You need to show your Italian language proficiency to your employer, you are looking for a job in an Italian-speaking country, you wish to enter a University in Italy or to apply for a long-term permit ? Then you must start your preparation for the CILS exam.
What means CILS ?
On one hand CILS stands for Certificazione di italiano come lingua straniera. It is a diploma well-known and admitted in the entire world. The diploma is valid all your life. You can book today one-to-one online Italian courses to prepare the CILS exam.
Delivered by Università per Stranieri di Siena (UNISTRASI), the CILS is admitted by the Italian government and for Italian nationality application (level B1 requested).
CILS can be taken for beginner Italian speakers (A1-A2), intermediate Italian speakers (B1-B2) and advanced Italian speakers (C1-C2).
Who can take the CILS exam ?
Teenagers can also get the CILS certification for level A1, A2 and B1.
The CILS A2 Integration certification meet the requirement for obtaining the EU residence permit for long-term residents in Italy.
How to prepare for the CILS exam ?
Obviously, our Italian teacher at French courses Aurélia can prepare you to the CILS exam with one-on-one online courses and specific exercises so that you are ready to pass this proficiency test of Italian language. The day of the exam, you will have to perform oral understanding, written understanding, oral production and written production. That’s why we will basically work on real exam subjects from the previous years.
Where to take the CILS exam ?
After your preparation for the CILS exam, you can take the exam of your level from A1 to C2 in one Istituto Italiano di Cultura abroad. You can look for the country you live in to find the closest centres of exam.
When should you register for the CILS exam ?
For example, the next exam date in Paris will be the 3rd December 2026. Registration for CILS exam start end of September and there is a limit of 10 participants for each level.
You may also take the CILS exam directly at the University of Siena. The next session will be 21st October 2026.
How much does it cost to take the exam ?
On the whole, the rates depend on your level but also on the city and exam center where you will take your test. Concerning the CILS A1 to B2, the rates span from about 50 euros to 110 euros. Concerning the CILS C1 or C2, the approximate price to expect is more about 135 and 160 euros.