Which Czech Exam Should You Take? CCE–A2 vs. CCE–B1 Explained
So, you’ve decided to prove your Czech skills officially. Maybe you need it for permanent residence, for citizenship, for work, for university studies, or simply to show the world you can survive in a land where říct třicet tři is considered normal small talk.
But then you discover something scary: there’s not just one Czech exam. There are several levels (A1, A2, B1, B2, C1) and you have to pick the right one. Which one is for you? Where can you take it? And why is it necessary at all? Let’s make sense of it together.
What is the CCE exam?
The CCE (Certifikovaná zkouška z češtiny pro cizince) is the official Czech language exam organized by Charles University’s UJOP. It is internationally recognized and accepted by Czech institutions.
Why is it important?
Permanent residence: You need to pass at least CCE–A2.
Citizenship: You need to pass at least CCE–B1.
University or work: Higher levels (B2 or C1) are often required.
The exam tests the four core skills: reading, listening, writing, and speaking. It usually takes place in one day. And yes, it’s a real exam: with answer sheets, strict rules, and breaks between sections.
Where and how often can you take the exam?
CCE exams are offered several times a year in the Czech Republic (Prague, Brno, Olomouc, Hradec Králové, České Budějovice) and also in many other countries — from Berlin and Madrid to Tokyo and New York.
You register directly with UJOP, usually a few weeks in advance. Spots fill up quickly, so don’t leave it until the last minute.
A2 or B1 – Which one is for you?
Choosing between CCE–A2 and CCE–B1 can feel like standing at a crossroads. Both exams open doors in the Czech Republic, but to different destinations. One is your ticket to permanent residence, the other is your gateway to citizenship. Let’s break down which path is right for you.
CCE–A2: The Survival Certificate
Required for permanent residence.
Shows you can handle everyday Czech: shopping, transport, free time, writing short emails or notes, answering simple questions.
Exam format:
Reading – 40 min
Listening – 25–30 min
Writing – 40 min (informal e-mail + diary entry)
Speaking – 10–13 min (personal questions + role play)
Who should take it? → Anyone applying for permanent residence, or learners who want a solid “Yes, I can survive in Czech” milestone.
Need to prepare? My CCE A2: 2-Month Study Plan will guide you step by step, week by week.
140 minutes of written tests + 10–13 minutes speaking (individual). This level proves you can handle everyday Czech and is required for permanent residence.
CCE–B1: The Citizenship Gateway
Required for Czech citizenship.
Shows you can communicate independently in everyday situations and also explain opinions, describe experiences, and solve practical problems.
Exam format:
Reading – 50 min
Listening – 35–40 min
Writing – 60 min (questionnaire + personal letter)
Speaking – 15–18 min in pairs (personal intro, picture task, role play)
Who should take it? → Anyone applying for citizenship, or learners who want to prove independent Czech skills.
Need structure? Check out my CCE B1: 2-Month Study Plan. It covers everything including how to practice listening with Czech Radio and Czech TV (ČT).
180 minutes of written tests + 15–18 minutes speaking (in pairs). This level shows independent communication in Czech and is required for citizenship.
Why do you need these exams anyway?
Because the Czech Republic is serious about integration. To live here long-term, or even become a citizen, you need to show that you can actually function in society (not just order pivo).
And beyond the official requirements: preparing for these exams gives your learning a clear goal. It keeps you motivated and focused. Plus, who doesn’t love a shiny certificate?
How to prepare effectively?
Don’t just “study grammar” — train specifically for the exam format.
Practice listening with Czech Radio and Česká televize.
Write under time pressure — check word counts carefully.
Speak with partners — simulate role plays and picture descriptions.
And most importantly: have a clear plan.
That’s exactly why I created the CCE–A2 and CCE–B1 2-Month Study Plans. They tell you what to study each week, include Czech examples, and connect you to the grammar and vocabulary you really need.
