Being able to communicate in Portuguese is one of the conditions for seeking Portuguese citizenship. Usually, this is accomplished by taking an official language exam. What you need to know about the test, how to register, and what to anticipate are all covered here.

 

The CIPLE – A2 Language Test for Portuguese Citizenship

CIPLE (Certificado Inicial de Português Língua Estrangeira), a component of the larger CAPLE (Centro de Avaliação de Português Língua Estrangeira) system, is the official Portuguese language test for citizenship purposes.

Test Levels

Although the CAPLE system offers tests at many levels, passing the A2 level is typically required for citizenship considerations. From the most basic to the most advanced, these are all the levels that are available:

1. ACESSO (A1) – Certificate of Access to Portuguese

• Most basic level of Portuguese proficiency
• Demonstrates understanding and use of familiar everyday expressions and very basic phrases
• Below the level typically required for citizenship

2. CIPLE (A2) – Initial Certificate of Portuguese as a Foreign Language

• This is the minimum level required for citizenship application
• Demonstrates basic communication skills in everyday situations
  

3. DEPLE (B1) – Diploma of Portuguese as a Foreign Language

• Intermediate level
• Not typically required for citizenship, but demonstrates higher proficiency

4. DIPLE (B2) – Intermediate Diploma of Portuguese as a Foreign Language

• Upper-intermediate level
• Exceeds citizenship requirements

5. DAPLE (C1) – Advanced Diploma of Portuguese as a Foreign Language

• Advanced level
  Far exceeds citizenship requirements

6. DUPLE (C2) – University Diploma of Portuguese as a Foreign Language

• Near-native proficiency
• Far exceeds citizenship requirements

Students between the ages of 12 and 15 take the school-based CIPLE-e (level A2), DEPLE-e (level B1), and DIPLE-e (level B2) exams. For even younger individuals, ages 8 to 11, there is an exam (TEJO) that evaluates levels A1, A2, and B1.

Start Your 1 Week FREE Trial

 

Test Sections and Passing Requirements

The CIPLE (A2) test is divided into three main sections. Here’s a breakdown of each section and the requirements for passing:

 

1. Reading Comprehension and Written Expression

 

 

• Duration: 1 hour and 30 minutes
• Reading Comprehension: Multiple choice questions based on short texts
• Format: 20 questions total; The first 10 consist of short passages, including answering machine messages. The remaining questions ask test takers to answer questions related to two longer texts.
• Skills tested: Understanding main ideas in simple texts, identifying specific information
• Written Expression: Two writing tasks (e.g., filling out a form, writing a short message or email).
• Format: The first writing task should be between 25 and 35 words, and the second between 60 and 80 words. Make sure to leave enough time to count each word and please stay within the word count.
• Skills tested: Ability to write short, simple texts on familiar topics

 

2. Listening Comprehension

• Duration: 30 minutes
• Format: Multiple choice questions based on audio recordings.
  Note: This will be the hardest section by far, no matter how confident you think you are at listening!
• The questions becoming progressively more difficult.
• There is a lot of background noise during the audio recordings
• You get 30 seconds to read through three different answers in the multiple choice. Then, the audio is played twice for each question.
• The final task involves matching 10 sentences to the audio.
• Skills tested: Understanding main points in clear, slow speech on familiar topics

At the end of the listening section, you will be given a slip of paper with the scheduled time for the oral expression part of the test. This could be anywhere from 1-2 hours later.

3. Oral Expression

• Duration: 10-15 minutes
• Format: Short interview and role-play with another test taker
• Try to find your assigned speaking partner (the person with the same time slot and same room) before the oral test and practice together during the break. This should boost your confidence and give you an idea of your strengths and weaknesses ahead of time.
• The oral expression starts with introductory questions and then you will be asked to describe a picture for two minutes. Try to speak for the full two minutes.
• In the second part of oral expression, you will be asked to have a conversation with your speaking partner about an assigned topic. You will each need to speak for about two minutes.
• Skills tested: Ability to participate in simple conversations on familiar topics

 

Signup to The Course

 

What score do you need to pass the CIPLE test?

To pass the overall CIPLE test, you need to:

• Obtain an overall average score of at least 55% across all sections
• “Muito Bom” (Excellent Rating) is awarded for scores between 85% and 100%.
• “Bom” (Good Rating) is given for scores between 70% and 84%.
• “Suficiente” (Sufficient Rating) is awarded for scores between 55% and 69%. Candidates who achieve this rating or higher are considered to have passed the exam.

 

What I Can Do to Prepare for the CIPLE (A2) Test?

