TNIC — National Integration and Citizenship Test
What is the TNIC, how it relates to the CIPLE, and what it means for Portuguese nationality applicants.
The key point
The TNIC is an additional civic integration exam being developed by the Portuguese government. It does not replace the CIPLE. As in other EU countries, nationality applicants may need to take two exams: a language exam (CIPLE) and a civic knowledge exam (TNIC).
What is the TNIC?
The TNIC (Teste Nacional de Integração e Cidadania / National Integration and Citizenship Test) is an exam covering knowledge of Portuguese society — history, culture, institutions, and fundamental rights. It is being developed by the government as part of the requirements for Portuguese nationality by naturalisation.
Unlike the CIPLE, which tests language skills, the TNIC focuses on civic knowledge. The two exams complement each other: one proves you know the language, the other that you know the country.
CIPLE vs TNIC — two different things
CIPLE (Language)
- Portuguese A2 exam
- Tests reading, writing, listening, and speaking
- Administered by CAPLE (University of Lisbon)
- Already exists and has been mandatory since 2006
- Cost: €85
- Held 6× per year in Portugal + 3× abroad
TNIC (Civic integration)
- Civic knowledge exam
- Tests history, culture, institutions, and rights
- Administered by the government (details TBD)
- Still in development
- Cost: TBA
- Dates and centres: TBA
This model already exists in other EU countries
Portugal is not inventing anything new. Several EU countries already require two separate exams for citizenship: a language exam and a civic integration exam.
EU examples
🇩🇰 DinamarcaDansk 3 (language) + Indfødsretsprøve (civic)
🇱🇺 LuxemburgoSproochentest (língua) + Vivre-ensemble (cívico)
🇪🇸 EspanhaDELE A2 (língua) + CCSE (cívico)
🇫🇮 FinlândiaYKI (língua) + Kansalaisuuskoe (cívico)
🇦🇹 ÁustriaÖIF B1 (língua) + Staatsbürgerschaftstest (cívico)
🇫🇷 FrançaTCF/TEF B1 (língua) + Entretien d'assimilation
What should I do now?
The TNIC does not yet have a confirmed implementation date. If you are preparing for Portuguese nationality, your priority now should be the CIPLE — it is and will remain mandatory. When the TNIC is launched, we will publish all relevant information here.
You can follow TNIC updates at tnic.pt.
Frequently asked questions
Will the TNIC replace the CIPLE?▼
No. The TNIC is an additional civic integration exam. The CIPLE remains the mandatory language exam. The two coexist, as in other EU countries.
When will the TNIC be launched?▼
There is no official implementation date yet. The legislation is under development. We will update this page when there is news.
Should I wait for the TNIC before taking the CIPLE?▼
No. The CIPLE is mandatory now and will remain so. Taking the CIPLE sooner allows you to advance your nationality process without delays. The TNIC, when launched, will be an additional requirement.
If I already have the CIPLE, will I need the TNIC?▼
That will depend on the final legislation. There may be a transition period or exemption for those who already have the CIPLE. We recommend following official updates.
Where can I get more information about the TNIC?▼
The official website is
tnic.pt. When the TNIC is launched, CivicLearn plans to offer preparation materials, as it already does for the CIPLE and other citizenship exams.
Prepare for the CIPLE now
While the TNIC has not yet launched, focus on the exam that is already mandatory. Practice with complete CIPLE simulations.
Start at cipleonline.pt →