Italian citizenship · B1
Pass the B1 Italian exam for your citizenship.
If you apply for Italian citizenship by marriage or by residence, you need a B1 Italian certificate. Our citizenship path trains each part of the exam with real-life situations, and our tutors help you with the part most people fear: speaking.
Free account. No card needed.
Who needs the B1 certificate
- Citizenship by marriage and citizenship by residence require proof of Italian at level B1, usually a certificate from a recognised body.
- Citizenship by descent (jure sanguinis) does not require a language certificate.
- Some applicants are exempt, for example holders of an EU long-term residence permit or of certain Italian school qualifications. Rules can change: always check your case on the official page of the Ministry of the Interior.
Certificates accepted
- CILSUniversità per Stranieri di Siena
- CELIUniversità per Stranieri di Perugia
- PLIDASocietà Dante Alighieri
- Cert.ITUniversità Roma Tre
Each body sets its own exam dates, fees and centres. Choose the one with a session that suits you: the B1 level is the same.
What the exam tests
Listening
Announcements, news, short dialogues. You hear each recording twice.
Reading
Notices, short articles, e-mails, instructions.
Writing
A formal or informal e-mail and a short text about an experience.
Speaking
A conversation with an examiner about you, and a short task.
The citizenship path
Six units, each about 30 minutes: a real situation, native voices, flashcards, one B1 grammar point and practice with instant correction. A mock exam is on its way.
- 1
Parlare di sé · The oral exam: talking about yourself
The conditional: vorrei, mi piacerebbe, potrei · Free
- 2
Leggere un avviso · Reading notices
Si impersonale and passive si
- 3
Scrivere una mail formale · Writing a formal e-mail
Formal Italian: Lei, Le, La
- 4
Dire cosa ne pensi · Giving your opinion
The present subjunctive after penso che
- 5
Ascoltare le notizie · Listening: news and announcements
If: se + present or future
- 6
Diritti e doveri · Rights and duties
The passive: essere or venire + participle
- 7
Descrivere un'immagine · Describing a picture
Coming soon
- 8
Simulazione d'esame · Mock exam
Coming soon
Speaking is where lessons help
Studio gets the language in. For the oral exam you need to say it out loud to someone who listens and corrects you. Our one-to-one lessons prepare you for the interview, with exam-style questions.
Book your first lessonWhat it costs
The citizenship path is included in Studio: €14 a month, founding price, or free with any monthly lesson pack. Unit 1 is free.
Try Unit 1 freeAdesso Italian prepares you for the exam. We are not an exam centre and we are not affiliated with CILS, CELI, PLIDA or Cert.IT: the certificate is issued by them.
FAQ
Do I need B1 for citizenship by descent?
No. The B1 certificate is required for citizenship by marriage and by residence. Citizenship by descent (jure sanguinis) follows other rules.
Which certificate should I choose?
Any of the recognised ones: CILS, CELI, PLIDA or Cert.IT. They test the same level; pick the body with an exam date and a centre that suit you.
How long does it take to reach B1?
It depends on where you start and how often you practise. From a solid A2, many adults need a few months of regular study and speaking practice. Not sure of your level? Take our free level test.
Take the free level testIs the citizenship path included in Studio?
Yes. It is part of Studio, at no extra cost, and Studio is included in every monthly lesson pack.
Can you issue the certificate?
No. Only the certifying bodies can. We prepare you for their exam.