What’s the CILS B1 for Citizenship (Cils B1 Cittadinanza) Exam?
The CILS B1 Citizenship exam (also called CILS B1 Cittadinanza) is a special version of the standard CILS B1 exam specifically designed for those applying for Italian citizenship. This exam was introduced following the December 2018 Italian citizenship law changes, which made demonstrating Italian language proficiency at the B1 level mandatory for citizenship applications.
What’s B1 in Italian? Understanding the Language Level
The B1 designation refers to an intermediate level of language proficiency according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). At the B1 level, you are considered an independent user of Italian, meaning you can:
- Understand the main points of clear standard speech on familiar matters
- Deal with most situations likely to arise while traveling in Italy
- Produce simple connected text on topics of personal interest
- Describe experiences, events, dreams, and ambitions
- Briefly give reasons and explanations for opinions and plans
- In short, B1 Italian means you can handle everyday conversations, read simple articles, write basic letters, and navigate daily life in Italy without constant language assistance.
Cils B1 for Citizenship vs. Regular Cils B1
The Cils B1 for Citizenship, unlike the regular one, focuses more on practical, everyday language use that would be relevant to life as an Italian citizen. The exam verifies your ability to understand and communicate in situations you might encounter daily in Italy – from interacting with public offices to understanding news and participating in social conversations.
How long does it take to prepare?
The time needed to reach B1 level varies significantly based on several factors:
- Your starting level of Italian
- Previous experience with Romance languages
- Time dedicated to study each week
- Learning methods used
- Natural language aptitude
As a general guideline:
- Starting from zero: approximately 350-400 hours of study
- With previous Romance language experience: 250-300 hours
- With some Italian basics already: 150-200 hours
Most students need between 6-12 months of regular study to comfortably achieve B1 proficiency. However, with intensive study (15-20 hours weekly), motivated learners might reach this level in 3-4 months.
Where can I take the CILS B1 for Citizenship exam?
The CILS B1 Citizenship exam is administered at:
- Official test centers: Located throughout Italy and internationally at Italian Cultural Institutes and authorized language schools
- University for Foreigners of Siena: The main institution issuing the certification
The Exam Format: Overview
| Section | Duration | Structure | Tasks | Maximum Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Listening (Ascolto) | 30 min | 2 recordings of everyday conversations or announcements. Each audio is played twice. | Multiple choice, matching, true/false | 12 points |
| Reading Comprehension (Comprensione della Lettura) Grammar & Vocabulary (Strutture di Comunicazione) | 80 min | 2 authentic texts (ads, instructions, simple articles) | Multiple choice, fill-in-the-blanks, sentence completion | 12 points |
| Writing (Produzione Scritta) | 40 min | 1 writing task | Short message/email (80-120 words) | 12 points |
| Speaking (Produzione Orale) | 10 min | Brief self-presentation Conversation on everyday topics Description of an image Role-play of a practical situation | Oral tasks | 12 points |
CILS B1 for Citizenship scoring system
To pass the exam, you must achieve a minimum score of 28/48 on the CILS B1 exam, with at least 7 points in each section. The exam is divided into four sections: listening, reading/grammar, writing, and speaking. To pass the exam you need to pass all sections. If you pass only some sections, you can retake only the sections you didn’t pass.
Learn Italian the Smart Way
Before diving into actual exam preparation, make sure you’ve built a solid foundation in Italian grammar. You should first reach a strong A1–A2 level, which you can achieve through a course at a language school, with a teacher, or even through self-study. Once you’re confident at the A2 level, you can begin working toward B1 proficiency and focus specifically on the requirements of the CILS B1 for Citizenship exam.
B1 grammar topics
| Definite articles |
| Indefinite articles |
| Comparative and superlative adjectives |
| Direct object pronouns |
| Indirect object pronouns |
| Possessive pronouns |
| Indefinite pronouns: ogni, nessuno, qualche, ciascuno |
| Simple and articulated prepositions |
| The irregular verbs: venire, dare, fare, stare, venire, bere, dire, sapere |
| Modal verbs |
| Reflexive verbs |
| The reflexive function of modal verbs |
| The present tense |
| The passato prossimo |
| The imperfetto |
| The imperative form |
| Present conditional |
| Adverbs of time, quantity, place |
Test Your Italian
Not sure what your Italian level is? I’ve created a free online Italian test to help you determine it.B1 speaking topics
Are you looking for more information on how to ace the CILS B1 Citizenship test?
| Personal information | Family, biography, personal interests |
| Daily life | Home, food, shopping, transportation |
| Work and study | Jobs, education, career |
| Public services | Health, banking, post office, government offices |
| Current events | Simple news, social issues, environment |
| Italian culture | Customs, holidays, cuisine |
| Citizenship-related vocabulary | Documents, legal terms, civic rights and responsibilities |
How long will it take to receive your exam results?
Your exam will be recorded and sent to the Università per Stranieri di Siena in Italy for evaluation. The university typically requires a minimum of 90 days to process and correct your exam. Therefore, you can expect your results to be available within 90 days after your test.
Once your results are ready, it will take an additional 40-60 days to receive your official certificate. The certificate is valid indefinitely for citizenship purposes.
Best Textbooks to Prepare for the CILS B1 Citizenship Exam
Once you reach an intermediate level in Italian, you can start training for the CILS B1 Cittadinanza certification. The best strategy is to use a textbook that includes sample exams, like the one below: It will give you a clear idea of the test format and help you practice effectively.
CILS B1 Citizenship (Cittadinanza) Sample:
Exam Centers and Dates for 2025
Typically, CILS exams are held multiple times per year. The exact dates and available centers vary by location and are usually announced several months in advance. For the most current and accurate information, I recommend visiting the official CILS website from the Università per Stranieri di Siena here.
For the exam centers worldwide, please check out this list.
