Italian citizenship application: the B1 language requirement
We’ve received a number of emails with questions about Italian citizenship by marriage; questions as, “What is a B1 certificate?”, “How fluent in Italian do I need to be in order to get B1 level certification?”, “What do I need to do to get a B1?” and so on….
Today we will address these questions and explain what this language certificate means and how you can get it with Dante in Line
In December 2018, the Italian Government updated the law regarding the requirements for spouses who apply for Italian citizenship through marriage. If you are the spouse of an Italian citizen and are applying for Italian citizenship through marriage, you now need to obtain a B1 Italian language certificate or above.
In other words, this provision establishes, as a condition for the recognition of nationality under Arts. 5 and 9 of the aforementioned law, the condition of adequate knowledge of the Italian language, not lower than level B1.
Read more about CITIZENSHIP BY MARRIAGE TO AN ITALIAN CITIZEN OR BY CIVIL PARTNERSHIP
What is the Italian B1 certification?
The Italian B1 level language certification is an ‘intermediate’ level and means you are proficient enough in the Italian language for everyday interaction to live, study, and work in the community. It is one of the six levels (ranging from A1 for basic to C2 for advanced) of a Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFRL) test that is designed to show fluency in the Italian language.
This certificate will demonstrate to the Italian government that you will be able to function with day to day tasks in Italian as a potential Italian citizen. This document could be useful for applying to scholastic programs, although some institutions require additional or higher levels of certification. It is recommended to check with your desired education program to see which level is appropriate.
The ability to work and earn income in the European Union is just one of the benefits of having Italian citizenship. If you are taking advantage of this benefit and seeking work in Italy or another European community in which Italian fluency would be required, you could be asked to provide proof of B1 (or higher) level certification as part of the application process.
As an Italian citizen, you are granted the right to live and work legally in Italy without restrictions, granting additional possibilities for education and employment throughout the European Union.
B1 italian certificate
The B1 certification ONLY applies to spouses looking to obtain Italian citizenship by marriage
What are the levels of the CEFR?
The CEFRL assessment assigns 6 unique user-levels: Each level can be further divided into three skills: understanding, speaking and writing. Below is a complete break-down of the level categories and sub-categories.
How much time do I need to reach level B1?
We offer different study options, you can choose depending on how fast you want to learn a certain level.
- Regular classes: with 2 live classes per week.
- Semi-intensive: with 3 live classes per week
- Intensive: with 5 live classes per week
- Private: You decide when to study.
In a regular course, you will reach the B1 level in 18 months. In a Semi-intensive course in 7 months, in an Intensive program in 5 months, and I a private curse you will decide.
What will I be able to do when I have level B1?
The B1 level certificate shows that you have a basic ability to use the Italian language. At this level total perfection in comprehension and communication is not required. Some errors are allowed, but in summary, a B1 certificate shows that you have demonstrated that you…
– Can understand the main points of clear standard input on familiar matters regularly encountered in work, school, leisure, etc.
– Can deal with most situations likely to arise while traveling in an area where the language is spoken.
– Can produce simple connected text on topics that are familiar or of personal interest.
– Can describe experiences and events, dreams, hopes, and ambitions and briefly give reasons and explanations for opinions and plans.
Dante in Linea gives me a B1 certificate?
Since the certification exams are face-to-face you have to look for the certification headquarters closest to your city. To clarify, in Dante in Linea we can only help you get the right level of Italian. With the diploma, you can show that you have already studied the CEFR program to be able to perform the Italian certification at Level B1.
How can I take the exam?
To certify what you have already learned, there are several universities that are responsible for issuing the official titles of the Italian language, but you should not worry, because the structure of the exams is quite similar, since they all have the same objective, which is to evaluate the different language skills of the student in the language.
− l’Università per Stranieri di Siena grants the CILS, Certificazione del Italiano come lingua straniera
− l’Università per Stranieri di Perugia grants the CELI, Certificazione Lingua Italiana.
− l’Università degli Studi Roma Tre grants the IT.
− La Società Dante Alighieri grants the PLIDA, Progetto Lingua Italiana Dante Alighieri.
This way we help you get to the day of the calm and prepared Italian exam.
If you are looking for how to start your Italian classes, don’t waste time and enroll in our online Italian courses, we have the perfect course for you!
