Exam Preparation · Italian B1
CILS B1 Preparation for Italian Citizenship
The CILS B1 for citizenship is a real exam with a real deadline. I’ll help you prepare for all four sections — reading, writing, listening, and speaking — so you walk in feeling ready.
Not sure where to start?
Get in touch first — it’s free
Tell me your exam date and current level — I’ll tell you exactly what you need.
About the exam
What is the CILS B1?
The CILS (Certificazione di Italiano come Lingua Straniera) is issued by the University of Siena and is one of the official Italian language certificates recognised for citizenship applications. The B1 level is the minimum required by Italian law.
The exam has four sections: reading comprehension, written production, listening comprehension, and oral production. You need to pass all four to receive the certificate.
The four sections
📖 Reading
Understand written texts on everyday topics.
✍️ Writing
Produce simple written texts — letters, forms, short descriptions.
🎧 Listening
Understand spoken Italian in everyday situations.
🗣️ Speaking
Have a conversation on familiar topics with the examiner.
How I work
A plan built around your exam date.
Everyone arrives at a different point — some students have months to prepare, others just a few weeks. Before we start, I’ll assess your current level and build a plan that makes sense for the time you have.
All four sections covered
Reading, writing, listening, speaking — we work on each one, with more focus on wherever you’re weakest.
Real exam practice
We use past papers and exam-style exercises so you know exactly what to expect on the day.
Written feedback after every lesson
After each session I send a PDF with corrections, notes, and any exercises we worked on — so you always have something to review.
30 years of teaching experience
I know which grammar points trip students up, what the examiners look for in the speaking section, and how to build confidence fast.
FAQ
Common questions.
How many lessons do I need?
It depends on your current level and how much time you have before the exam. Get in touch and I’ll give you an honest assessment — no generic packages.
Which exam should I take — CILS, CELI, or PLIDA?
For citizenship, all three are accepted. CILS (University of Siena) is the most widely used. If you’re not sure which to choose, mention it when you contact me.
What are your lesson prices?
CILS preparation uses the same rates as my regular lessons — 30, 45, or 60 minutes. See the Italian lessons page for full pricing.
Do I need any materials?
No. I provide all the materials — past papers, exercises, grammar notes — as PDFs. You don’t need to buy anything.
Tell me your exam date.
Get in touch with your exam date and current level. I’ll get back to you with an honest plan — no commitment required.