Czech Language Exam β Complete Guide
Everything you need to know about the official Czech language exam for permanent residency (A2) and citizenship (B1).
The Czech language exam is administered by the Institute for Language and Preparatory Studies (ILPS CU) and the National Pedagogical Institute (NPI ΔR). There are two levels: A2 (for permanent residency) and B1 (for Czech citizenship). The exam consists of a written part and an oral part, testing reading, listening, writing, and speaking skills.
Exam Parts
The exam comprises a written part and an oral part. The written part tests reading comprehension, listening comprehension, and writing skills. The written part is followed by the oral part, which tests speaking abilities.
Reading comprehension
50 minutesRead Czech texts (ads, letters, articles) and answer multiple-choice, true/false, matching, and ordering questions. You will encounter all 4 reading task types we practice on CzechQuest.
Listening comprehension
30β35 minutesListen to Czech audio (interviews, radio reports, conversations) and answer yes/no, multiple-choice, and gap-fill questions. Audio is played twice during the exam.
Writing skills
60 minutesWrite a short text (email, letter, or message) based on a prompt. Premium webinars on CzechQuest cover formal email writing and CV writing.
Speaking
15β18 minutes (in pairs)The oral exam is conducted in groups of two. Lots are drawn to determine the order and time. The exam is recorded for internal needs. Premium webinars cover self-introduction and conversation practice.
- 18:30 β 9:55 β 8:30 β 9:55 β Registration 1 (Czech Life & Institutions Exam candidates)
- 210:00 β 10:40 β 10:00 β 10:40 β Czech Life and Institutions Exam (30 questions, 30 min)
- 310:15 β 10:45 β 10:15 β 10:45 β Registration 2 (Czech Language Exam only candidates)
- 411:00 β 14:15 β 11:00 β 14:15 β Czech Language Exam β Written Part (Reading, Listening, Writing)
- 515-minute break follows each sub-test
- 614:40 β 17:45 β 14:40 β 17:45 β Czech Language Exam β Oral Part (Speaking, in pairs)
Overall assessment is Pass/Fail. To pass, you need at least 60% on each part of the exam. In one of the written parts, only 50% is required. If you fail any part, you must repeat the entire exam. There is no limit on the number of attempts.
60%
Each part
50%
One written part
β
Retakes
3 700 CZK
The fee for taking the Czech Language Exam is CZK 3,700. Payment details are sent by email after you submit the online application. The fee must be paid within 7 days. Bring proof of payment on exam day.
- Applicants who attended 3+ years of school taught in Czech
- Applicants under 15 or over 65 years old on the application date
- Applicants with a physical/mental handicap preventing Czech learning
- Applicants who completed an equivalent language exam (e.g., school-leaving exam, state exam, ALTE-certified B1+ exam)
Official Sample Exam (PDF)
Download the official B1 model variant from NPI ΔR β includes all task types with correct answers and transcripts.
Official Listening Sample (MP3)
Listen to the official B1 listening comprehension sample audio β the same format you'll hear on exam day.
Official Exam Portal
Register for the exam, view dates and venues, and access the official online application at cestina-pro-cizince.cz.
- 1Practice all 7 task types β the exam covers all of them, not just your favorites.
- 2Time yourself during practice. Reading is 50 minutes for ~20 questions β that's ~2.5 min/question.
- 3Listen to Czech radio and podcasts daily. The listening section uses real-speed Czech.
- 4Learn the alphabet and numbers cold β they appear in gap-fill and matching tasks.
- 5For writing, memorize formal email phrases (DobrΓ½ den, S pozdravem, etc.).
- 6Arrive early on exam day. Late candidates may not be admitted.
Ready to start practicing?
Try all 7 task types with our free trial β no credit card required.
Start free trialCzechQuest is an independent preparatory platform and is not affiliated with ILPS CU, NPI ΔR, or any official Czech examination body. Always verify exam details on the official portal.