I cannot read and write well: can I take the B1 exam for citizenship?
Yes, but B1 Cittadinanza has written parts (reading and writing) and you must pass all four. CILS has special procedures for candidates who cannot read or write only for A2 Integrazione in Italia; for B1, ask the centre about any support measures.
B1 Cittadinanza does not let you keep passed parts: if you fail reading or writing, you retake the whole exam.
The CILS procedures for illiteracy concern A2 Integrazione in Italia for the long-term permit. For specific needs (such as physical problems) the centre sends medical documents and CILS decides on support measures.
Taking an Italian course before the exam is, in our assessment, the most realistic path; CPIA centres run courses for adults.
Note: there is no complete official rule on this. Anything beyond the sources listed is our own assessment; the exam centre or the competent office decides.
Sources: CILS, Prove Liv. B1 c, CILS, Iscrizione agli esami. Updated 13 November 2026.
Next steps
More questions
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