Frequently Asked Questions
Get expert answers about language requirements for citizenship (CIPLE, DELE) and residency (DELF A2, CELI 1 A2).
Last updated: February 2026
How to prepare for your exam — step by step
- Choose your exam. CIPLE A2 (Portugal), DELE A2 (Spain), DELF A2 (France), or CELI 1 A2 (Italy). Not sure? Check the "Choosing Your Exam" section below.
- Book your exam date. Register with the official exam body. Popular centres sell out quickly — book before you start preparing. See our registration guides in the FAQ.
- Get your study plan. Enter your exam date and available study time in Prep2Go. You get a day-by-day plan covering reading, listening, writing, and speaking.
- Practice daily. Follow your plan: 8–12 weeks of consistent practice is typical. Use mock tests to check you meet the pass mark in every section (e.g. the 25% rule for CIPLE).
- Take a full mock test. Before exam day, do at least one full-length mock under timed conditions. Prep2Go gives you an AI-scored result and pass/fail by section.
📱About Prep2Go
What is Prep2Go?
Prep2Go is for immigrants and expats who need to pass A2 language exams (CIPLE, DELE, DELF, CELI) for citizenship or residency applications.
It's an exam preparation platform — not a language course. You enter your exam date, your current level, and how many minutes per day you can study. The platform builds a personalised day-by-day preparation plan covering all exam sections, with daily reminders to keep you on track.
We help you pass with exam-style practice: every exercise is exam-format, every word is high-frequency, and every session simulates real test conditions.
Is it suitable for complete beginners?
Yes, if your timeline is realistic. The plan adjusts based on your starting level — someone beginning from zero needs significantly more time than someone already near A2. If your available time before the exam is insufficient for your level, the platform will tell you rather than compressing the plan into something unrealistic.
What skills does Prep2Go cover?
What is the mock test?
The mock test is a full-length exam simulator that matches the real test structure (sections, timing, and format). You take it under exam conditions and get an AI-scored result with a pass/fail indication and section breakdown. It helps you see your real level before the actual exam. Each plan includes a number of mock test runs; you can start one from your exam dashboard under Mock Test.
Does it replace a teacher?
No. Speaking practice benefits from human feedback that the platform alone cannot fully provide. For speaking, Prep2Go connects students with qualified tutors — available separately from the subscription.
What is included in each plan?
All plans include: personalised study calendar, daily reminders, full-length mock tests (exam simulators with AI scoring), all reading and listening exercises, writing module with AI feedback, vocabulary module, grammar module, and podcast content.
Plans:
Is there a free trial?
Yes — get full access for 7 days, no card required. Try the full platform before deciding whether to continue on a paid plan.
What if I don't pass my exam?
Contact us at support@prep2go.study within 30 days of your exam date for a full refund. No questions asked.
What languages does the platform use?
The interface and instructions are in English. All exam content — texts, listening audio, writing tasks, vocabulary — is in the language of the exam you are preparing for (Portuguese for CIPLE, Spanish for DELE, French for DELF, Italian for CELI). You can translate the interface using your browser's built-in translation if needed.
Which exams does Prep2Go support?
ciple-a2" class="text-blue-600 dark:text-blue-400 hover:underline font-medium">CIPLE A2 — Portuguese citizenship and residency
dele-a2" class="text-blue-600 dark:text-blue-400 hover:underline font-medium">DELE A2 — Spanish citizenship and residency
delf-a2" class="text-blue-600 dark:text-blue-400 hover:underline font-medium">DELF A2 — French residency only (we do not cover DELF B1/B2 for 10-year card or citizenship)
celi-a2" class="text-blue-600 dark:text-blue-400 hover:underline font-medium">CELI 1 A2 — Italian residency only (we do not cover CELI 2 B1)
🎯Choosing Your Exam
Which exam do I need?
It depends on the country where you're applying:
Not sure? ciple-dele-delf-celi" class="text-blue-600 dark:text-blue-400 hover:underline">Compare all exams →
CIPLE vs DELE — which is harder?
