CILS Exam: What It Is, Levels A1–C2, Structure, Dates and Online Preparation
CILS (Certificazione di Italiano come Lingua Straniera) is an official state-recognized Italian language exam that certifies your level from A1 to C2.
✔ Recognized in Italy and the EU
✔ Required for citizenship, residency permits, study, and work
✔ Lifetime certificate
What Is CILS?
CILS is an international Italian language certificate issued by
👉 Università per Stranieri di Siena
📌 Key Facts:
- levels: A1–C2
- aligned with CEFR
- lifetime validity
- officially recognized by the Italian state
What Is the CILS Exam Needed For?
The CILS certificate is required for:
🇮🇹 Italian citizenship (B1 cittadinanza)
📄 Permesso di soggiorno (A2)
🎓 University admission
💼 Working in Italy
📊 Proof of language level
CILS Exam Levels (Official Structure)
| CEFR Level | CILS Name | Format | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| A1 | CILS A1 | Standard | basic communication |
| A1 | CILS A1 bambini | Children | for children |
| A2 | CILS A2 | Standard | basic level |
| A2 | CILS A2 integrazione | Immigration | Permesso di soggiorno |
| B1 | CILS UNO (B1) | Standard | intermediate level |
| B1 | CILS B1 cittadinanza | Citizenship | Italian citizenship |
| B2 | CILS DUE (B2) | Standard | work, study |
| C1 | CILS TRE (C1) | Advanced | university |
| C2 | CILS QUATTRO (C2) | Fluent mastery | highest level |
Special CILS Formats
📌 In addition to standard exams, there are adapted versions:
- CILS bambini – for children
- CILS adolescenti – for teenagers
- CILS integrazione – for immigration purposes
- CILS cittadinanza – for citizenship
Most Popular CILS Levels
✔ CILS A2 integrazione – for residency permit
✔ CILS B1 cittadinanza – for citizenship
Structure of the CILS Exam
The exam tests all language skills.
Main Parts of CILS
- Comprensione orale (listening)
- Comprensione della lettura (reading)
- Produzione scritta (writing)
- Produzione orale (speaking)
- Analisi delle strutture (grammar)
What Tasks Are Included in CILS (by level)
B1 cittadinanza
- everyday situations
- short texts
- basic speaking tasks
👉 CILS Sample Tasks
How Long Does the CILS Exam Take? (Official Data)
Written Part (Prove scritte)
| Level | Listening | Reading | Grammar | Break | Writing | Total Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A1 integrazione | 15 min | 20 min | — | 15 min | 30 min | ~1 h 20 min |
| A1 | 30 min | 30 min | 30 min | 15 min | 30 min | ~2 h 15 min |
| A1 adolescenti | 30 min | 30 min | 30 min | 15 min | 30 min | ~2 h 15 min |
| A1 bambini | 30 min | 30 min | — | 15 min | 30 min | ~1 h 45 min |
| A2 integrazione | 20 min | 30 min | — | 15 min | 40 min | ~1 h 45 min |
| A2 | 30 min | 40 min | 40 min | 15 min | 40 min | ~2 h 45 min |
| A2 adolescenti | 30 min | 40 min | 40 min | 15 min | 40 min | ~2 h 45 min |
| A2 bambini | 30 min | 40 min | 40 min | 15 min | 40 min | ~2 h 45 min |
| B1 cittadinanza | 30 min | 40 min | — | 15 min | 40 min | ~2 h 05 min |
| B1 adolescenti | 30 min | 50 min | 1 h | 15 min | 1 h 10 min | ~3 h 45 min |
| CILS UNO (B1) | 30 min | 50 min | 1 h | 15 min | 1 h 10 min | ~3 h 45 min |
| CILS DUE (B2) | 30 min | 50 min | 1 h | 15 min | 1 h 10 min | ~3 h 45 min |
| CILS TRE (C1) | 40 min | 1 h 10 min | 1 h 15 min | 15 min | 1 h 30 min | ~4 h 50 min |
| CILS QUATTRO (C2) | 50 min | 1 h 20 min | 1 h 30 min | 15 min | 1 h 30 min | ~5 h 25 min |
Oral Part (Produzione orale)
| Level | Duration |
|---|---|
| A1–B2 | ~10 min |
| C1–C2 | ~15 min |
Important to Know
📌 The exam consists of 2 parts:
- written part (main part)
- oral part (separately or on the same day)
📌 There is a break between the parts (15 min)
📌 The total duration may vary depending on the exam center
CILS Exam Results
After taking the CILS exam, you can check your result online.
