Accepted exams for Italian citizenship
To obtain Italian citizenship, it is necessary to obtain an official certification verifying the passing of level B1.
Both the University for Foreigners of Perugia and the University of Foreigners of Siena are providers of the CELI and CILS qualifications, which are recognized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The security decree requires certification of a level no lower than B1 in order to obtain Italian citizenship.
Level B1 – pre-intermediate – of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) is equivalent to level CELI 2 and level CILS B1.
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 B1 – intermediate – of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) is equivalent to level CILS B1 and level CELI 2.
At B1 level, Italian learners can understand the main points of clear standard input on familiar matters and can produce simple connected texts on topics that are familiar or of personal interest.
CILS B1 and CELI 2 exams
CILS B1 – cittadinanza
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: To obtain the CILS B1 cittadinanza certification, the candidate must pass all the parts.
The candidate will have to retake the entirety of the exam upon failure of any of the parts.
CELI 2 – cittadinanza
Structure
📖 Comprehension of written texts (25%)
✏️ Production of written texts (25%)
🎧 Comprehension of oral texts (25%)
🗣️ Oral production (25%)
Duration: 2 hours and 35 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: 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 100€, 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. Marking the exams can take up to 3 months, while sending the certificate can take up to 4 months.
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.
B1 exam preparation
We offer a specific online group course for the CILS B1 Citizenship 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 the B1 online course