Both test A2 level. CIPLE has a strict 25% minimum per section — fail one section, fail the whole exam. DELE uses pair scoring (Reading+Writing, Listening+Speaking) with 30/50 per pair. The formats differ: CIPLE listening is played once over speakers with background noise; DELE has different task types. Most students find the difficulty similar — it's the format that trips people up. See our ciple-a2-vs-dele-a2-which-is-harder" class="text-blue-600 dark:text-blue-400 hover:underline">CIPLE vs DELE comparison.
DELF vs CELI — what is the carry-over policy?
CELI (Italian) has a unique carry-over rule: if you fail one block, you can resit only that block within one year and keep your passing scores. DELF (French) does not offer this — you retake the full exam. DELF A2 and CELI 1 A2 are for residency; French citizenship requires B2 (as of 2026), Italian citizenship B1.
💳Pricing & Plans
How much does Prep2Go cost?
Free (no signup):
One-time plans (no subscription):
Paid plans: unlimited practice, Learning Path, progress tracking, full vocabulary. Get full access for 7 days — no card required. Get full access for 7 days → | Full pricing details
What's included in the free plan?
Without payment you get:
Sign up to save progress and unlock more. One-time plans add: Learning Path, unlimited practice, full vocabulary deck, AI writing feedback, detailed analytics.
What happens after my 7-day trial?
You keep your progress. If you don't upgrade, you continue with the free tier limits (5 exercises per skill, limited vocabulary).
Progress is saved for 90 days if you decide to upgrade later. No automatic charges — we never ask for your card during trial.
How do I activate my license key?
After purchasing, you'll receive a license key via email.
To activate:
1. Sign in to your account
2. Go to Settings → Subscription
3. Click 'Activate License Key'
4. Enter your key: PREP2GO-XXXX-XXXX-XXXX
5. Click 'Activate'
Or use our activate page. Your account upgrades instantly. Lost your key? Check your email (subject: 'Your Prep2Go License') or contact support@prep2go.study
Can I get a refund?
Yes — 30-day money-back guarantee for candidates who completed onboarding and at least 5 study sessions. Submit your request via our Refund Request form (see Refund Policy). We review and respond within 3–5 business days.
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept major credit cards and debit cards through our secure payment processor (Lemon Squeezy).
Payments are one-time. No subscription, no recurring charges.
Are the plans one-time payments or subscriptions?
All plans are one-time payments. No subscription, no recurring charges. You pay once and keep access for the duration of your plan (3, 6, or 12 months) or forever (Lifetime).
We never store your card details or charge you again after your initial purchase.
Can I upgrade from one plan to another?
Yes. Contact us at support@prep2go.study and we will credit your original purchase toward the upgrade. For example, if you bought the 3-month plan ($100) and want to upgrade to 12 months ($300), you pay $200 more.
Is the Lifetime plan really worth it?
Yes — if you're preparing for multiple exams or want to help a family member. The Lifetime plan includes unlimited mock exams (40 total) across all four exams (CIPLE, DELE, DELF, CELI) forever. If you're preparing for two exams, the Lifetime plan ($500) costs less than two separate 12-month plans ($600).
Need multiple licenses? Contact support@prep2go.study for custom pricing.
Lifetime also includes all future updates (law changes, new exam formats) at no extra cost.
Can I upgrade from a 3-month or 12-month plan to Lifetime?
Yes. Contact support@prep2go.study and we'll credit your original purchase toward the Lifetime upgrade.
Example: You bought the 12-month plan for $300, then decide you want Lifetime. You pay $200 more ($500 - $300 credit) and get Lifetime access.
Will the Lifetime price really increase to $600?
Yes. We're selling Lifetime at $500 (beta pricing) until we hit 500 licenses sold. After that, the price increases to $600 permanently. This gives early adopters a $100 discount for supporting us during beta.
📜2025–2026 Law Changes
What is Lei Orgânica 1/2024?
A 2024 amendment that changed when your residency clock starts — from the date your permit was issued to the date you applied. If you waited years for AIMA to process your card, that waiting time now counts toward your 5-year citizenship requirement.
Will Portugal raise the citizenship requirement to 10 years?