How to Check Your Result
👉 Click “IL MIO RISULTATO”,
to view your result.
📌 To access it, you need to enter:
- matricola number
- date of birth
When Are CILS Results Published?
⏳ Results are usually available about 3 months after the exam.
❗ Important:
- there is no fast-track correction
- results are published only after the official evaluation process is completed
If the Result Is Not Available
If your result does not appear after entering your data:
📌 it means that:
- your exam has not been corrected yet
- you need to wait a little longer
How to Get the CILS Certificate
📄 To receive your certificate:
👉 contact the center where you took the exam.
How to Request Access to Your CILS Papers
You can request access to your exam papers.
📌 To do this, you must:
- contact the CILS Center within 30 days after the results are published
- send a request to:
✉️ trasparenzacertificazioni@unistrasi.it
What to Include in the Request
Your email must include:
- first and last name
- place and date of birth
- matricola number
- email address
📎 You also need to:
- attach a copy of your ID document
- pay the administrative fee (according to Legge 241/90)
When Does CILS Take Place? (2026 Dates)
CILS Exam Dates in 2026
Below are the main CILS exam dates in 2026 and the levels available in each session.
It is important to register in advance, because registration closes after the deadline.
16 June 2026
Registration deadline: 7 May 2026
Available levels:
- A1 Standard *
- A1 Bambini *
- A1 Adolescenti *
- A1 Integrazione in Italia *
- A2 Standard
- A2 Bambini
- A2 Adolescenti
- A2 Integrazione in Italia
- B1 Adolescenti
- B1 cittadinanza
- B1 Standard
- B2 Standard
- B2 Adolescenti
- C1
- C2
22 July 2026
Registration deadline: 22 June 2026
Available levels:
- A2 integrazione
- B1 cittadinanza
21 October 2026
Registration deadline: 21 September 2026
Available levels:
- A2 Standard
- A2 Integrazione
- B1 cittadinanza
3 December 2026
Registration deadline: 24 October 2026
Available levels:
- A1 Standard *
- A1 Bambini *
- A1 Adolescenti *
- A1 Integrazione in Italia *
- A2 Standard
- A2 Bambini
- A2 Adolescenti
- A2 Integrazione in Italia
- B1 Adolescenti
- B1 cittadinanza
- B1 Standard
- B2 Standard
- B2 Adolescenti
- C1
- C2
Important to Know
* A1 levels are held only upon request from specific exam centers.
📌 Most Popular Sessions for Candidates:
- A2 integrazione — for permesso di soggiorno
- B1 cittadinanza — for Italian citizenship
- B2 Standard — for study and work
- C1 / C2 — for advanced language proficiency
When Is the Best Time to Register for CILS?
We recommend registering at least 1–2 months before the exam date, especially if you plan to take:
- CILS A2 integrazione
- CILS B1 cittadinanza
- CILS B2
- CILS C1
Some centers have limited places, so it is better not to wait until the last week.
Where Can You Take the CILS Exam?
The exam can be taken:
- in Italy
- in official centers worldwide
- in accredited language schools
📍 Centers are available in Europe, Ukraine, and the USA.
How Much Does the CILS Exam Cost?
| Level | Price |
|---|---|
| A1–A2 | 40–90 € |
| B1 cittadinanza | 100–120 € |
| B2 | 120–150 € |
| C1–C2 | до 200 € |
📌 The price depends on the country.
How to Prepare for CILS (Key to Success)
To pass the exam, you need to:
✔ know the structure
✔ practice all parts
✔ work with real tests
✔ learn common mistakes
✔ have a strategy
Online CILS Preparation
We offer professional online CILS preparation:
✔ Individual lessons
✔ Mini-groups
✔ Real exam tasks
✔ Exam strategies
✔ Native teachers
✔ 10+ years of experience
Why Choose Our School
- specialization in CILS
- high success rate
- preparation for your specific level
- individual approach
Enroll in CILS Preparation
What is CILS in simple words?
It is an official Italian language exam that certifies your level from A1 to C2.
What level is required for Italian citizenship?
For Italian citizenship, the required level is usually B1 cittadinanza.
Is it difficult to pass CILS?
It depends on your current level and preparation. With the right strategy and practice, passing CILS is absolutely achievable.
How long is the CILS certificate valid?
The CILS certificate has lifetime validity.
Can I take CILS online?
No. The exam is taken in person at accredited centers.
How much time is needed to prepare for CILS?
On average:
- A2 — 2–4 months
- B1 — 3–6 months
- B2 — 6+ months
