Latvian language exam B1
B1 is the level naturalisation requires, and the level some professions ask for. The exam format is identical to A2 — four parts, 60% needed in each — but the material is harder and you are expected to produce more of the language yourself, not just recognise it.
Where B1 candidates lose points
At A2 you can often pass by recognising the right answer. At B1 the writing and speaking parts expect your own sentences — endings, word order, connectives — and that is where the 60% threshold usually breaks. Both of those parts are exactly what our AI feedback checks.
Frequently asked questions
Is B1 really required for Latvian citizenship?
Yes. The Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs (PMLP) states that naturalisation requires passing the state language exam at level B1. The legal basis is Cabinet of Ministers regulation Nr. 157 of 8 March 2022.
How many people take B1?
According to VISC statistics for 2022, of 5,315 candidates across all levels, 502 people (9%) took B1 and another 409 (8%) took B2. The A levels account for 63% — B1 and B2 are a smaller, more specific group.
Who takes B1 apart from citizenship applicants?
By the same VISC statistics, 60% of all candidates across levels take the exam for professional duties, and part of those professions require B1 or higher. VISC does not publish a breakdown by profession specifically for B1, so we do not quote one — for an exact figure, ask VISC directly.
Is the format different from A2?
No. The structure is the same at every level: four parts — reading, listening, writing and speaking — each worth up to 25 points, with at least 60% (15 of 25) required in EVERY part. What changes is the difficulty of the material and what you are expected to produce.
Who is exempt from the exam?
People who completed basic, secondary or higher education in an accredited programme taught in Latvian do not have to take the exam. It is proven with a diploma, a school certificate or a statement from the institution.
Where do I take B1, and where does naturalisation itself happen?
The exam is run by VISC, in the same five cities as other levels: Rīga, Daugavpils, Liepāja, Rēzekne and Ventspils. Naturalisation itself — documents, the oath, the state fee — is a separate process handled by PMLP; current requirements are on pmlp.gov.lv.
Sources
- Cabinet of Ministers regulation Nr. 157 (8 March 2022) — likumi.lv
- Naturalisation requirements — PMLP
- Statistics — our page with VISC figures
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