Integration Exam B1: the key to permanent residence and citizenship
Language at B1 plus values and orientation knowledge, run exclusively by the ÖIF since June 2021. What you need to know — compact (as of June 2026, without guarantee; the ÖIF and authorities are binding).
When you need the Integration Exam B1
Permanent residence – EU (Module 2)
For the permanent residence title 'Daueraufenthalt – EU' you must fulfil Module 2 of the Integration Agreement — which is exactly what the Integration Exam B1 does. Practical bonus: fulfilling Module 2 automatically fulfils Module 1 too.
Austrian citizenship
For naturalisation, the B1 proof with values knowledge is the standard route. Alternative: with a B2 certificate from a recognised institute (ÖIF, ÖSD, Goethe, telc) the separate values proof is waived.
Not an obligation — a prerequisite
Unlike Module 1 (A2, two-year deadline), there is no obligation and no penalty for Module 2. It is simply the prerequisite if you want permanent residence or citizenship.
How the exam is structured
Language part at B1
Reading, listening, writing and speaking at level B1 — the task formats are similar to the ÖSD B1 formats. This part decides the exam: most people fail here, not on the values part.
Values and orientation knowledge
Questions on the fundamental values of Austria's legal and social order, based on the official ÖIF learning materials. Very learnable with the ÖIF's free materials.
A certificate that doesn't expire
A passed B1 integration certificate is valid indefinitely for Module 2. Registration and dates run via the ÖIF and its exam locations; fees depend on the location — some federal states subsidise course and exam.
These proofs also fulfil Module 2
- Five years of compulsory school in Austria with a positive grade in German
- A completed apprenticeship (Lehrabschlussprüfung)
- At least two years of study in German with 32+ ECTS
- ÖSD integration exams taken by 31 May 2021
The language part decides — and it is trainable.
Most people don't fail the values part — they fail B1 tasks under time pressure. On ExamReady you train exactly these skills — reading, listening, writing, speaking — in complete model tests in the ÖSD B1 format, which is built similarly to the ÖIF formats (not identical; ÖIF model tests are planned). With AI feedback on writing & speaking you see where you stand before the exam. Learn the values part with the official ÖIF materials.
Integration Exam B1
Who runs the Integration Exam B1?
Since June 2021, exclusively the Austrian Integration Fund (ÖIF) at its exam locations across Austria. ÖSD integration exams taken earlier (by 31 May 2021) remain valid.
How much does the exam cost?
The fee depends on the exam location — current prices and dates are on the ÖIF's sprachportal.at. Some federal states subsidise course and exam. For comparison: a retake costs the full fee again.
How long is the certificate valid?
For Module 2 of the Integration Agreement, a passed B1 integration certificate is valid indefinitely.
What if I fail?
You can retake the exam — unlike Module 1 (two years for A2) there is no deadline for Module 2. But every retake costs time and the full fee; targeted preparation for the language part is the cheaper way.
Is my ÖSD or Goethe certificate enough?
Not for Module 2 — you need the integration exam with the values part at the ÖIF. However, a B2 certificate from ÖIF, ÖSD, Goethe or telc opens the citizenship route without a separate values proof.
The road to permanent residence starts with the B1 language part.
Practise reading, listening, writing and speaking in a complete model test — free, with timer and instant results.
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