Accepted Exams for University
In order to obtain admission to an Italian university, it is necessary to obtain an official certification attesting to the passing of a B2 level according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
CILS and CELI, offered by the University of Siena and the University for Foreigners of Perugia, are official qualifications recognized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
More than 80% of students choose the CILS. The rest is divided between CELI and the other officially recognized certifications.
Equivalence of CILS and CELI Certifications with the Common Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR):
| 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 B2 – upper intermediate – of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) is equivalent to level CILS B2 and level CELI 3.
At B2 level, Italian learners can understand the main ideas of complex texts, interact fluently with native speakers, and produce clear, detailed speech and writing on a wide range of topics.
CILS B2 and CELI 3 exams
CILS B2
Structure
📖 Comprehension of written texts (20%)
✏️ Production of written texts (20%)
📚 Linguistic competence (20%)
🎧 Comprehension of oral texts (20%)
🗣️ Oral production (20%)
Duration: 3 hours and 40 minutes
🔔 Please note: To obtain the CILS certification, the candidate must obtain a passing score on all parts.
The candidate has the right to retake one or more parts of the exam within 18 months of the original exam session, paying only for the part(s) to be retaken.
CELI 3
Structure
📖 Comprehension of written texts (20%)
✏️ Production of written texts (20%)
📚 Linguistic competence (10%)
🎧 Comprehension of oral texts (20%)
🗣️ Oral production (30%)
Duration: 3 hours and 40 minutes
🔔 Please note: If one of the two parts, either written or oral, is not passed, you can retake the unsuccessful part within one year after your exam, paying only 70% of the initial price.
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. Our school is one of the accredited centers in Florence.
- 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 105€, 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.
CILS / CELI exam preparation
We offer a specific online group course for the CILS B2 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 CILS B2 exam.