can truly participate in Italian life. Reaching it is an achievement worth celebrating.”

— Dolce Vita Italian School language coaches

Start preparing for your Italian citizenship language test today

The path from zero to B1 Italian is clear and achievable with the right guidance. Dolce Vita Italian School offers structured courses and private lesson packages specifically designed to take learners from beginner level to B1 exam readiness, with mock exam sessions and personalised feedback in the final weeks of preparation.

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