Accepted exams for Long-Term Residence Permit
To obtain an Italian residence permit, which is required for non-EU citizens planning to stay in Italy for more than 90 days, you must provide an official certificate showing that you have at least an A2 level in Italian. This certification can be obtained through recognized institutions, such as the University for Foreigners of Perugia and the University for Foreigners of Siena, which offer the CELI and CILS exams, officially recognized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The security decree requires certification of a level no lower than A2 in order to obtain a long-term residence permit.
Equivalence of CELI and CILS Certifications as per the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) for Languages
| Level | CILS | CELI | Test your Italian |
| Basic | A1 | IMPATTO | Italian Test A1 |
| Elementary | A2 / A2 Integrazione | 1 / 1 Immigrati A2 | Italian Test A2 |
| Intermediate | B1 / B1 Cittadinanza | 2 | Italian Test B1 |
| Upper intermediate | B2 | 3 | Italian Test B2 |
| Advanced | C1 | 4 | Italian Test C1 |
| Mastery | C2 | 5 | Complete Italian Test |
Level A2 – elementary – of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) is equivalent to level CILS A2 and level CELI 1.
At the A2 level, Italian learners can understand short, simple texts – both spoken and written – participate in basic conversations, and write brief messages about everyday life.
CILS A2 and CELI 1 Exams
CILS A2 Integrazione
Structure
📖 Comprehension of written texts (25%)
✏️ Production of written texts (25%)
🎧 Comprehension of oral texts (25%)
🗣️ Oral production (25%)
Duration: 2 hours and 5 minutes
🔔 Please note: Candidates who do not pass a section are required to retake the full exam.
CELI 1 Immigrati A2
Structure
📖 Comprehension of written texts (25%)
✏️ Production of written texts (15%)
🎧 Comprehension of oral texts (30%)
🗣️ Oral production (15%)
Duration: 2 hours and 30 minutes
🔔 Please note: If one of the two parts (oral and written) is not passed, the entire exam must be repeated.
Costs, Dates, and CILS/CELI Centers
CILS
CILS exams take place various times a year, simultaneously all over the world.
- In Italy, they take place at the University of Siena and other affiliated locations, including our school! Complete list here.
- Abroad, exams take place at some affiliated centers and Italian Cultural Institutes. Discover the office closest to you.
⚠️ Important: If you want to take the CILS exam, it is necessary to respect strict deadlines; for example, the application must be registered at least 45 days before the exam.
It costs 40€, both in Italy and abroad.
🎯 timing and results
within 90 days
40–45 days (B1 C)
5–6 months after the exam
Downloadable immediately
⚠️The provisional certificate has the value of a self-certification. It can be used for residence permit or citizenship applications, but its acceptance depends on the authority. In some cases, the original paper certificate with a unique QR code is required.
CELI
There are three sessions per year, taking place in March, June, and November. You can take the CELI exam at the center closest to you, or in Florence, at our school.
Important: To take the CELI exam, strict deadlines and long waiting times are imposed.
Here, at Europass, it costs 120€.
🎯 timing and results
within 140 days
~90 days
~4 months after results publication
Downloadable immediately
⚠️The provisional certificate has the value of a self-certification. It can be used for residence permit or citizenship applications, but its acceptance depends on the authority. In some cases, the original paper certificate with a unique QR code is required.
🔔 Please note: Neither CELI nor CILS can be taken online.
A2 Exam Preparation
In addition to the many online courses and courses in Florence, we have developed a specific online group course for the CILS A2 Integrazione exam, available twice a year, starting in early March and early September.
The course includes:
👥 Small group classes with international students
🧑🏫 Qualified native-speaking teachers
📅 12-week structured program
🎯 Exam simulations and targeted exam-focused activities
📝 Plenty of practice quizzes and mock exams
This is the ideal option if you’re looking for a focused and supportive environment to prepare for the exam.
Discover our A2 online course and kickstart your exam preparation.