Italian Exam Prep Blog -
Citizenship, Driving License & Life in Italy

CILS exams run back to back in June and July 2026 - the only time all year. July registration opens May 18th. Here is what you need to know before seats fill up.

If you are applying for Italian citizenship, the CILS B1 Cittadinanza is usually the obvious choice. But what if your life in Italy is bigger than just citizenship? Here is when the B1 Standard is actually the smarter exam to take.

Preparing for the CILS B1 Standard exam? This complete guide covers all 5 sections, study timelines, scoring criteria, and strategies for English speakers. Learn how to pass with 9 real past exams.

Not sure which CILS B1 exam you need for Italian citizenship? The B1 Cittadinanza and the B1 Standard are not the same exam, and choosing the wrong one could cost you unnecessary time and stress. We break down the differences so you can make the right choice.