CILS B1 Cittadinanza vs B1 Standard: Which Exam Do You Need for Italian Citizenship?
- Tiffany
- 10 hours ago
- 4 min read
If you are preparing for the CILS B1 exam for Italian citizenship, you have probably come across two different versions of the test: the B1 Cittadinanza and the B1 Standard. They sound similar, they are both offered by the University for Foreigners of Siena, and they both satisfy the same legal requirement for Italian citizenship by marriage. But they are not the same exam, and choosing the wrong one could cost you a lot of unnecessary time and stress.
Here is everything you need to know...
What is the CILS B1 Cittadinanza?
The B1 Cittadinanza is a simplified version of the B1 exam, created specifically for people applying for Italian citizenship. It was introduced because the Italian government recognized that citizenship applicants do not need the same level of language proficiency as someone pursuing an academic or professional qualification.
It is shorter, more focused, and more achievable for English speakers who are not yet fluent in Italian. The exam covers everyday Italian communication, and while perfect grammar and verb conjugation are helpful, they are not required to pass. The entire test takes 1 hour and 55 minutes to complete.
The B1 Cittadinanza is offered 6 times per year and is available at every approved testing site within Italy. It can be harder to find abroad, but given how much more achievable it is compared to the Standard version, many people find it well worth traveling for. For more information on where and when to take the exam, see our guide to 2026 CILS exam dates and registration.
This is the exam the majority of citizenship applicants take, and it is the one our B1 Cittadinanza program is built around.
What is the CILS B1 Standard?
The B1 Standard is the full version of the B1 exam. It includes everything tested in the Cittadinanza version, plus significantly more. Grammar and verb conjugation are tested at a much higher level and are essential to passing. It takes approximately 3 hours and 40 minutes to complete and is considerably more demanding overall.
The B1 Standard is only offered 2 times per year. While testing sites are generally easier to find abroad, the limited exam schedule makes it difficult to plan around, and if you need to retake it, you could be waiting 6 months for the next available date. If you fail a single section you can retake just that section rather than the entire exam, but that flexibility does little to offset the increased difficulty and the challenge of scheduling around such a limited calendar.
The B1 Standard is typically required for employment purposes or university admission. It is not necessary for citizenship applicants.
So which one do I need?
This depends on your situation.
If you are applying for Italian citizenship by marriage (cittadinanza per matrimonio), the B1 Cittadinanza is the right choice. It is accepted by every Italian consulate, it is offered more frequently, and it is significantly more achievable. There is no advantage to taking the harder exam for citizenship purposes.
If you need a general B1 Italian language certification for employment or university admission, the B1 Standard is typically required. Requirements can vary depending on your specific situation. Our step-by-step guide on how to register for the CILS exam can help once you have decided which exam is right for you.
One important thing to know
Both exams are in-person only and must be taken at an approved CILS testing site. Neither exam is available online.
How do the exams compare?
B1 Cittadinanza | B1 Standard | |
Total length | 1 hr 55 min | 3 hr 40 min |
Offered per year | 6 times | 2 times |
Testing sites in Italy | All approved sites | All approved sites |
Testing sites abroad | Harder to find | Easier to find |
Section retakes if you fail | No | Yes |
Accepted for citizenship | Yes | Yes |
Required for employment/university | No | Typically yes |
Listening | 2 tests, 30 min | 3 tests, 30 min |
Comprehension | 2 tests, 40 min | 3 tests, 50 min |
Grammar/Communication Structure | Included in comprehension | Dedicated section, 60 min |
Written | 1 task, 40 min | 2 tasks, 70 min |
Speaking | 2 tests, 5 min | 2 tests, 10 min |
Grammar and verb conjugation | Helpful but not essential | Essential to passing |
Frequently asked questions
Is the B1 Cittadinanza accepted for Italian citizenship?
Yes. The CILS B1 Cittadinanza is fully accepted by every Italian consulate for citizenship by marriage applications. It meets the same legal requirement as the B1 Standard and is the exam most citizenship applicants choose.
How many times a year is the CILS B1 Cittadinanza offered?
The B1 Cittadinanza is offered 6 times per year. The B1 Standard is only offered 2 times per year, which makes it significantly harder to plan around if you need to retake it.
What is the difference between the CILS B1 Cittadinanza and the B1 Standard?
The B1 Cittadinanza is a shorter, simplified exam designed for citizenship applicants. It takes 1 hour and 55 minutes and does not require perfect grammar or verb conjugation. The B1 Standard takes 3 hours and 40 minutes, tests grammar and verb conjugation at a much higher level, and is typically required for employment or university admission rather than citizenship.
Can I take the CILS exam in English?
The CILS exam itself is conducted in Italian, but you can prepare for it entirely in English. Our programs at Ready Set Italia are taught 100% in English, so you understand exactly what is required without needing to be fluent.
Do I need to be fluent in Italian to pass the B1 Cittadinanza?
No. The B1 Cittadinanza tests everyday Italian communication, not fluency. With the right exam-focused preparation, English speakers can pass without being fluent in Italian.
How Ready Set Italia can help
Our B1 Cittadinanza program is designed specifically for English speakers preparing for the CILS B1 Cittadinanza exam. It is 100% online, taught entirely in English, and self-paced, so you can study from anywhere in the world, on your own schedule.
Our B1 Standard program is currently in development and will be available soon. If you are interested, you can join the waitlist now and be the first to know when enrollment opens.
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