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Prepare for the Certificazione di Italiano come Lingua Straniera with unlimited scored practice. Earn an official Italian certificate recognised by the Italian government.

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What Is CILS?

CILS (Certificazione di Italiano come Lingua Straniera) is an official Italian proficiency certificate by the University for Foreigners of Siena. It is recognised by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Italian government.

Six CEFR-aligned levels are offered: A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, and C2. CILS certificates never expire. CILS B2 is required for Italian university admission, and CILS A2 is required for the EU long-term residency permit in Italy.

Each section is scored independently out of 20. You need at least 11/20 in each section to pass. If you fail one section, you can retake just that section in the next exam session.

CILS B2 Test Format

Showing the B2 level, required for Italian university admission.

Comprensione della lettura (Reading)

  • Content: 3 texts with questions
  • Time: 60 minutes
  • Max score: 20 points
  • Format: Multiple choice, true/false, matching

Ascolto (Listening)

  • Content: 3 audio recordings with questions
  • Time: 30 minutes
  • Max score: 20 points
  • Format: Multiple choice and completion

Produzione scritta (Writing)

  • Tasks: 2 (formal letter + argumentative text)
  • Time: 90 minutes
  • Max score: 20 points
  • Format: Structured writing tasks with word limits

Produzione orale (Speaking)

  • Parts: 2 (monologue + conversation)
  • Time: 10 minutes
  • Max score: 20 points
  • Format: Face-to-face with examiner

How Syllabus Will Help You Prepare

Practice that mirrors the real CILS exam experience.

1

Instant Scoring

Every response evaluated against CILS grading criteria. Get your predicted score within seconds.

2

Detailed Feedback

Get specific feedback on grammar, vocabulary, coherence, and task fulfilment for writing and speaking responses.

3

Unlimited Practice

No test limits, no paywalls. Practise across all CILS levels as many times as you need.

CILS Levels

Each section is scored out of 20. You need at least 11/20 in each section to pass.

CILS Level CEFR Pass Mark Proficiency Typical Use
CILS Quattro (C2) C2 11/20 per section Mastery Academic and advanced professional
CILS Tre (C1) C1 11/20 per section Advanced University admission (competitive programmes)
CILS Due (B2) B2 11/20 per section Upper intermediate University admission, professional registration
CILS Uno (B1) B1 11/20 per section Intermediate Italian citizenship, long-term residency
CILS A2 A2 11/20 per section Elementary EU long-term residency permit in Italy
CILS A1 A1 11/20 per section Beginner First certification of Italian

Each section is scored independently out of 20. You need at least 11/20 per section to pass. Failed sections can be retaken in the next exam session. Certificates are valid for life.

CILS — Key Facts

Fee

EUR 80–EUR 200 depending on level and test centre.

Validity

Lifetime — CILS certificates never expire.

Residency

CILS A2 is required for the EU long-term residency permit (Permesso di soggiorno CE).

Modular Retakes

Failed sections can be retaken independently — no need to redo the whole exam.

Test Sessions

Offered 2–3 times per year (June and December at all levels, October for some).

University Admission

CILS B2 (Due) required for Italian university admission without the language entrance exam.

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