CILS B1 Cittadinanza Exam: Why It’s Getting Harder to Find (and What to Do About It)

In recent months, a noticeable shift has taken place... some intercultural centers abroad (including various Istituti Italiani di Cultura) have stopped offering the CILS B1 cittadinanza exam, promoting only the more difficult standard B1 Italian language test instead.

If this sounds familiar, it should. A few years ago, many of these same centers dropped the A2 integrazione exam in favor of the standard A2. Now it appears the same quiet shift is happening at the B1 level and it directly affects those applying for Italian citizenship by marriage from abroad.

A Subtle Way to Make Citizenship More Difficult

The Italian government has openly discussed limiting access to citizenship by marriage to spouses who reside within Italy. While those legal changes haven’t passed, the strategy seems to have shifted: make the process more difficult administratively, especially for those living outside the country.

And what’s one of the easiest ways to do that? Restrict access to the citizenship-level language exam.

Follow the Funding

Italian intercultural centers abroad are government-funded, and their offerings are shaped by staffing, demand, and budget. Language exams are only available on specific dates and require certified staff to administer. Reducing exam offerings means reducing the need for personnel—and cutting costs.

Since both the standard B1 and B1 cittadinanza are accepted for citizenship applications, it’s more efficient (for the centers) to only offer the harder one.

Fewer exams. Fewer staff. Smaller budget.

But Here's the Full Picture

This change is happening mostly at government-funded intercultural centers abroad. It does not mean the B1 cittadinanza is invalid or discontinued.

In fact, the B1 cittadinanza exam is still:

• Offered by many private exam centers abroad

• Available at some intercultural centers that are choosing not to follow the shift

• Thriving within Italy, where it’s administered at hundreds of authorized locations

The intercultual center in Torino, Italy advertises the B1 cittadinanza on their website.

The Italian Cultural Institute of Montreal, Canada advertises the CILS B1 cittadinanza on their website.

So while access may be shrinking in some places, the exam is still very much alive and valid.

Is the B1 Cittadinanza Still Accepted for Citizenship?

Yes, absolutely.

Under current Italian law, any B1-level language certification issued by an officially recognized provider (CILS, CELI, PLIDA) is a valid Italian language exam for citizenship by marriage or residency. That includes the B1 cittadinanza exam.

Every Italian consulate is required to accept it. No consulate can legally reject your certificate if it's from an approved certifier.

And here’s a fun fact: when you pass the CILS B1 cittadinanza exam, your downloadable result and official paper certificate simply say "Livello B1." They don’t even mention the word “cittadinanza.”

This is a CILS B1 Cittadinanza exam certificate (with private information redacted). You will notice there is no mention of "cittadinanza" anywhere, only "Livello B1."

How Is the B1 Cittadinanza Different from the Standard B1?

The difference is BIG—and it matters.

🟢 B1 Citizenship (esame CILS B1 Cittadinanza)

• 2 Listening sections

• 2 Reading comprehension sections

• 1 Writing section

• 2 very short Speaking sections

• Topics related to everyday life in Italy

• Duration: just under 2 hours

🔴 B1 Standard (esame CILS B1)

• 3 Listening sections

• 3 Reading comprehension sections

• 4 Grammar/structure sections

• 2 Speaking sections

• 2 Writing sections

• Topics can include academic or abstract subjects common in Italian high schools

• Duration: about 4 hours

While both exams meet the same legal requirement, the standard B1 is significantly more demanding in both content and length.

What If I Can’t Find the CILS B1 cittadinanza Exam Near Me?

Struggling with where to take CILS exam abroad? You still have options. While some exam centers may no longer advertise it, others still offer it regularly.

You might need to:

• Travel to another city or country

• Seek out private exam centers

• Contact exam sites directly to confirm availability

What These Changes Mean for Your CILS B1 Cittadinanza Application

Let’s be clear: Italy is actively making it harder to get citizenship by marriage from abroad. If they can’t change the law, they’ll make the process more difficult in practice—starting with your required language certification.

But you don’t have to fall victim to this strategy.

The B1 cittadinanza is still out there:

• It’s legal.

• It’s valid.

• It’s accepted.

• And it’s significantly easier than the standard B1.

So what should you do?

• Prepare for the B1 cittadinanza

• Travel for it, if needed

• Pass it

• Get your citizenship

Don’t wait. If access to the B1 cittadinanza becomes even more limited—or if further restrictions are introduced—you’ll be glad you acted when you did.

Final Thoughts on the CILS B1 cittadinanza Exam and Your Italian Citizenship

If you're applying for Italian citizenship by marriage, the B1 cittadinanza exam is your most direct and efficient path forward. Despite what some local centers may suggest, it remains fully legal, accepted, and valid across all Italian consulates.

Yes, it’s getting harder to find. But it’s still worth pursuing.

And if you need help preparing? That’s where we come in.

Ready Set Italia gives you focused, no-fluff preparation to help you pass the B1 cittadinanza exam... with confidence.