Parliament approved a proposal, but the Constitutional Court rejected key provisions. The 5-year rule remains in force as of February 2026. Parliament can revise and resubmit — so if you're eligible now, don't wait.
What changed in France for residency in 2026?
As of January 1, 2026, France now requires DELF A2 (or TCF equivalent) for multi-year residence permits (carte de séjour pluriannuelle). Previously, applicants only needed proof of enrollment in language training.
The requirement for the 10-year residency card was raised from A2 to B1, and the citizenship requirement was raised from B1 to B2. A new civic exam was also introduced.
Prep2go covers DELF A2 preparation only. For B1 and B2 preparation, contact us for alternatives.
Does the 2024 Portuguese law change affect me if I'm already in the process?
Yes. Under Lei Orgânica 1/2024, your residency clock now starts from the date you applied, not the date your permit was issued. If you waited years for AIMA to process your card, that waiting time now counts toward your 5-year requirement.
This means many applicants are closer to eligibility than they realized. Check your application date, not your permit issue date.
🇪🇺Language Requirements for Citizenship
Do I need to take the exam if I waited 2 years for my residence permit?
Yes. Under Lei Orgânica n.º 1/2024, the time spent waiting for AIMA/SEF approval now counts toward your 5-year residency requirement.
You should take ciple-a2" class="text-blue-600 dark:text-blue-400 hover:underline font-medium">CIPLE as soon as you're ready so that when you become eligible, you already have the certificate in hand.
Will the residency requirement increase to 10 years?
Parliament approved a proposal to extend the requirement to 10 years, but the Constitutional Court rejected key provisions in February 2026. The 5-year rule remains in force. Parliament can revise and resubmit — so if you're eligible now, don't wait.
What is the minimum score for citizenship?
55% overall (graded "Suficiente").
You must also achieve a minimum of 25% (11 points) in each of the three components: Reading+Writing, Listening, and Speaking.
Can I retake only one section?
Unlike Italian CELI, CIPLE does not offer a standard single-section retake. If you fail one component, you typically retake the entire exam.
This is why balanced preparation across all sections is critical.
How does DELE A2 scoring work?
Four skills worth 25 points each. You must score 30/50 in each of two pairs: Reading + Writing and Listening + Speaking. Scoring 59/100 total still means fail if one pair is under 30.
What is the eliminatory score in DELF A2?
If you score below 5/25 in any single skill, you automatically fail — regardless of your total score.
🤔Is Prep2Go right for me?
I already speak the language. Do I still need Prep2go?
Yes — if you haven't practiced the exam format. Speaking the language and passing the exam are different skills.
Many native-level speakers fail because:
Prep2go's mock exams are the fastest way to find out if your language level translates to a pass score.
How is this different from Duolingo or Babbel?
Unlike Duolingo or Babbel, this is exam-focused preparation for people with fixed test dates and specific pass requirements.
Language apps teach broadly (grammar, vocabulary, conversation). Prep2Go is laser-focused on one goal: passing your citizenship exam on a specific date.
Think of it this way: language app = learning to drive generally; Prep2Go = preparing for your driving test. Both valuable. Different purposes.
Is Prep2Go a language course?
No — it's focused on something better for your goal: passing your exam.
Language courses teach broadly. Prep2Go is laser-focused on one outcome: helping you pass your citizenship exam.
Every exercise is exam-format. Every word is high-frequency. Every practice session simulates real test conditions.
Result: You prepare faster and more effectively than with traditional courses.
Will I become fluent using Prep2Go?
Not fluent — but competent, which is what the exam tests.
A2 exams test 'basic user' level: can you understand everyday phrases, communicate in simple situations, and describe your background and needs?
That's what Prep2Go trains you for.
Fluency comes later, from living in the country and daily practice. Prep2Go gets you the certificate you need to start that journey.
What exactly does Prep2Go optimize?
Prep2Go optimizes your preparation around:
It does not optimize for casual learning or exploration. It optimizes for passing your exam.
Does Prep2Go guarantee exam success?
We can't guarantee — but we dramatically improve your odds.
What we CAN guarantee:
What we CAN'T control:
Many students pass on first try. We help you be as prepared as possible.
📅Planning your preparation
Do I need to know the language before starting?