 

 

1. Reading Comprehension:

• Practice reading short texts like advertisements, simple news articles, and personal messages
• Focus on understanding main ideas and specific details

2. Written Expression:

• Practice writing short messages, emails, and filling out forms
• Pay attention to basic grammar rules and common everyday vocabulary

3. Listening Comprehension:

• Listen to Portuguese radio, podcasts, or watch TV shows with subtitles
• Focus on understanding the main points of clear, slow speech

4. Oral Expression:

• Practice speaking about familiar topics like family, hobbies, and daily routines
• Try to engage in simple conversations with native Portuguese speakers.
• Take practice tests available on the CAPLE website
• Consider enrolling in a Portuguese language course
• Use language learning apps and resources to improve your skills.
• Watch European Portuguese films or shows on Netflix. You can also listen to music or podcasts.
• Practice speaking Portuguese in everyday situations. If Portuguese people speak to you in English, continue speaking to them in Portuguese. Hopefully, they will switch back to Portuguese.

 

How to Sign Up for the CIPLE (A2)

 

 

1. Visit the official CAPLE website. This is the link to the CIPLE (A2) test.
2. Choose your preferred test center
3. Check the available test dates
4. Register for the exam and pay the fee
5. Prepare the necessary documents (usually identification and proof of payment)

 

Start Your 1 Week FREE Trial

 

When Can You Take the Portuguese Language Test?

The Portuguese Language Test is administered at all levels both domestically and abroad over the course of three days in mid-May, mid-July, and mid-November. About three weeks prior to the test date, registration for the test closes. Two months following the test, grades are made public, diplomas are issued one month following the results, and reevaluation is permitted one week following the diploma delivery. Because test spots are limited, particularly in Portugal, arrange your test well in advance.

Portugal also administers tests that take place only in Portugal. For example, this will be identified as CIPLE-P or DEPLE-P. National test dates typically take place in early February, early March, the third week of April, June, September, and October. Test grades are published 6 to 7 weeks post-assessment, diplomas are issued one month following the release of results, and a reevaluation can be requested one week after the diplomas are distributed.

 

How Can I Pay for the Portuguese Language Test?

The current cost for registration is €79 for the CIPLE (A2) exam. Prior to starting your registration, please check that your credit card is current and uses the 3D SECURE safety system. If you live in Portugal, you can also pay with an ATM reference or MBWay.

If you do not complete your payment within 24 hours, you will need to wait 48 hours until you can try a new registration.

Where Should I Take the Portuguese Language Test?

The official Portuguese test, specifically the CIPLE (A2) is offered in the following countries: South Africa, Germany, Angola, Argentina, Australia, Bulgaria, Cape Verde, Canada, Chile, China, South Korea, Spain, USA, France, Greece, Hungary, India, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, Morocco, Mexico, Mozambique, Panama, Paraguay, Poland, Portugal, United Kingdom, Russia, Switzerland, East Timor, Turkey, Uruguay, Venezuela

If you live in Portugal and are unable to find an open spot within the country, we have highlighted the nations that are closest to Portugal as potential alternate sites for you to take the test. After opening in early January, spaces in Portugal fill up rapidly. We strongly urge you to register for the test as soon as test slots become available if you choose to take it in Portugal. We advise you to attempt Spain as a backup plan if you are unable to discover a place available in Portugal. Additionally, it appears that Italy has a lot of open slots at their exam facilities. Verify again with test facilities outside of Portugal regarding how you will receive your grades. .

What Do You Need to Bring with You on Test Day?

Those taking the test, need to bring the following on test day:

• Either a passport, national identification document, or residence permit card
• Pencil (for the reading comprehension section)
• A black or blue pen (for the writing section)
• Eraser
• A printed, signed data permission sheet
• Bottled water or snacks
  Just a note here: you will likely be put into a room with 12-20 other people for the test

Tips for Preparation

• Take practice tests available on the CAPLE website
• Consider enrolling in a Portuguese language course
• Use language learning apps and resources to improve your skills
• Practice speaking Portuguese in everyday situations

After the Test

 

 

Once you pass your CIPLE, it is valid indefinitely. So, plan ahead and leave time to take the test a second time if you fail it the first time. We suggest getting it out of the way as soon as possible after you move to Portugal.

Keep in mind that passing the CIPLE A2 level test shows that you can comprehend and use common everyday idioms and simple sentences meant to satisfy the needs of more demanding dialogue. Although this is adequate for citizenship purposes, you will be much more integrated into Portuguese society if you keep improving your Portuguese language proficiency. Boa sorte! (good luck ) while you study Portuguese!

 

Join Portuguese with Dina to get a 7-day FREE trial, so you can try The Course risk-free!!