How to register for the Czech language exam
5 min read
Registration works differently depending on the level: for the A2 exam (permanent residency), you register directly with one of the authorized exam schools in the network coordinated by NPI ČR; the B1 exam (citizenship) is organized centrally by ÚJOP UK in Prague. In both cases, the official website is the only place with the current registration form, dates, and required documents — this article helps you understand the landscape, not specific numbers that change from year to year.
Step 1 — confirm which exam you actually need
Before filling anything out, make sure you know which exam applies to you:
- A2 — if you're applying for permanent residency in Czechia.
- B1 (language exam + a separate civics exam) — if you're applying for Czech citizenship.
The two levels have different organizers, different registration processes, and different exam venues, so this choice has to come first. If you're not sure what the exams actually look like or what to expect, see our breakdown of the format in how the Czech A2 and B1 exams work — it will also help you judge how ready you are for the level you're considering.
Where to register for the A2 exam
The A2 exam isn't held at one central location — it's run by a network of roughly 29 authorized exam schools across Czechia, coordinated by the National Pedagogical Institute (NPI ČR). In practice, this means you pick a specific school (usually the one nearest you or easiest to reach) and arrange your registration for a specific date directly with that school.
- Current list of authorized schools and their contacts: cestina-pro-cizince.cz/trvaly-pobyt/a2/kontakty
- General information about the A2 exam: cestina-pro-cizince.cz/trvaly-pobyt/a2
That page also shows how each school accepts registrations — some use an online form, others email or phone. Because the list of schools and the registration method both change over time, we deliberately don't list our own cities or steps here — always check them directly at the link above.
Where to register for the B1 exam
Unlike A2, the B1 exam for citizenship is centralized — it's organized by ÚJOP UK (the Institute for Language and Preparatory Studies of Charles University) in Prague. The registration form, current dates, and information about both parts of the exam (the language exam and the separate civics exam) are on their official page.
- Registration and current information about the B1 exam: ujop.cuni.cz/zkouska/obcanstvi
- General information about the B1 citizenship exam: cestina-pro-cizince.cz/obcanstvi
Keep in mind that the civics exam is a separate exam with its own registration dates, distinct from the B1 language exam — when planning, expect that you may need to submit two applications, not one. Details on both parts are on the ÚJOP UK site and in the civics-exam specification on cestina-pro-cizince.cz.
What to generally expect during registration
The exact process, forms, and deadlines can change over time for both exams, but the general shape of registration tends to be similar:
- Choosing a date and location — for A2, based on the school you pick; for B1, based on what ÚJOP UK offers.
- Filling out an application — you'll typically provide basic personal details and identity-document information; the specific form is on the official page for each exam.
- Proving your identity — expect the organizer to want to verify your ID (typically a passport or another accepted document) at registration or on exam day; the exact list of accepted documents is on the official page.
- Paying the fee — registration is usually only complete once the exam fee is paid; the payment method and amount are on the same page (see our article on exam costs).
- Confirmation — after submitting your application and paying, you should receive confirmation with the date and venue details.
This list is deliberately general — the specific steps, forms, and any exceptions vary by school (for A2) or by ÚJOP UK's current setup (for B1), and can change over time. The binding, current process is always the one described on the official page of the exam you're taking — the links are above and in the summary below.
When to register
Exam sessions run several times a year, not on demand — so it generally pays to register well ahead of the session you want, since spots per session tend to be limited, and demand for the B1 exam can be high (it's taken as part of a citizenship application). The exact schedule of sessions and registration deadlines for a given year is always in the calendar on the official page of the exam you're taking — the deadline differs between exams and from year to year, so don't plan around any number you haven't found directly there.
Overview — A2 vs. B1
| A2 — permanent residency | B1 — citizenship | |
|---|---|---|
| Who organizes the exam | network of authorized schools (coordinated by NPI ČR) | ÚJOP UK (Charles University, Prague) |
| Where to register | directly with your chosen authorized school | centrally through ÚJOP UK |
| Registration page | cestina-pro-cizince.cz/trvaly-pobyt/a2/kontakty | ujop.cuni.cz/zkouska/obcanstvi |
| Separate civics exam | no | yes — its own application and dates |
| Where to check current deadlines and documents | your chosen authorized school's page / link above | ÚJOP UK's official page |
Before you register
Before you start registering, it's worth knowing what the exam actually looks like and what it will cost:
- How the Czech A2 and B1 exams work — task types and format of both exams.
- How much the Czech exam costs and where to take it — fees, organizers, and the number of attempts allowed.
You can also use our free site to prepare for the exam itself:
- Sample tests in the A2 and B1 exam format — reading, listening, grammar, writing, and speaking.
- AI-scored practice — writing and speaking with instant feedback.
The registration process, forms, deadlines, and required documents can change, and only the official pages describe them accurately. Always check the A2 exam (permanent residency) at cestina-pro-cizince.cz — list of authorized schools and the B1 exam (citizenship) at ÚJOP UK — citizenship exam. This article is not legal advice or a binding registration guide; verify the specific requirements for your situation with the exam organizer or the authority handling your application.