Czech Life and Institutions Exam study guide
Czech Life and Institutions Exam · Work through your exam, one topic at a time.
The Czech Life and Institutions Exam (Zkouška z českých reálií a sociokulturních znalostí) is a standardized multiple-choice test of factual and practical knowledge about the Czech Republic. It is typically taken by foreigners applying for Czech citizenship or permanent residence, though anyone may sit it. The Czech Life and Institutions Exam study guide has 10 sections and about 3,882 words.
01Czech geography, regions and nature
Geography, regions and nature tests place knowledge rather than map reading. You should be able to locate Czechia, name its four neighbours, distinguish the 14 self-governing regions, identify major mountain ranges and rivers, and explain the national park system.
360 words, about 2 min02Czech history and key historical figures
History and key figures tests chronological landmarks and the people associated with them: Great Moravia, the Přemyslids, Charles IV, Jan Hus, the Habsburg period, the First Republic, communism and the Velvet Revolution. Expect date-matching, 'who founded' and 'which event came first' questions.
340 words, about 2 min03Political system, constitution and public administration
The political-system domain tests the constitutional order: Parliament, president, government, courts, regions and municipalities, elections, and how a law is made. Questions often ask chamber sizes, term lengths, who appoints whom, and what happens after a presidential veto.
449 words, about 2 min04Czech Republic in the EU and international relations
This domain checks Czechia's place in the EU and wider international system: accession dates, NATO and Schengen membership, euro status, EU presidency, and the main organisations Czechia belongs to. Questions often test dates and what membership does or does not mean.
365 words, about 2 min05Economy, social security and healthcare
This domain tests the Czech economy, welfare system and healthcare: main industries, currency and central bank, social insurance, unemployment support and how health insurance works. Expect practical questions about who pays contributions and what a resident must do.
412 words, about 2 min06Education, science and culture
Education, science and culture tests the school system, qualifications, major universities and research bodies, and cultural figures or institutions. Questions often ask about compulsory schooling, the maturita, academic titles, or which university is oldest.
358 words, about 2 min07Traditions, holidays, religion and everyday life
This domain tests public holidays, religious landscape and everyday customs: what is closed, what is celebrated, how people greet, eat and mark life events. Questions often ask which day is a public holiday or which custom belongs to Easter or Christmas.
414 words, about 2 min08Czech language and literature
Czech language and literature tests basic linguistic facts, formal and informal address, the place of Czech among Slavic languages, and major literary periods and authors. Questions may ask how many cases Czech has, what 'vykání' means, or who wrote a famous work.
366 words, about 2 min09Media, transport and practical life in the Czech Republic
Media, transport and practical life tests everyday infrastructure: public media, major private outlets, trains and buses, urban transit, roads, emergency numbers and practical rules. Questions often ask how to validate a ticket or which number to call.
360 words, about 2 min10Rights and obligations of foreigners, residence and integration
This domain tests the legal position of foreigners: visas, residence permits, EU free movement, permanent residence, citizenship, work and health insurance, and integration duties. Questions often ask how long someone may stay visa-free or when permanent residence becomes available.
458 words, about 2 min