B1 citizenship test
Prepare for the B1 Italian citizenship test with a native teacher
One-on-one online preparation for the B1 exam you need for Italian citizenship by marriage or residence (CILS, CELI, PLIDA or Roma Tre). We train the four parts of the exam, in your time zone, explained in English.
5.0 from 105 student reviews · 10,000+ lessons · CEDILS-certified native teacher
Do you need the B1 test?
Since December 2018 Italy asks for a B1 Italian certificate for two citizenship routes. Here is the short version.
Needs B1
Citizenship by marriage
Yes. You need a B1 certificate if you apply through your Italian spouse, whether you live in Italy or in the US.
Needs B1
Citizenship by residence
Yes. After the years of legal residence in Italy, you still need B1 (or an Italian school diploma).
Usually not
Citizenship by descent
Usually no. Jure sanguinis applications have not required B1, but the rules changed in 2025. Check your case.
I teach Italian; I am not a lawyer. Rules and exemptions change, so always confirm your case with your Italian consulate or a citizenship professional.
The CILS B1 Cittadinanza exam at a glance
Only certificates from the four recognised bodies count: CILS (University for Foreigners of Siena), CELI (University for Foreigners of Perugia), PLIDA (Società Dante Alighieri) and Roma Tre (Cert.it). Most Americans take the CILS B1 Cittadinanza, a shorter B1 made for citizenship. Its four parts:
| Part | Time (approx.) | What you do |
|---|---|---|
| Listening | 30 min | Short conversations and announcements, heard twice; multiple choice and matching. |
| Reading | 40 min | Short real-life texts (emails, notices, articles); multiple choice and matching. |
| Writing | 40 min | One text of 80–120 words, choosing between two topics. No dictionary. |
| Speaking | about 5 min | Questions about you, then a short conversation on an everyday topic. |
Each part is scored separately and you need to pass all four. In the US the exam is taken in person at an authorised center, not online, and sessions can sell out months ahead, so book your date early.
If you fail one part
At the CILS B1 Cittadinanza you cannot keep the parts you passed: if you fail even one part, you retake the whole exam at a later session. That is why we prepare all four parts, not only the ones you find hard. The other exams have their own retake rules, so check them before you book.
The times above are approximate. Exam rules, times and dates change often, so always double-check on the official pages: CILS (Siena), CELI (Perugia), PLIDA (Dante Alighieri) and Cert.it (Roma Tre).
How we prepare
Your starting level
A trial lesson and the level test show how far you are from B1.
A realistic plan
We look at your level and your exam date. If the date is too close, I tell you honestly.
The B1 grammar you need
Passato prossimo, imperfetto, pronouns, connectors: only what the exam asks.
Practice in exam format
Listening, reading and writing tasks like the real ones, with corrections.
Speaking rehearsals
We simulate the oral part until talking about yourself feels easy.
Your teacher
Ciao, I’m Luciana
Native Italian teacher with a CEDILS certification in teaching Italian as a second language. Since 2020 I’ve taught more than 10,000 lessons, mostly to English speakers, from nervous beginners to advanced speakers. I explain the grammar in English, so nothing gets lost.
More about me →Questions
What is the CILS B1 Cittadinanza?
It is a B1 Italian exam by the University for Foreigners of Siena, made for people applying for Italian citizenship. It tests listening, reading, writing and speaking at B1 level, the level of someone who can handle everyday life in Italian.
How long does it take to reach B1?
It depends on your starting point, how often you have lessons and how much you practice between them. From zero, reaching a solid B1 is a long road: for many adults it takes years, not weeks. If you already speak some Italian, the road is shorter. I can’t promise a date, but after the trial lesson I tell you honestly where you are and what a realistic plan looks like.
Which exam should I choose: CILS, CELI, PLIDA or Roma Tre?
All four are accepted. Pick the one with a session and a test center that fit your dates. Many Americans choose the CILS B1 Cittadinanza, which is shorter and made for citizenship.
Can I take the exam online?
No. The exam is taken in person at an authorised center. The preparation lessons are online.
Do you give the official certificate?
No. Only the four recognised bodies issue it, through their exam centers. I prepare you to pass it.
What happens if I fail one part?
At the CILS B1 Cittadinanza you retake the whole exam, not only the part you failed. Other exams have their own rules, and rules change, so check the official page of your exam before you book.
My citizenship is by descent. Do I need this?
Usually not, but the rules changed in 2025. Check with your consulate. If you want to speak Italian with family, see Italian for heritage learners.
Ready to start your B1 preparation?
Tell me your goal and your exam date in the trial lesson, and we see together what is realistic.
New here? Trial lesson
$25
25 minutes to check your level, your exam date and your plan. If you continue, the $25 comes back as a discount.
Book a $25 trial lessonFull lesson
$60
55 minutes, one-on-one, built around your exam date. Prefer a steady plan? The 10-lesson package saves you $30.
Book a full lesson · $60Questions first? Write to me