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B1 Exam for Italian Citizenship: Frequently Asked Questions and Clear Answers (Complete Guide 2026)

If you’re looking for information about the B1 exam for Italian citizenship, you’re in the right place. Many foreign students have the same questions: Where can I take the exam? How much does it cost? Is it difficult?

In this guide, you’ll find simple, clear, and up-to-date answers.

1. Can the B1 citizenship exam be taken online?

No. The B1 exam for Italian citizenship is only available in person. No recognized organization (CILS, CELI, PLIDA) offers an online version for this certification.

2. How do I find an exam center?

It’s simple! You need to find a center accredited by one of the three official bodies: CILS, CELI, or PLIDA.

Here’s how to search effectively:

Type into Google: “CILS center + [city name]” or: “PLIDA Milan”, “CELI Florence”, etc.

Once you’ve found a center, contact them by email or phone to get all the details about registration, costs, and available dates.

3. Can I take the B1 exam abroad?

Yes, the B1 exam is also available outside Italy.

You can take it at:

Embassies and consulates
Italian Cultural Institutes
Universities and certified schools abroad

Search in the same way: “CILS + country name” or check the official websites of the organizations.

4. What tests are included in the B1 exam?

The B1 citizenship exam includes four main parts:

Listening comprehension
Reading
Writing
Oral interview

The structure may vary slightly between CILS, CELI, and PLIDA, but the required level is always the same.

5. How long does the B1 exam last?

On average, the exam lasts 2 to 3 hours, divided into several activities.

6. How much does the B1 exam for Italian citizenship cost?

The cost varies depending on the organization and the center, but it usually ranges between €50 and €150.

7. What happens if I don’t pass the B1 exam?

If you fail, you must:

For PLIDA, retake the entire exam
For CILS and CELI, retake only the parts you didn’t pass

There is no limit to how many times you can retake it, but you will need to pay again for the part or the full exam.

8. When can I take the B1 exam?

It depends on the center, but generally, sessions are organized 3 or 4 times a year.

Tip: Book in advance, as places fill up quickly.

9. Should I choose CILS, CELI, or PLIDA?

All three certifications are official and valid for Italian citizenship.

The choice depends on:

the availability of the center
exam dates
personal preference regarding the structure of the tests

My advice: look at some sample exams and choose the one you feel most comfortable with.

10. Which part of the B1 exam is the most difficult?

Many candidates find the listening test the most challenging because the audio can be fast or have different accents.

The oral test often seems difficult, but in reality, it’s more accessible than expected: the examiner mainly wants to see if you can communicate naturally.

11. Do I need to take a course before the exam?

Taking a preparation course is not mandatory.

However, it can be very useful if:

you have doubts about the different tests
you don’t feel confident speaking
you want to practice with exam-like materials
you want to improve quickly

Do you need to prepare for the B1? I can help!

If you want to improve your Italian and approach the exam with confidence, I offer individual online lessons, designed specifically for those aiming to obtain the B1 certification for citizenship.

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