Italian Citizenship Test B1: 5 Mistakes That Will Cost You the Exam

5 B1 exam mistakes that could cost you Italian citizenship. Don’t risk it.

So you're applying for Italian citizenship by marriage, and you've realized you need to pass the CILS B1 Cittadinanza exam. It seems simple enough... Intermediate level Italian, right? Not so fast. Most people walk into the test unprepared for what really matters. Here are the top 5 mistakes that could cost you the B1 exam for Italian citizenship and how to avoid them.

1. Not Learning the Test Format and Scoring Policies

Why it matters: You can be B1 level and still fail the exam. It's not just about knowing Italian. It's about knowing the CILS B1 exam format, timing, structure, and scoring system. Each section is scored separately, and if you fail just one, you don’t pass.

How to fix it: Study the exam structure, understand how each section is assessed, and practice with timed simulations. Know exactly what the graders are looking for so you can prepare for the B1 Italian test strategically.

2. Focusing on the Wrong Grammar for the B1 Exam

Why it matters: Most of the B1 exam for Italian citizenship focuses on present tense and regular verbs. You don’t need to memorize every irregular verb or obscure past tense. The few that appear can be learned easily with the right flashcard list, which we provide.

How to fix it: Focus on core grammar that reflects everyday Italian: present tense, regular verbs, and essential structures like passato prossimo and imperfetto.

3. Relying Only on Free Resources Like Duolingo

Why it matters: Free apps teach quirky sentences that don’t reflect real life. The B1 Cittadinanza exam is all about practical, real life Italian - the kind you'd use in a formal setting.

How to fix it: Invest in real preparation. Free might seem tempting, but you get what you pay for. Our prep programs aren’t free or cheap because they work.

4. Waiting for Fluency or Permission to Take the Exam

Why it matters: B1 level does not mean fluency. It means you can get your point across. If you wait until you feel perfect, you risk the Italian laws changing before you can even take the test.

How to fix it: Don’t wait for a tutor or Italian friend to tell you you're ready. Ready Set Italia is designed to take you from zero Italian to passing the exam by teaching you exactly what you need to know.

5. Choosing the Wrong Version of the B1 Exam

Why it matters: The B1 Cittadinanza is a shorter exam with a more favorable scoring system. Don’t settle for the standard version just because it’s closer.

How to fix it: Make the drive. Buy the plane ticket. The cittadinanza version is worth it. It could mean the difference between passing or failing, and between getting your citizenship or losing your chance.

Ready to Pass the CILS B1 Exam?

Ask yourself. What would you pay to guarantee your Italian citizenship as soon as possible? Probably more than a quality exam prep program like Ready Set Italia costs.

Can you try to pass on your own? Sure. But with the citizenship laws changing in Italy and more changes ahead, you don't have time to waste. Right now, citizenship by marriage for those living abroad remains in place, but major discussions took place in parliament this year to end that path.

You have no time to waste. The next exam is in October. And no matter what level of Italian you have right now, you can be ready and set to pass.

Check out our CILS B1 exam prep course and start preparing the right way today.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the B1 exam for Italian citizenship? It is an official language test that proves you have B1-level Italian proficiency, required by law for those applying for citizenship by marriage.

How hard is the CILS B1 exam? It can be difficult if you only focus on learning Italian and not the exam itself. You need to understand the format, timing, and scoring.

Is the B1 Cittadinanza different from the standard B1 exam? Yes. The cittadinanza version is shorter, easier to pass, and designed specifically for citizenship. It is the preferred version if you are eligible.