No — but you need realistic expectations.
If you're starting from zero, you typically need 8–12 weeks minimum before your exam. Our system assesses your readiness on Day 1 and tells you if your timeline is achievable.
We'd rather be honest upfront than take your money and watch you fail.
Basic level (A1): 8–12 weeks. Near A2: 6–8 weeks. Prep2Go shows you a realistic timeline when you set up your study plan.
How long does preparation take?
8–12 weeks for most students with basic knowledge of the language.
Example: March 1 start → May 15 exam ready.
Timeline depends on your starting level:
Prep2Go shows you a realistic timeline based on YOUR level when you set up your study plan.
Is this suitable for beginners?
Yes — if your timeline is realistic.
Prep2Go works for beginners (A0), A1 learners, and those close to A2. The required preparation time differs, and this is reflected in your plan.
We'll tell you honestly if your exam date gives you enough time.
What if I don't have enough time?
We'll tell you honestly — and give you options.
When you set up your study plan, we calculate if your timeline is realistic. If not, you'll see a time alert with:
We'd rather be honest upfront than watch you fail.
Do I need a teacher or tutor?
Not required — but can boost your speaking and writing.
What Prep2Go gives you:
Where a tutor helps:
Best approach: Prep2Go for 80% of your study + occasional tutor sessions (1–2x per month) for live feedback.
Budget tip: Find conversation partners on Tandem or HelloTalk (free).
How is the study plan calculated?
Your plan is based on:
The system then checks whether your time is sufficient for realistic preparation. If not, we tell you.
When should I book my exam date?
Book your exam slot before you start preparing — not after. Popular centers (especially Lisbon) sell out within hours of opening, typically in January.
Once you have your exam date, set up your study plan in Prep2go. The platform builds your day-by-day preparation schedule backward from your exam date.
What if I fail my exam?
You can retake the exam at the next available session. There is no limit on attempts. You pay the full exam fee again (€72–85).
To request a refund from Prep2go: submit via our Refund Request form or contact support@prep2go.study within 30 days of your exam date. See our refund policy. We review and respond within 3–5 business days.
To avoid failing: take a full mock exam before booking, identify your weakest section, and don't book until you're consistently scoring above the pass threshold.
Can I switch between exams?
Yes! Your account gives you access to all exams.
During trial (7 days): Switch freely. Progress is saved separately for each exam.
After trial:
How to switch: Click your exam in the header → Select new exam. Your progress for the previous exam is saved.
What languages does Prep2Go use?
English for the interface and instructions. The exam content (texts, tasks, listening) is always in the language of the exam you chose — Portuguese, Spanish, French, or Italian.
You may translate the interface using your browser if needed.
🇵🇹CIPLE A2 Specific
Who needs to take the CIPLE?
Anyone applying for Portuguese citizenship through naturalisation or permanent residency who needs to demonstrate A2-level Portuguese. You do not need to live in Portugal to register — any foreign candidate aged 16 or above can sign up regardless of their country of residence.
What does CIPLE stand for?
CIPLE stands for Certificado Inicial de Português Língua Estrangeira — Initial Certificate of Portuguese as a Foreign Language. It is administered by CAPLE (Centro de Avaliação de Português Língua Estrangeira) at the University of Lisbon.
What's the difference between CIPLE and CAPLE?
CIPLE is the name of the A2-level exam. CAPLE is the body that runs it: the Centre for the Evaluation of Portuguese as a Foreign Language at the University of Lisbon. So you sit the CIPLE exam, which is organised by CAPLE. Other CAPLE exams include DEPLE (B1), DIPLE (B2), DAPLE (C1), and DUPLE (C2). For citizenship you need CIPLE (A2).
How long is the CIPLE exam?
Approximately 2 hours total, divided into three components:
All three components take place on the same day at most centres, though some centres schedule the speaking component on a separate day. Check your confirmation email carefully.
What is the pass mark?
55% overall (grade: Suficiente). There is also a minimum threshold per section — you cannot score below 25% on any individual component and still pass, even if your overall score is above 55%.
