Czech Language Exams (A2 & B1): Complete Preparation Guide 2026

All timings, point totals and pass marks below are taken from the

official exam information published by cestina-pro-cizince.cz.

Format and timing:

• Reading — 40 minutes, maximum 25 points
• Writing — 25 minutes, maximum 20 points
• Listening — about 40 minutes, maximum 25 points
• Speaking (oral exam) — 15 minutes, maximum 40 points

The exam is held on a single day, with a pause between the written parts.

Pass mark:

• Reading, writing and listening are marked together: you need at least 42 points, which is 60% of the available points.
• Speaking is marked separately: you need at least 24 points, again 60%.
• If you miss the minimum in either the written or the oral exam, you repeat the whole exam, not just the part you failed.

Result: you are notified by email or SMS within 9 days of sitting the exam.

Preparation:

• Focus on everyday situations — shopping, transport, the doctor, the post office
• The oral exam matters: you answer questions and speak about pictures
• Grammar precision matters less than being understood in ordinary situations

> **A1 practice on Permit.cz is beginner material, not permanent-residence

> preparation.** Our A1 question bank is useful if you are starting from zero, but

> the exam you will sit for permanent residence is A2. Practise at A2 level before

> you book.

B1 level means you can deal with most everyday situations independently.

What you should be able to do:

• Handle travel, work, and social situations
• Describe experiences, events, and plans
• Write coherent texts on familiar topics
• Understand the main points of clear standard speech
• Read factual texts about everyday and professional topics

Exam format:

• Reading (50 min): 5 tasks — text comprehension, cloze tests, matching
• Listening (35 min): 4 tasks — recordings of conversations, news, announcements
• Writing (60 min): 2 tasks — formal letter/email + informal message/essay
• Speaking (10 min): Self-introduction, picture description, conversation

Preparation tips:

• Start 4–6 months before the exam
• Read Czech news daily (iDNES, Novinky, ČT24)
• Listen to Czech radio (Český rozhlas)
• Practice writing formal emails and letters
• Join a Czech language course (many offered by Integration Centers)
• Use Permit.cz's B1 practice tests with timed mode

Accredited exam centers (UJOP — Charles University):

• Prague: Albertov, Krystal, Na Florenci
• Brno: UJOP Brno
• Plzeň: UJOP Plzeň
• Olomouc: UJOP Olomouc
• České Budějovice: UJOP České Budějovice

How to book:

1. Go to cestina-pro-cizince.cz
2. Register an account
3. Choose exam level (A2 or B1) and location
4. Select a date (exams run monthly)
5. Pay the fee online
6. Receive confirmation email with details

Bring to the exam:

• Valid passport or residence card
• Booking confirmation
• Black pen

You are exempt from the A2 exam if:

• You are under 15 or over 65
• You have a physical/mental disability preventing the exam
• You completed primary, secondary, or university education in Czech
• You already passed B1 or higher

You are exempt from the B1 exam if:

• You completed secondary or university education in Czech
• You have a certificate from an accredited Czech language course at B1+ level
• Special humanitarian exemptions (rare)

Note: Exemption must be documented and submitted with your PR/citizenship application.