Following changes to Italian law in December 2018, anyone applying for Italian citizenship through marriage or residence (but not ancestry) must now demonstrate proficiency in the Italian language at the B1 level or higher.
According to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, a B1 level certification indicates that you are fluent enough in the language to manage ordinary interactions (CEFRL).
If you’re already fluent in the language at this level or higher, you will have to do the test. The government requires official proof of your skills when applying for citizenship.
Is it possible to obtain more than one type of Italian language certification? What are the distinctions? Is the validity of all certifications the same?
To answer these and other questions, we’ve put together a quick guide for all you Italian language students out there.
How and where do I get the certificate?
For the citizenship application, your B1 level certificate must come from an educational institution approved by the Italian Education Ministry (“MIUR”) or Foreign Ministry (“MAECI”).
That means you’ll need to be certified by one of the following four institutions:
- CILS – The University of Siena for foreigners
- CELI – The University of Perugia for foreigners
- PLIDA – The Dante Alighieri Association
- CERT – The University of Rome 3
What will you will have demonstrated your knowledge of the Italian language to:
- be able to have conversations on topics such as family, work, school, leisure, current events
- understand important information in a conversation, a TV or radio broadcast, a newspaper.
- write in a simple way on familiar topics / everyday life / tell about your experiences.
The B1 certificate for citizenship does not expire.
How does the exam work?
The B1 exam is divided into 4 tests:
- Understanding of an audio listening
- Reading and understanding of a written text and knowledge of grammar
- Writing a written text
- Oral interview
CILS B1 citizenship exam
After how long does the exam result arrive?
After about 40 days you can go to the website of the University for Foreigners of Siena and print the result of the exam that you can already use to apply for citizenship, after 90 days the certificate is ready.
Calendar of upcoming CILS B1 exams
The CILS B1 citizenship exam is valid only for applying for citizenship.
CELI B1 citizenship exam
After how long does the exam result arrive?
After 50 days you can print a replacement certificate from the University website and after 90 days the certificate arrives.
Calendar of upcoming CELI B1 exams
L’esame CELI 2i cittadinanza B1, è valido per richiedere la cittadinanza e anche come certificazione di italiano di livello B1.
PLIDA B1 citizenship exam
After how long does the exam result arrive?
After about 60 days
Calendar of upcoming PLIDA B1 exams
ATTENZIONE!
Se non superi 1 PROVA puoi ridare solo quella prova entro i 18 mesi successivi all’esame.
