CILS EXAMS

CILS Italian Exams – Certify Your Language Skills

The CILS exam (Certificazione di Italiano come Lingua Straniera) is an internationally recognized certificate for Italian as a foreign or second language. It assesses language skills in listening, reading, writing, and speaking and is aligned with the proficiency levels of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR): A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, and C2. The CILS certificate is recognized by educational institutions, employers, and government agencies and serves as proof of language proficiency for professional purposes, academic studies, or residence in Italy. All information regarding CILS exam dates, Registration requirements for levels A1 through C2 can be found below

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Learn more about our CILS exams

Learn more about our CILS exams!

Level

A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, C2

Code Exam type
– Standard (without specialization)
B (Children) For children ages 8–11
A (Adolescents) For teens ages 12–16
I (Integration) For immigration-related purposes
C (Citizenship) To obtain Italian citizenship
C1 M Specifically for medical students or for the recognition of diplomas

  1. Listening Comprehension (Ascolto)
  2. Reading Comprehension
  3. Analysis of Communication Structures (Strutture di comunicazione)
    This section is not included in the B1-C exam
  4. Written expression (Produzione scritta)
  5. Oral exam (Oral presentation)

The oral exam consists of two parts:

  • A conversation between the candidate and the examiner
  • A monologue by the candidate

The number of exam slots is limited. Please register early using the registration form or directly at our office. Please refer to the“Exam Dates & Registration Deadlines”table for the respective registration deadlines. Registrations are only accepted until the respective registration deadline; unfortunately, registrations received after this time cannot be accepted. Exam fees must be paid in full by the exam date at the latest; otherwise, participation will be denied.

Withdrawals are subject to a non-refundable processing fee of CHF 30.00. Withdrawals made after the deadline will result in the full exam fee being charged. Withdrawals must be submitted exclusively by email.

In general, it is possible to reschedule an exam after the registration deadline has passed. If the rescheduling is due to a medically certified illness, the exam fee may be transferred to a later exam (within 18 months). A medical certificate is required for this. A processing fee of CHF 30.00 will also be charged. The medical certificate must be submitted within 10 days of the exam; otherwise, it will not be considered. A refund of the costs is not possible.

On the day of the exam, you will receive a sheet showing your student ID number, as well as instructions on how to access your results.
The grading process typically takes about 3 months. Grades are issued directly by CILS. If you would like to pick up your certificate in person, please contact us by email.

The CILS certificate is internationally recognized, accepted by educational institutions, employers, and government agencies, and serves as proof of language proficiency for professional purposes, academic studies, or residence in Italy. In the Italian-speaking cantons of Switzerland, the CILS certificate can also be used to demonstrate the required proficiency in Italian for naturalization.

The CILS certificate is not accepted for naturalization in Switzerland.