CIPLE A2 Portuguese Test Quiz: What You Need for Residency and Citizenship

8 questions ~4 min Last reviewed

A2 Portuguese is required for permanent residency and citizenship, and most applicants prove it with the CIPLE exam. Test what you know about how it works before you book.

  1. 1. What CEFR level does the CIPLE certify?

    The CIPLE (Certificado Inicial de Português Língua Estrangeira) certifies A2, the level required for permanent residency and citizenship. Higher certificates also count.

    Source: The A2 language test (CIPLE) for citizenship (Portugalist)

  2. 2. Who administers the CIPLE exam?

    The CIPLE is administered by CAPLE, the Portuguese language certification centre of the University of Lisbon.

    Source: The A2 language test (CIPLE) for citizenship (Portugalist)

  3. 3. What score do you need to pass the CIPLE?

    You need 55% overall and at least 25% in each component. Scoring under 25% in any one section fails the exam even with a passing total.

    Source: The A2 language test (CIPLE) for citizenship (Portugalist)

  4. 4. Which part of the CIPLE carries the most weight?

    Reading and writing together count for 45%, listening for 30% and speaking for 25%.

    Source: The A2 language test (CIPLE) for citizenship (Portugalist)

  5. 5. Can you take the CIPLE online?

    The CIPLE cannot be taken online. It is sat in person at an approved centre, and centres exist in Portugal and in more than 35 other countries.

    Source: The A2 language test (CIPLE) for citizenship (Portugalist)

  6. 6. Does a CIPLE certificate expire?

    CIPLE certificates do not expire, so a certificate earned years ago still counts.

    Source: The A2 language test (CIPLE) for citizenship (Portugalist)

  7. 7. What is the main alternative to the CIPLE for people already living in Portugal?

    The government-regulated PLA course covers A1 and A2 in up to 150 hours with continuous assessment and no final exam. Enrolment generally requires residence in Portugal.

    Source: The A2 language test (CIPLE) for citizenship (Portugalist)

  8. 8. How much does CIPLE registration cost at CAPLE in 2026?

    Registration at CAPLE costs €95 in 2026. Centres abroad set their own fees.

    Source: The A2 language test (CIPLE) for citizenship (Portugalist)

This quiz is general information based on Portuguese rules in force on the review date above, not legal advice. Immigration thresholds change every January with the minimum wage, and laws change often. Confirm your case with a lawyer before applying.