Italy has a European charm with its historical background and natural beauty. These draw people globally to immigrate here to become Italian nationals. In fact, within a couple of years, around 213,716 citizens with a migratory background gained Italian citizenship.
However, the process of getting Italian citizenship involves multiple processes.
Among them, the language assessment, namely the B1 Italian test for citizenship, is an important one. You may wonder if you need to pass this test or if there are any alternatives. To get answers to these queries, read ahead the guide below.
An Overview of the B1 Italian Test and Its Necessity
The Italian government brought a B1 level test to ensure the immigrants applying for Italian citizenship are eligible. The test checks whether the applicant can interact well with natives in day-to-day real-life situations. These include greetings, self-introduction, food ordering, and other conversations or talks normally held between people.
Therefore, to get Italian citizenship, you have to clear your B1 level as defined under the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). This has been in operation since December 2018, after the government gave its nod.
Who Needs to Take the B1 Italian Test for Citizenship?
Immigrants must prove their ability to converse in Italian to obtain the citizenship certificate. This requirement ensures immigrants can cooperate in Italian society and communicate effectively with the people there.
However, your eligibility for the B1 Italian citizenship test depends on your application type. So, you can appear in the test if you are:
- Residency-Based Citizenship Applicant: Those who have been residing in Italy for more than TEN years can apply for certification of citizenship. However, it also involves passing the B1 Italian test. The test helps you get legal Italian citizenship.
- Marriage-based Citizenship Applicant: Formerly, there were some exceptions, but due to a change of law, now spouses of Italian citizens would also have to pass the B1 language test. It ensures you, as a foreign spouse, can properly engage in the Italian way of life and help the family.
Exceptions to the B1 Italian Test Requirement
The B1 test is generally essential for immigrants who want to live in Italy for a more extended period. The reasons could be study, marriage, business, etc. However, there are a few exceptions: There’s no need to pass the test if you are:
- Citizenship Holder by Descent: If you are applying for Italian citizenship by descent, great-grandparent’s naturalization certificate, etc., there is no need to pass the B1 level language test. This is so because you are anyhow assumed to inherit Italian heritage.
- Minor: If you are below 18 years old, you are not liable to take the B1 language tests as per law.
- Applicant with Disabilities: If you have a particular documented disability that limits you from writing a language test, then you may not need to take the test. However, in some cases, authorities may ensure special arrangements for taking the test.
Accepted B1 Italian Language Certifications
The Italian authorities conduct several standardized B1 Italian tests for citizenship as evidence of language proficiency. These certification tests assess the candidate’s skills on:
- Understanding and writing simple texts on familiar topics.
- Ability to use simple language in routine social contexts.
- Describe the experience, event, dream, or aspiration.
Here are the prime acceptable B1 language certifications:
- CELI 2 (Certificato di Lingua Italiana Livello Due): The University for Foreigners of Perugia authorizes the test. The certification ensures the candidate has good spoken and written Italian skills.
- CILS B1 (Certificazione di Italiano come Lingua Straniera): The University for Foreigners of Siena authorizes this certificate. It assesses how candidates use Italian in real-life scenarios. It examines candidates in different communicative settings.
- PLIDA B1 (Prova di Livellamento Delle Competenze in Italiano): The Society for the Certification of Proficiency in the Italian Language conducts this test. It comprehensively tests all the language skills with an emphasis on the communicative competence of the language.
- IT B1: The Italian Chamber of Commerce conducts this test. This certification focuses explicitly on learners working in business and professional fields. Therefore, this B1 Italian test for citizenship participants’ competency is directly related to work language requirements.
Instead of these certifications, your qualification in a Ministry of Education-affiliated educational institution is also valid.
How To Prepare for the B1 Italian citizenship test
You must pass a B1 level to get Italian citizenship. That is why you need a well-planned approach to effectively prepare for the citizenship test.
1. Leverage Available Resources
Your B1 level language certification is an essential step toward obtaining Italian citizenship, so you must prepare for it properly. Ensure to leverage as many sources as possible that can help you with preparation for the test, such as:
- Official Exam Websites: The four certifying bodies are CELI, CILS, PLIDA, and IT, and their official websites are beneficial. Check sample exams, practice tests, and valuable tips regarding the exam format. Moreover, master the examination layout to gain much-needed confidence.
- Immersive Language Courses: Ensure that you attend immersive Italian learning courses that are meant to offer B1-level proficiency. These courses provide beneficial skills with structured learning, expert teachers to guide language practice, and constructive feedback.
- Online Platforms: You can search for available online resources. There are a variety of websites and language learning apps that provide you with practice tests, different vocabulary-building activities, and grammar drills specific to the B1 level. Ensure to practice regularly to master the language.
- Language Exchange Programs: It is always best to be able to talk, especially with native Italian speakers, to improve your speaking ability and also your experience of the country. Language exchange programs let you converse with other people who want to practice their language, and you both help each other.
It is vital to be aware that possessing a B1 Italian language certificate is mandatory and grasp the circumstance when one is exempted from the test while applying for Italian citizenship. If you have additional queries or prefer legal advice on sourcing the materials on how to prepare for the test, approach an immigration lawyer dealing with Italian nationality.
Ready to Ace your B1 Level Test?
Exploring the aspects of obtaining Italian citizenship is a difficult task in most cases, and when it comes to a language test, it becomes overwhelming. To be specific, it is high time to focus on the B1 Italian test and the people who will be asked to take it. Ensure proper planning and guidance to secure your B1 language test certification.
At Di Martino Law Group, you can access all the updated resources to pass immigration and citizenship eligibility. We have qualified lawyers with experience in Italian law. Contact Us today to get expert consultancy.
FAQs
1. Does the B1 test have an expiration period?
There is no expiration date for the Level B1 test.
2. Where can I take the B1 Italian citizenship test?
You can take the B1 Italian citizenship test at authorized testing centers in Italy and worldwide, depending on the specific certification (CELI, CILS, PLIDA, or IT).
3. What is the pass mark for the B1 level test?
The marks range between 140–159.
4. What is the price for the B1 Italian citizenship test?
The cost of the B1 test varies between centers and certification types. Contact the testing center by phone or other form of communication to obtain the current charges.
