CELI 2 B1 Exam 2026: How to Pass for Italian Citizenship
Quick Answer
CELI 2 is the official Italian language exam at B1 level (intermediate proficiency) required for Italian citizenship. Administered by CVCL. Pass mark: 70% overall. Duration: ~3.5 hours. Four skills: reading, writing, listening, speaking. Pass rate: 61%. Preparation: 12-16 weeks. CELI 2 is harder than CIPLE A2 and DELE A2 because it's B1 level, not A2.
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What is CELI 2 B1?
CELI 2 is the official Italian language certification exam at B1 level (intermediate proficiency), administered by CVCL (Centro per la Valutazione e le Certificazioni Linguistiche).
CELI 2 is required for: Italian citizenship applications, Italian residency permits, work permits in Italy, language proficiency proof for immigration, and university admission in Italy.
Important: CELI 2 is B1 level, NOT A2. This makes it significantly harder than CIPLE A2 (Portuguese A2) or DELE A2 (Spanish A2).
CELI 2 B1 Exam Structure & Scoring
CELI 2 tests four language skills at B1 level (intermediate).
| Skill | Duration | Points | Minimum to Pass |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reading | 60 minutes | 100 points | 70 points (70%) |
| Writing | 60 minutes | 100 points | 70 points (70%) |
| Listening | 30 minutes | 100 points | 70 points (70%) |
| Speaking | 20 minutes | 100 points | 70 points (70%) |
| Total | ~3.5 hours | 400 points | 280 points (70%) |
CELI 2 Scoring System
Why CELI 2 is B1, Not A2
This is the key difference between CELI 2 and other citizenship exams:
| Exam | Level | Difficulty | Pass Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| DELE A2 (Spanish) | A2 | Elementary | 72% |
| CIPLE A2 (Portuguese) | A2 | Elementary | 68% |
| DELF A2 (French) | A2 | Elementary | 65% |
| CELI 2 (Italian) | B1 | Intermediate | 61% |
What this means: CELI 2 B1 is one full CEFR level higher than the other citizenship exams. You need to demonstrate intermediate proficiency, not just elementary.
B1 Level Requirements
At B1 level, you must be able to: understand main points of clear input on familiar topics; produce simple connected text on topics that are familiar or of personal interest; describe experiences and events, dreams, hopes, and ambitions; give reasons and explanations for opinions and plans; participate in conversations about familiar topics.
How to Prepare for CELI 2 B1
Preparation Time
| Starting Level | Preparation Time | Total Hours | Daily Study |
|---|---|---|---|
| Complete beginner (A0) | 16-20 weeks | 150-200 hours | 2-2.5 hours |
| Basic level (A1) | 12-16 weeks | 120-150 hours | 1.5-2 hours |
| Lower intermediate (A2) | 8-12 weeks | 80-120 hours | 1.5-2 hours |
| Near B1 level | 4-8 weeks | 60-80 hours | 1.5-2 hours |
Study Plan
Weeks 1-4 (Foundation): 1h vocabulary (B1-level words), 1h grammar (complex tenses, subjunctive), 30 min reading. Total: 2.5h daily.
Weeks 5-8 (Skill Development): 30 min vocabulary review, 1h reading (exam format), 1h writing, 30 min listening, 30 min speaking. Total: 3.5h daily.
Weeks 9-12 (Exam Practice): 1 full mock test per week (3.5h), 1.5h focused practice on weak areas, 30 min speaking. Total: 2-3h daily + 3.5h weekly mock.
CELI 2 B1 Exam Dates 2026
CELI 2 is offered multiple times per year. Check CVCL official website for exact 2026 dates. Typical sessions: multiple times throughout the year in Italy and internationally.
How to Register for CELI 2
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is CELI 2 B1 instead of A2?
Italy requires B1 level (intermediate) for citizenship, while other countries require A2 (elementary). This makes CELI 2 significantly harder than DELE A2 or CIPLE A2.
How long does it take to prepare for CELI 2?
12-16 weeks for A1 level students, 16-20 weeks for complete beginners. Most candidates study 1.5-2 hours daily.
What is the pass mark for CELI 2?
70% overall (280 out of 400 points). No individual skill minimums.
What is the pass rate for CELI 2?
61% on first attempt. Lower than other citizenship exams because it's B1 level.
Can I retake CELI 2 if I fail?
Yes. You can retake CELI 2 as many times as you want. CELI 2 has a carry-over policy โ you can bank passed sections for 2 years.
Is CELI 2 harder than DELE A2 or CIPLE A2?
Yes. CELI 2 is B1 level while DELE A2 and CIPLE A2 are A2 level. CELI 2 is one full CEFR level higher, making it significantly harder.
How much does CELI 2 cost?
Exam fees typically range from โฌ60-100 depending on location.
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