Italian, the language of love, opera, food, and fashion, is one of the European Union’s 24 official languages and among its widely spoken languages. With roots deeply tied to artistic expression and culture, it attracts those discovering its poetic depth and colorful legacy. Aside from its cultural value, proficiency in Italian can open access to academic opportunities, employment prospects, and valuable cross-cultural connections.
Two major official assessments for validating Italian language ability are the CELI and CILS exams. These certifications serve as proof of language competence and are recognized by many employers, universities, and institutions around the world.
In the article that follows, we will compare and contrast the CELI and CILS tests, giving essential details to help test-takers make a well-informed choice. Continue reading to find out more!
What are CELI and CILS?
Certificato di Conoscenza della Lingua Italiana (CELI)
The Certificato di Conoscenza della Lingua Italiana (CELI) is an Italian language proficiency exam administered by the University for Foreigners of Perugia (Università per Stranieri di Perugia), through its Center for Language Assessment and Certification (CVCL). The university’s history began with Italian culture courses in 1921, and its language certification work dates back to 1987.
CELI exams are designed to align with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), which ensures that the certification corresponds to international language standards. The general CELI levels run from CELI Impatto (A1) to CELI 5 (C2), allowing test-takers to choose the level that best matches their current language competence.
Eligibility is not limited to a specific profession, nationality, or educational background. The standard CELI exams are intended for schooled adults, while CELI for adolescents is available for candidates aged 12 to 18 at A2, B1, and B2 levels.
Certificazione di Italiano come Lingua Straniera (CILS)
Similar to the CELI, the Certificazione di Italiano come Lingua Straniera (CILS) is another official Italian language proficiency exam used to evaluate the competency of non-native Italian speakers. This examination is overseen by the University for Foreigners of Siena’s CILS Center, an institution with a strong legacy in promoting Italian language education for international learners.
The CILS Italian proficiency test covers all six CEFR levels, from CILS A1 for beginners to CILS Quattro-C2 for advanced users. Each CILS level is autonomous and complete, so candidates can register for the level most appropriate to their goals and current ability.
When and Where to Take CELI and CILS?
For both the CELI and CILS Italian language proficiency exams, test dates and locations vary based on your country of residence and the authorized test center you choose.
To choose the most suitable test center and date, visit the official websites of the University for Foreigners of Perugia for CELI and the University for Foreigners of Siena’s CILS Center for CILS. These platforms provide information about authorized test centers, current exam sessions, registration deadlines, registration procedures, and other essential details.
By checking these official sources, you can make sure that you have the most up-to-date information when organizing your examination day. CELI and CILS test dates and locations may change, so always confirm the details directly with the official exam page or your selected exam center before registering.
Cost of Taking the CELI and CILS
The cost of taking the CELI and CILS proficiency exams can affect your planning to study at an Italian university. For CELI, fees vary by exam center and category. At the Perugia exam center, the 2026 fee is €120 for CELI Standard and €120 for CELI for adolescents. CELI Immigrati fees at Perugia are €30 for A1, €50 for A2, and €65 for B1. Candidates taking the exam at another authorized center should contact that center directly, because the center provides the exact fee and payment instructions.
Similarly, the cost for the CILS exam depends on the examination level and test center. For CILS Fascia A fees, the full-exam fee is €40 for CILS A1 or A2, €90 for CILS Uno-B1, €105 for CILS Due-B2, €135 for CILS Tre-C1, and €160 for CILS Quattro-C2. Local test centers may apply their own administrative procedures or additional local fees, so candidates should confirm the total cost with the center where they plan to sit the exam.
In addition to registration fees, there may be other costs involved, such as preparation materials, transportation, and accommodation. However, considering the doors these certifications can open for educational opportunities, career prospects, and cultural engagement, the cost of these Italian proficiency exams can be a worthwhile investment.
Overview of CELI and CILS Scoring System
Just as tasks are divided into milestones, Italian language proficiency is measured by levels that define your linguistic competence. For CELI, these span from CELI Impatto to CELI 5, while CILS covers levels from A1 to CILS Quattro-C2. These levels offer a structured path to assess and improve your Italian skills.
CELI scoring varies by level rather than using one total score for every exam. For example, CELI Impatto has a total of 32 points, while CELI 5 has a total of 200 points. CILS scoring also varies by level: A1 and A2 exams have a total of 60 points, while B1 through C2 exams have a total of 100 points. For CILS, candidates must reach the required score in each skill, not only in the overall total.
Both CELI and CILS align with the CEFR, offering internationally recognized standards for language proficiency assessment. If you want to study at a higher education institution that offers Italian-taught programs, B2 is commonly required or recommended for admission, although requirements vary by university, program, applicant category, and academic year.
