CILS B1 Cittadinanza Italian exam: format, fee and preparation

Key facts

Run by

Université pour étrangers de Sienne, de Pérouse, société Dante Alighieri

Levels

A1 a C2. Pour la citoyenneté : B1

Fee

Varies a lot by country and centre, from around 50 to 160 euros in Italy and often more abroad. Confirm with your centre.

Duration

Around 2 h 30 to 3 h depending on the certificate

For citizenship and résidence permits

A B1 certificate is required for citizenship by residence and by marriage. CILS, CELI and PLIDA are all accepted. It is not required for citizenship by descent.

Exam format

• 🎧Listening comprehension.
• 📖Reading comprehension.
• 🧩Grammar and language structures.
• ✍️Written production.
• 🎤Oral production, with an examiner.

Scoring

Each part has its own pass threshold. Failing one part alone can be enough to fail the certificate, so no section can be neglected.

⚠️ Before you register

CILS is held twice a year, usually in June and December. Plan several months ahead, especially if your application has a deadline.

Preparing for the CILS B1 Cittadinanza with OpiFluent

OpiFluent works the four skills that are assessed: reading, listening, writing and speaking. The AI tutor corrects you as you talk, and the practice tests follow the exam format.

OpiFluent is not affiliated with Université pour étrangers de Sienne, de Pérouse, société Dante Alighieri. Practice material follows the published exam format; it does not replace official instructions or official assessment.

Frequently asked questions

Official sources

• CILS, Université pour étrangers de Sienne
• Certifications reconnues, Instituts italiens de culture