What Is the CILS Exam?
The CILS exam is one of the most recognized official Italian language certifications in the world. It is issued by the Università per Stranieri di Siena.
CILS stands for Certificazione di Italiano come Lingua Straniera.
This certificate proves your level of Italian according to the CEFR scale (A1–C2) and can be used for:
- Italian citizenship
- Residency permit
- University admission
- Work opportunities
- Visa or administrative procedures
- Personal goals
Why Choose CILS?
The CILS certificate is highly respected in Italy and abroad because it is:
- Official and internationally recognized
- Based on CEFR standards
- Accepted by many Italian institutions
- Available at all levels
- Offered in many countries worldwide
CILS Levels
The CILS exam follows the CEFR scale (A1–C2) and allows students to certify their Italian language level from beginner to advanced. Each level measures your ability to communicate in real-life situations, study, work, and interact in Italian.
CILS Levels Table
| CILS Level | CEFR Level | Description | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| CILS A1 | A1 | Basic beginner level. Understand and use simple everyday expressions. | First steps in Italian |
| CILS A2 | A2 | Elementary level. Manage daily situations and simple conversations. | Residency, daily life |
| CILS A2 Integrazione | A2 | Special version for integration purposes in Italy. | Long-term residency permit |
| CILS UNO | B1 | Intermediate level. Communicate independently in common situations. | Citizenship, work, life in Italy |
| CILS B1 Cittadinanza | B1 | Special citizenship exam focused on practical communication. | Italian citizenship |
| CILS DUE | B2 | Upper-intermediate level. Understand complex texts and speak fluently. | University, better jobs |
| CILS TRE | C1 | Advanced level. Use Italian effectively in academic and professional contexts. | Career, academic goals |
| CILS QUATTRO | C2 | Mastery level. Near-native command of Italian. | Highest certification level |
Beginner Levels
CILS A1
You can introduce yourself, ask simple questions, understand basic phrases, and interact slowly with support.
CILS A2
You can handle everyday tasks such as shopping, appointments, transport, and simple conversations.
CILS A2 Integrazione
This version is often required for immigration and long-term residency procedures in Italy.
Intermediate Levels
CILS UNO (B1)
You can travel, solve common problems, express opinions, and understand standard spoken Italian.
CILS B1 Cittadinanza
Special version of B1 designed for citizenship applications.
CILS DUE (B2)
You can discuss many topics confidently, understand longer texts, and communicate more naturally.
Advanced Levels
CILS TRE (C1)
You can study, work, and communicate professionally in Italian.
CILS QUATTRO (C2)
You can understand almost everything and use Italian with precision and flexibility.
CILS Exam Dates 2026
Official 2026 sessions published by the University of Siena: (cils.unistrasi.it)
| Date | Main Levels Available |
|---|---|
| 19 February 2026 | A2 Integrazione, B1 Cittadinanza |
| 14 April 2026 | A2, B1 Cittadinanza, B2, C1 Medicine |
| 16 June 2026 | All levels A1–C2 |
| 22 July 2026 | A2 Integrazione, B1 Cittadinanza |
| 21 October 2026 | A2, B1 Cittadinanza |
| 3 December 2026 | All levels A1–C2 |
Registration Deadlines 2026
Approximate official deadlines: (cils.unistrasi.it)
- 19 February → by 19 January
- 14 April → by 14 March
- 16 June → by 7 May
- 22 July → by 22 June
- 21 October → by 21 September
- 3 December → by 24 October
⚠️ Some exam centers may close registrations earlier if places are full.
How Much Does the CILS Exam Cost?
The exam fee depends on:
- Your level
- Country
- Local exam center administration fee
Typical examples:
- A2 Integrazione: from €40–€90
- B1 Cittadinanza: around €100–€160
- B2: around €120–€200
- C1/C2: higher depending on center
Some centers add local administration fees.
👉 Always check the price directly with your chosen exam center.
How Is the CILS Exam Structured?
Depending on level, the exam may include:
Reading
Understand written texts.
Listening
Understand spoken Italian.
Writing
Write messages, letters, essays, forms.
Speaking
Conversation and oral production.
Grammar / Language Use
Present in some versions and levels.
How Long Does the Exam Take?
The duration of the CILS exam depends on the level and the specific version of the test. Below is a practical overview of the approximate total exam time (written + oral parts may be scheduled separately by the exam center).
CILS Exam Duration Table
| CILS Exam | CEFR Level | Approximate Duration |
|---|---|---|
| CILS A1 | A1 | 1 hour 55 minutes |
| CILS A2 | A2 | 2 hours 30 minutes |
| CILS A2 Integrazione | A2 | 1 hour 40 minutes |
| CILS UNO | B1 | 3 hours |
| CILS B1 Cittadinanza | B1 | 2 hours 30 minutes |
| CILS DUE | B2 | 3 hours 50 minutes |
| CILS TRE | C1 | 4 hours 5 minutes |
| CILS QUATTRO | C2 | 5 hours 30 minutes |
Important Notes
Always check the official schedule with your chosen exam center.
Oral interviews are often organized before or after the written exam.
Waiting time between sections is not included.
Some centers may divide the exam into morning and afternoon sessions.
How Long for Results?
Approximate publication times:
- B1 Citizenship / A2 Integrazione: around 70 days
- Other levels: around 90 days
Is CILS Valid Forever?
Yes. In most cases, the certificate does not expire. However, some institutions may request a recent certificate depending on their internal rules.
Which CILS Exam Do I Need?
For Citizenship
➡️ CILS B1 Cittadinanza
For Residency Permit
➡️ CILS A2 Integrazione
For University
➡️ CILS B2 or C1
For Work
➡️ Usually B1–C1 depending on profession.
Where Can I Take the CILS Exam?
You can take the exam at authorized centers in:
- Italy
- Europe
- UK
- USA
- Canada
- Latin America
- Asia
- Middle East
- Worldwide
Ask your nearest official center for available seats.
How to Prepare for CILS Successfully
We specialize in online CILS preparation.
We offer:
- Recorded courses
- Individual lessons
- Speaking practice
- Writing correction
- Mock exams
- Exam strategies
- Flexible online study
Why Students Fail the CILS Exam
Common mistakes:
- Poor time management
- Weak listening skills
- No speaking practice
- Lack of exam strategy
- Grammar confusion
- No mock exam training
Why Students Pass Faster With Us
- Focused exam preparation
- Real exam tasks
- Personalized corrections
- Experienced teachers
- Practical method
- Flexible schedule
Start Your CILS Preparation Today
Need help choosing the right level or date? Contact us and we will help you build the best study plan for your CILS exam.