This is why the listening section is particularly risky. A very weak listening score can fail a candidate whose reading and writing are strong. Read more: caple-why-high-scorers-fail-the-ciple-a2" class="text-blue-600 dark:text-blue-400 hover:underline font-medium">The 25% Rule.
What is the grading scale?
How long until I get results?
Results are published on the CAPLE website approximately 4–6 weeks after the exam date. You'll receive an email with instructions on how to access them using your candidate number. The physical certificate arrives approximately one month after results — so 6–8 weeks from exam to certificate in hand.
Does the CIPLE certificate expire?
No. The certificate is valid indefinitely. You can use it for a citizenship or residency application at any point in the future — there is no deadline to submit it.
Do I need to take an A1 exam first?
No. There are no prerequisites. You can register for CIPLE directly without having taken any prior CAPLE exam or certification.
Can I take the exam outside Portugal?
Yes. CAPLE authorised centres exist in over 35 countries including Spain, France, Germany, the UK, the USA, Canada, Australia, Brazil, and Japan. International sessions typically run in May, July, and November. Portugal has more frequent dates, including February through June.
How quickly do exam slots fill up?
Very quickly — especially in Portugal. Slots at popular centres such as Faculdade de Letras in Lisbon can sell out within hours of opening, typically in January. Candidates who waited until they felt ready to book have found all available slots gone for months ahead.
The practical advice: book your exam slot before you start preparing, not after. See our ciple-a2-in-2026-step-by-step-guide" class="text-blue-600 dark:text-blue-400 hover:underline font-medium">CIPLE A2 exam dates 2026 guide for step-by-step registration.
What do I bring on exam day?
Dictionaries, phones, and all electronic devices must be left outside or switched off completely before entering.
What happens during the listening section?
The listening section is consistently reported as the hardest part of the exam. Audio is played over room speakers — not headphones — and each recording is played once only with no replay. Many recordings include deliberate background noise (café sounds, traffic, public announcements) to simulate real-world listening conditions.
Candidates who only practised with clean, headphone-quality audio are frequently caught off guard. Prepare under realistic conditions.
What happens during the speaking section?
You are paired with another candidate and assessed together in a short oral interaction. Tasks typically include describing a picture, a brief roleplay scenario (buying a ticket, making a complaint, asking for directions), and a short conversation on a familiar topic.
The examiner observes and scores but does not participate in the conversation. Most candidates find this format less stressful than a solo performance.
Is there an alternative to the CIPLE exam?
Yes. Completing a certified 150-hour Portuguese A1+A2 course — known as PLA (Português Língua de Acolhimento) — through an officially recognised provider earns an A2 certificate that Portuguese immigration authorities accept in place of the CIPLE. This is explicitly provided for under Portuguese nationality law.
The 150-hour route takes longer (typically 3–5 months) but removes the exam slot problem entirely and suits candidates who prefer a course format over a one-day test.
How much does the CIPLE exam cost?
€72–85 depending on the exam centre. If you fail, you pay again. That's why preparing properly before booking matters.
Can I retake the exam if I fail?
Yes. There is no limit on the number of attempts. Your scores from a failed attempt are not carried forward — you sit all three components again in a future session. You register and pay the full fee again for each attempt.
What is CIPLE A2?
CIPLE A2 (Certificado Inicial de Português Língua Estrangeira) is the official Portuguese A2 certificate issued by CAPLE (Universidade de Lisboa).
It's required for:
Prep2Go helps you prepare for and pass this exam.
How hard is CIPLE A2?
Manageable with consistent preparation.
CIPLE tests basic user level — everyday phrases, simple situations, describing your background. The challenge is often the format (timed sections, specific task types) rather than raw difficulty.
With 8–12 weeks of structured practice, most dedicated students pass.
What's the pass rate for CIPLE A2?
Official data is limited. Anecdotal evidence suggests:
Common reasons for failing:
Prep2Go addresses all of these through exam-format practice.
What's the 25% trap in CIPLE A2?
The #1 reason people fail CIPLE A2 even with high overall scores.
The rule: You need 55% overall AND 25% minimum in EACH section.
Example of the trap:
Overall: 74% — but you FAIL because Listening < 25%.
How Prep2Go helps:
Where can I take the CIPLE exam?
