How to Pass the CCE–B1 Exam (Czech Citizenship Gateway)
So, you’ve survived Czech small talk, you can order svíčková without panic, and you’ve even mastered říct třicet tři třikrát rychle. What’s next? If your goal is to become a Czech citizen, there’s one big step ahead: the CCE–B1 exam.
Don’t worry, it’s not designed to trick you. Instead, it checks if you can function as an independent Czech speaker: describe experiences, explain opinions, and solve practical problems. Let’s break it down.
Why the CCE–B1 Exam Matters
Legal requirement: You need CCE–B1 to apply for Czech citizenship.
Level check: It shows you’re an independent user of Czech (CEFR B1).
Opportunities: It’s recognized by employers, schools, and institutions. Passing proves you can live, study, and work in Czech confidently.
What the Exam Looks Like
The exam has four parts, all completed in one day:
Reading (50 min): Four tasks, 25 questions. You’ll read longer texts (articles, letters, adverts) and answer True/False, multiple-choice, or matching questions.
Listening (35–40 min): Four tasks, 25 questions. You’ll hear dialogues, interviews, and short monologues, always played twice. At the end, you have 4 minutes to transfer answers.
Writing (60 min): Two tasks:
Task 1: Fill in a questionnaire (MIN. 75 words). Answer three questions with detail and reasons.
Task 2: Write a personal letter (MIN. 100 words). Choose one of two topics, describe the situation, and explain how you’ll solve it.
Speaking (15–18 min, in pairs): Three parts:
Introduction (personal questions about work, studies, hobbies, plans).
Picture task (describe, compare, and discuss).
Role-play dialogue with another candidate (solve a practical task together).
To pass, you must score at least 60% in each part — not just overall.
180 minutes of written tests + 15–18 minutes speaking (in pairs). This level shows independent communication in Czech and is required for citizenship.
CCE–B1 Czech Exam Overview
180 minutes written tests + 15–18 minutes speaking in pairs.
Required for citizenship.
Proves you can communicate independently in everyday and semi-formal Czech.
Common Struggles at B1
Too few words in writing: <65 words for Task 1 or <90 words for Task 2 = 0 points.
Wrong style: Formal answers in a personal letter, or informal style in a questionnaire.
One-sentence speaking: At B1, you must expand: Bydlím v Praze, protože tam studuji a pracuji. Not just: Bydlím v Praze.
Forgetting connectors: Sentences without protože, i když, zatímco sound too basic.
Overcomplicating grammar: Long, incorrect sentences lose points. Better short and correct.
How to Prepare Smartly
Practice listening with real Czech: Try Czech Radio or ČT archives. Search for topics like rozhovor to train with authentic interviews.
Write to word count: Practice both tasks, count words, and check that you’ve answered all points.
Simulate speaking: Describe pictures, compare situations, and role-play with a partner.
Expand grammar range: Review nouns, pronouns, verb aspect, cases, and conjunctions to connect sentences smoothly.
Check style: Formal for questionnaires, informal for letters.
For more listening, reading, writing, and speaking tips, check out the Painless Czech Guidebook.
Step-by-Step Plan
No need to guess what to study each week. My CCE B1: 2-Month Study Plan gives you daily tasks, sample answers, and authentic practice tips, so you’re fully ready on exam day.
The CCE–B1 exam is your gateway to Czech citizenship. With the right strategy, practice, and maybe a little coffee, you’ll pass it and proudly call yourself a Czech citizen.
