CILS – Certificate of Italian as a Foreign Language

The CILS certification covers all six levels of language and communication ability (from A1 to C2) as set out by the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.

CILS examinations for the following levels can be taken at our Centre:

• ONE-B1 (B1 Standard, B1 Citizenship)
• TWO-B2
• THREE-C1
• FOUR-C2

N.B. In order to enrol in the OSS course it is necessary to take the B1 Standard level (or higher levels): B1 Citizenship is not accepted to enrol in the OSS course.

The exam is made up of various sections to test language and communication skills:

• listening
• reading comprehension
• ability to use communicative structures in Italian
• written production
• oral production

Registration for the CILS exam on 3 December 2026 is open until 12 October

Candidates with special needs (temporary or permanent disabilities) should provide the CLA Student Office with a medical certification at the time of signing up.

Please be very careful when entering your details in the registration form because they will appear in your certificate.
If after the issuance of the certificate there are errors, in fact, there are extra costs to be paid to ask for the personal data correction:
– €20,00 for the personal data correction of the certificate to be sent to Italy
– €30,00 for the personal data correction of the certificate to be sent abroad

The preparation path is aimed at candidates who wish to take one of the following levels of certification:

• B1 Citizenship
• B1 Standard
• B2
• C1

The CILS preparation path covers the exam structure and requirements and provides tools and strategies for exam preparation.

The preparation path consists of:

• a structured exam preparation path to be taken on an autonomous basis using the material and resources available on the Moodle platform. It will mainly be possible to practice through exam examples, but there is no individual feedback for productive skills (writing and oral production);
• an in-person meeting – unique for participants of all levels included in the preparation – during which the syllabus and the structure of the tests will be presented and instructions will be given on how to use the material and resources in Moodle to prepare for the exam;
• a real exam simulation during which indications and suggestions will be given on how best to tackle the various tests. The candidates will be divided into different classrooms according to their level. The dates will be defined after the registration closes.

It is not, therefore, an Italian language course.

• UNIPD candidates: after completing their registration for the CILS exam, UNIPD candidates will receive an email from the CLA Student Office with all the instructions for preparing for the exam.

• External candidates: when filling out the CILS exam registration form, external candidates can decide whether to also register for the preparation course. Candidates who register for the preparation course will receive an email from the CLA Student Office with all the information they need to proceed with payment and then take the preparation course.

If you have any further doubts or need any assistance, please remember that the University Language Centre’s Student Office (via Venezia, 16 – 5^th floor) is open from Monday to Friday from 9:30 a.m. until 1:00 p.m.