CILS Exam Guide: Prepare for Italian Certification (A1-C2)

Thinking about taking the CILS? Here’s how to start your preparation

The CILS (Certificazione di Italiano come Lingua Straniera) is the official certification issued by the Università per Stranieri di Siena, recognized globally and officially endorsed by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. It’s valid for university admission, visa or citizenship requirements, and professional credentials.

Why it's considered the best standard for Italian learners

• Globally recognized A1–C2 credentials, aligned with the CEFR
  
   
• Independent scoring for five skills: listening, reading, structure (grammar/lexis), writing, speaking
  
   
• Rigid, transparent assessment procedures, including strict test administration rules
  
   
• Accredited exam centers worldwide, with standardized support and materials
  
   

Why take the CILS?

• Elevates your resume with an internationally accepted Italian certificate
  
   
• Qualifies you for Italian citizenship via B1 Cittadinanza (spouse/family-based)
  
   
• Meets language requirements for university studies (B2 level)
  
   
• Strengthens your ability to communicate confidently in real-life and professional settings
  
   

What each CILS level means — skills, goals, and exam format

Each CILS exam consists of five components: Listening, Reading, Grammar/Structures, Writing, and Speaking. From A1 to C2, each level builds your skills progressively.

Below we explain what you’ll learn at each level, and what to expect from the test.

 CILS A1 - Beginner

• You’ll learn to:
  • Introduce yourself and share basic personal information
  • Ask for explanations about vocabulary or grammar
  • Express simple needs, thank others, and apologize
  • Understand and take part in basic conversations if spoken slowly
• Exam Format:
  • Listening: 30 min
  • Reading: 30 min
  • Writing: 30 min
  • Speaking: 10 min
  • Total: ~1h45 + oral exam

CILS A2 - Elementary

• You’ll learn to:
  • Talk about everyday topics like family and weather
  • Understand short texts and visuals (ads, maps, comics)
  • Give short presentations in class
  • Communicate in basic social situations
• Exam Format:
  • Listening: 30–40 min
  • Reading: 40 min
  • Structures: 30 min
  • Writing: 40 min
  • Speaking: 10 min
  • Total: ~2h05 + oral exam

 CILS B1 - Intermediate

• You’ll learn to:
  • Produce coherent texts and narrate experiences
  • Talk about abstract and familiar topics
  • Express emotions, intentions, and motivations
  • Explain and discuss your opinions
• Exam Format:
  • Listening: 30–40 min
  • Reading: ~50 min
  • Structures: 60 min
  • Writing: 70 min
  • Speaking: 10 min
  • Total: ~3h45 + oral exam

 CILS B1 - Cittadinanza

• Same as B1 Uno, but:
  • Tailored for citizenship application
  • You must pass all parts at once
  • If you fail one section, the entire exam must be retaken

 CILS B2 - Upper Intermediate

• You’ll learn to:
  • Write clearly on academic or professional topics
  • Express and defend opinions
  • Engage in debates and formal discussions
  • Understand complex written and spoken texts
• Exam Format:
  • Listening: ~40 min
  • Reading: ~70 min
  • Structures: ~75 min
  • Writing: ~90 min
  • Speaking: 15 min
  • Total: ~4h50 + oral exam

 CILS C1 - Advanced

• You’ll learn to:
  • Adapt language to different contexts and tones
  • Understand idioms, humor, and implied meaning
  • Handle professional and academic tasks in Italy
  • Communicate with native and non-standard speakers with ease
• Exam Format:
  • Listening: ~50 min
  • Reading: ~75 min
  • Structures: ~80 min
  • Writing: ~90 min
  • Speaking: 15 min
  • Total: ~5h25 + oral exam

 CILS C2 - Proficiency

• You’ll master:
  • Native-level fluency in all contexts
  • Understanding and producing any genre of Italian text
  • Navigating sociolinguistic and cultural layers of Italian
  • Advanced grammar, syntax, and style
• Exam Format:
  • Listening: ~50 min
  • Reading: ~80 min
  • Structures: ~90 min
  • Writing: ~90 min
  • Speaking: 15 min
  • Total: ~5h25 + oral exam

What you’ll gain by each level

• A1 - Survival Italian
• A2 - Social interaction
• B1 - Functional independence
• B1 -  Cittadinanza - Language for citizenship
• B2 - Work and academic readiness
• C1 - Professional fluency
• C2 - Native-level command

Pricing & Fees

Here’s the official fee schedule from Università per Stranieri di Siena: 

 Next steps

1. Pick your level based on your goals
2. Download official sample exams
3. Register in time – exams are offered in June, December, and special dates
4. Practice under exam conditions
5. Consider a prep course with experienced CILS tutors

Sample Exam Timings

• A1 adults (Italy): ~1h45 written + oral
  
   
• A2 adults (Italy): ~2h05 written + oral
  
   
• B1–B2–C1–C2 write-ups: 1h45 before oral; B2–C2 include full five-part written plus ~10–15 min speaking
  
   

Next steps to prepare

1. Pick your target level based on needs: A2 for integration, B1 for citizenship, B2 for studies, C1/C2 for profession.
   
    
2. Register 1–2 months in advance
   
    
3. Practice full mock exams with strict timing, including speaking drills recorded digitally.
   
    
4. Ensure strong grammar and lexis: use structure drills and true/false exercises as in the official format.
   
    
5. Join a prep course, or work with qualified tutors familiar with CILS rules and scoring.
   
    

Need help preparing for the CILS exam?

Not sure where to start or how to structure your study plan?

Check out our complete CILS preparation guide - packed with practical tips, official resources, and real exam advice.

We offer:

• Flexible online lessons
• Mock exams and timed practice
• Speaking & writing corrections
• Access to official and custom study material
   

Prepare with confidence and pass the CILS on your first try.