To better understand the correlation between the test levels and CEFR descriptors, explore the comparison table below.
| CEFR | CELI Level | CILS Level | Linguistic Competence |
|---|
| A1 | CELI Impatto | CILS A1 | Can understand and use familiar everyday expressions and very basic phrases, and can interact simply if the other person speaks slowly and clearly. |
| A2 | CELI 1 | CILS A2 | Can understand frequently used expressions related to immediate needs and communicate in simple routine tasks. |
| B1 | CELI 2 | CILS Uno-B1 | Can understand the main points of clear standard input on familiar matters and deal with many situations likely to arise while traveling in an area where Italian is spoken. |
| B2 | CELI 3 | CILS Due-B2 | Can understand the main ideas of complex text on concrete and abstract topics and explain a viewpoint with advantages and disadvantages. |
| C1 | CELI 4 | CILS Tre-C1 | Can understand a wide range of demanding, longer texts, recognize implicit meaning, and use language flexibly for social, academic, and professional purposes. |
| C2 | CELI 5 | CILS Quattro-C2 | Can understand with ease virtually everything heard or read and summarize information from spoken and written sources in a coherent presentation. |
Overview of CELI and CILS Test Structure
Before we share tips and strategies to prepare effectively for the CELI and CILS exams, let’s look at the important topic of test structure. Understanding how these exams are built helps you see how your language abilities will be evaluated and allows you to shape your study plan around the specific skills tested.
Both the CELI and CILS exams follow a structured format that assesses key language skills. At each CELI proficiency level, the test structure varies in composition and duration. Components may include written comprehension, written production, linguistic competence, listening comprehension, and oral production. Depending on the level, CELI exam time can range from about 1 hour and 20 minutes at A1 to nearly 5 hours at C2, not including possible scheduling time or oral-exam preparation time.
The CILS Italian proficiency exam generally assesses five areas: listening, reading comprehension, analysis of communication structures, written production, and oral production. Although the same broad skill areas are assessed across the exam, the difficulty and complexity increase as candidates move from A1 to C2. Question formats may include multiple-choice tasks, short-answer tasks, written production, and oral tasks, depending on the level.
This range of question types and skill areas challenges candidates to demonstrate comprehension, accuracy, communication, and expression, making both CELI and CILS serious assessments that require focused preparation.
Ways to Prepare for CELI and CILS
1. Make the Most of Your Study Materials and Resources
Combining digital and traditional resources is a smart strategy for preparing for the CELI and CILS tests. For free options, prioritize official sample papers and preparation materials from the exam providers. Apps such as Duolingo and Memrise can supplement vocabulary and grammar practice, but they should not replace exam-format practice. If you prefer structured learning, preparation books such as Quaderni CILS and Come prepararsi all’esame del CELI can help you become familiar with exam-style content.
Do not overlook the importance of practicing with sample exam papers. These papers, available on the official exam websites for CELI and CILS, offer a firsthand look at the exam format, question types, and time constraints.
2. Join a Language Learning Group
Being part of a language learning group can significantly enhance your preparation for the CELI and CILS exams. Collaborating with peers who share your interest in learning Italian can offer diverse perspectives, mutual support, and engaging practice opportunities. Language groups provide a platform to discuss challenging topics, share study materials, and conduct mock exams together. Additionally, you can practice speaking, engage in discussions, and receive constructive feedback from fellow learners.
Joining such a group can not only accelerate your progress but also make the learning process more enjoyable and interactive.
3. Seek Support from Language Professionals
Another effective way to prepare for the CELI and CILS exams is to seek professional guidance. Just as joining a language learning group connects you with peers, enrolling in language classes or working with a dedicated tutor connects you with experienced educators. These professionals can help you work through challenging areas and refine your preparation strategy.
A tutor can offer personalized attention, enabling you to grasp concepts more effectively. The expert insights, feedback, and guidance they provide can make a substantial difference in your exam performance and overall language proficiency.
4. Practice Regularly
Just as Rome was not built in a day, language proficiency requires consistent effort. Make language practice a daily habit to ensure steady improvement. Dedicate a fixed time each day to engage with Italian materials, whether that means reading an article, listening to a podcast, or solving practice exercises. Regular practice reinforces concepts, builds vocabulary, and strengthens comprehension skills. Over time, this routine can boost your confidence and help you prepare for the diverse challenges posed by the CELI and CILS exams.
Universities and Institutions Accepting CELI and CILS
Many Italian universities accept recognized Italian language certificates such as CELI and CILS as proof of Italian language proficiency, especially for Italian-taught degree programs. Requirements can vary by institution, program, applicant category, and academic year, so always confirm the current rule on the university’s official admissions page. Here are five notable examples:
| University Name | City/ Location | Accepted CELI / CILS Level or Requirement |
|---|
| 1. University of Bologna | Bologna, Italy | At least B2 Italian; CELI B2 / CILS B2 accepted under the CLIQ system |
| 2. Sapienza University of Rome | Rome, Italy | CLIQ B2 or higher; CELI 3 and CILS Due are B2-level certificates |
| 3. Ca’ Foscari University of Venice | Venice, Italy | B2 Italian for non-EU students enrolling in Italian-taught degree programs; CELI and CILS are recognized certifications |
| 4. University of Padua | Padua, Italy | At least B2 Italian for Italian-taught degree programs; CLIQ certificates accepted, including CELI and CILS |
| 5. University of Trento | Trento, Italy | At least B2 Italian for Italian-taught degree programs; CELI and CILS accepted |
Through this comparison of the CELI and CILS tests, we have explored the various elements that shape both Italian language proficiency exams. From understanding their origins and structures to exploring test components and preparation strategies, we have covered a lot of ground in this article. CELI and CILS each have their own approach, but they share the common purpose of measuring and certifying Italian language skills. Ultimately, the best exam for you will depend on your individual needs and goals, so choose the option that best fits your plans.
We hope that this guide on the CELI and CILS Italian language tests was informative. You can also find more information on our Guide to Studying in Italy Page. For academic opportunities, go over and search our Available Courses for International Students!
