Can I ask please, what ‘persuaded’ you that you were ready for the exam? I see the sample papers and think ‘probably not yet’ but then I read its 55% or more which kind feels doable……or is it? 
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I registered for the exam while I was attending an A1/A2 course, and the test was in October, but my class was finished in June, so I felt I would have plenty of time to study and practice speaking and listening between the end of the class and the test.
I signed up for the test 6 months before I took it, and I think that is normal, the A1/A2 test sells out here in Portugal, as that is the minimum test to prove proficiency for citizenship.
I practiced writing frequently, little essays like the ones needed for the test. Even so, I did not score very high on that part. Good luck.
I felt ready, took sample tests, worked with online speakers/teachers, and still the test was challenging. Practice having a conversation in Portuguese with a stranger in one of them scenarios. For example mine, you play a fruit/vegetable vendor and your partner is the customer. Chat for 5 minutes. Then write the essays. Did you listen to the sample audios? Can you follow the audios on Practice Portuguese without reading? Then you can evaluate if you are ready.
I have been taking classes at a private school, not a government class, can I use the A2 certificate from this school to take the test. I was told you have to present a certificate before taking the test. I have been taking classes for 2 years.
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You do not need to present any certificate to take the CIPLE test. There is a certificate you can use instead of the CIPLE test to prove your proficiency when applying for citizenship. Perhaps that is the confusion? It would have to be from the approved government sponsored program.
This is the website for the CIPLE test https://caple.letras.ulisboa.pt/exame/2/ciple
If you take the test in Portugal, you have to show something to prove your identity, like a passport, Cartão Cididão or Título de Residência
Looks like the CIPLE is sold out for 2023, you probably have to wait until they announce the 2024 dates
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Hi Chris, thanks for the detailed sharing. I read in some officla website on PLA courses that if you attend and finish the A/A2 lessons in certified schools, then you don’t have to attend the CIPLE exam. If it is the case, can I ask why you chose to take the exam instead of joining the courses for the certificate? Obrigado!
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I signed up for the test while I was in the A1/A2 class. My teacher did not know if the class would satisfy the requirement. Some people told me that the class would satisfy the requirement, but I never found that info anywhere, so to me it was not confirmed. I knew that the test would satisfy the requirement, so I signed up for it. Later, after I took the test people showed me that my certificate from the class would satisfy the requirement.
I did not need it in the end, but it was very motivating, for a long time it made me study and work much harder than I would have otherwise.
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Hi Chris, thanks for your prompt reply. And yes, the test is definitely a strong motivation. And your sharing will for sure help lots of people trying different approaches. Thanks again!
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