CIPLE is offered at CAPLE-certified centers worldwide — in Portugal and in many countries abroad.
Check caple.letras.ulisboa.pt for exam dates and registration. For step-by-step registration and 2026 dates, see our ciple-a2-in-2026-step-by-step-guide" class="text-blue-600 dark:text-blue-400 hover:underline font-medium">CIPLE A2 exam dates 2026 guide. Prep2Go shows session dates and registration deadlines when available.
How many words do I need for CIPLE A2?
The exam typically requires approximately 1,000 core words. Prep2Go's vocabulary component helps you build this systematically with high-frequency exam vocabulary.
🇪🇸DELE A2 Specific
What is DELE A2?
DELE A2 (Diploma de Español como Lengua Extranjera) is the official Spanish A2 certificate issued by Instituto Cervantes.
It's required for:
Prep2Go helps you prepare for and pass this exam.
How hard is DELE A2?
Manageable with consistent preparation.
DELE A2 tests basic user level — everyday phrases, simple situations. The challenge is often the format (timed sections, specific task types) rather than raw difficulty.
With 8–12 weeks of structured practice, most dedicated students pass.
Where can I take the DELE exam?
DELE is offered at Instituto Cervantes centers and accredited exam centers worldwide. Check examenes.cervantes.es for exam dates and registration.
Multiple sessions yearly. Prep2Go shows session dates and registration deadlines when available.
How many words do I need for DELE A2?
The exam typically requires approximately 800–1,000 core words. Prep2Go's vocabulary component helps you build this systematically with high-frequency exam vocabulary.
🇫🇷DELF A2 Specific
What is DELF A2?
DELF A2 (Diplôme d'Études en Langue Française) is the official French A2 certificate issued by France Éducation International.
It's required for:
Prep2Go helps you prepare for DELF A2 only. For the 10-year card you need DELF B1; for French citizenship (as of Jan 2026) you need DELF B2 — we do not cover those.
How hard is DELF A2?
Manageable with consistent preparation.
DELF A2 tests basic user level — everyday phrases, simple situations. The challenge is often the format (timed sections) rather than raw difficulty.
With 8–12 weeks of structured practice, most dedicated students pass.
Where can I take the DELF exam?
DELF is offered at Alliance Française locations and accredited centers worldwide. Check your local Alliance Française or official DELF website for exam dates and registration.
Prep2Go shows session dates and registration deadlines when available.
How many words do I need for DELF A2?
The exam typically requires approximately 800–1,000 core words. Prep2Go's vocabulary component helps you build this systematically.
🇮🇹CELI 1 A2 Specific
What is CELI 1 A2?
CELI (Certificato di Conoscenza della Lingua Italiana) is issued by Università per Stranieri di Perugia. CELI 1 = A2 (residency). CELI 2 = B1 (citizenship — we do not cover this).
Prep2Go helps you prepare for CELI 1 A2 only — exam-style practice and a clear path to your test date.
How hard is CELI?
Manageable with consistent preparation. CELI 1 (A2) tests everyday phrases and structured communication. With 8–12 weeks of structured practice, most dedicated students pass.
Where can I take the CELI exam?
CELI is offered at accredited centers worldwide. Check the University of Perugia calendar for exam dates and registration.
Multiple sessions per year. Prep2Go shows session dates when available.
How many words do I need for CELI 1 or CELI 2?
The exam typically requires approximately 800–1,000 core words for A2 and more for B1. Prep2Go's vocabulary component helps you build this systematically.
🔧Technical & Account
Is there a mobile app?
Not yet — but the website works great on mobile!
What works on mobile:
What's better on desktop:
Mobile app is on our roadmap. Want updates? Join our newsletter.
Can I download content offline?
Limited offline support currently.
What you CAN download:
What requires internet:
We continuously update content. Online ensures you always have the current version.
Is my progress saved in the cloud?
Yes. Your progress is stored securely and syncs across devices when you're signed in.
Vocabulary progress, completed exercises, and Learning Path status are all saved.
What browsers are supported?
Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge (latest versions). The site is responsive and works on desktop, tablet, and mobile browsers.