The certification of Italian as a foreign language is an official document that legally attests to one’s level of linguistic and communicative competence. These qualifications are issued by authoritative certifying bodies and are officially recognized internationally.
Holding an official certification offers a concrete competitive advantage in both academic and professional fields. It facilitates integration into the labor market, allows for the continuation of studies in Italy, and represents an indispensable requirement for bureaucratic and institutional procedures.
CEFR Levels and Fields of Application
The certifications follow the six levels of competence established by the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). Depending on the objective, a specific level is required:
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- Level B1 (Citizenship): This is the minimum mandatory requirement to apply for Italian citizenship.
- Level B2 (University): This is required for enrollment in bachelor’s and master’s degree programs at Italian universities, exempting international students from the internal language test.
- Level C1 / C2 (Higher Education and Research): This is generally required for access to second-level Master’s programs, PhD research, and highly specialized professional contexts.
Certification for Italian Citizenship
According to the law of December 1, 2018, n. 132 (published in the Official Gazette n. 281 of December 3, 2018), acquiring Italian citizenship is subject to demonstrating an adequate knowledge of the language, not lower than the CEFR B1 level.
To satisfy this requirement, applicants must alternatively present:
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- A qualification issued by a public or equal-status educational institution in Italy or abroad, recognized by the Ministry of Education and Merit (MIM) or by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI).
- An official certification issued by one of the four certifying bodies recognized by the CLIQL association (Certificazione Lingua Italiana di Qualità).
Recognized Certifying Bodies (CLIQL)
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- CILS: University for Foreigners of Siena
- CELI: University for Foreigners of Perugia
- PLIDA: Dante Alighieri Society
- CERT.IT: Roma Tre University
📢 The Comitato Linguistico is an accredited Examination Center for CILS (University for Foreigners of Siena). At our facility, we organize official exam sessions according to the national calendar established by the certifying body. Anyone holding the CILS Due-B2 certification is exempt from taking the Italian language test for enrollment at universities in Italy.
Exam Structure and Levels
To obtain the certification, it is necessary to pass a structured exam that evaluates the four fundamental language skills: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking.
The exam levels are organized into three macro-areas:
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- Elementary Level (A1 – A2): For basic daily needs.
- Autonomous Level (B1 – B2): For social, workplace, and university integration.
- Mastery Level (C1 – C2): For complex and academic contexts.
Exam Preparation Courses
Although attendance is not mandatory, approaching the exam with targeted educational preparation significantly increases the chances of success. Our courses guide students through a detailed analysis of past exam papers.
We offer exam simulations and specific modules for all sections of the test:
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- Listening and reading comprehension
- Grammatical and lexical skills
- Written production and oral interview
Our Training Options
Lessons are available in group or individual formats and are structured in flexible formulas to adapt to your needs:
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- General preparation courses (all CILS levels): To discover program details, dates, and fees, consult our CILS Preparation Course Options.
- Specific B1 Citizenship courses: For intensive modules dedicated exclusively to passing the level required by law for citizenship, consult our B1 Citizenship Course Options.
PRICES
| CILS Exam Level | Full Exam Fee | Single Test Retake | Notes and Specifications |
|---|---|---|---|
| A1 / A2 Integration | €80.00 | Not provided | Cannot be split. In case of failure, it must be retaken entirely. |
| UNO – B1 Standard | €180.00 | €44.00 (per test) | Valid for work or study. Allows for the recovery of individual parts. |
| B1 Adolescents | €140.00 | €34.00 (per test) | Reserved for school-age students. Allows for recovery. |
| B1 Citizenship | €200.00 | Not provided | Specific for citizenship. Cannot be split into individual tests. |
| DUE – B2 | €205.00 | €46.00 (per test) | Required for university. Allows for the recovery of individual parts. |
| TRE – C1 | €235.00 | €60.00 (per test) | For higher education and public competitions. Allows for recovery. |
| QUATTRO – C2 | €260.00 | €70.00 (per test) | Maximum level of mastery. Allows for the recovery of individual parts. |
Accepted Payment Methods
To validate registration within the strict deadlines, the school accepts the following payment methods:
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- Bank Transfer: Ideal for international students (it will be necessary to send the transaction receipt via email).
- Credit / Debit Card: Directly at the center.
- Cash: Exclusively at the school’s Front Desk, in compliance with Italian legal limits for cash payments.
Results Publication Timeline
Publication times and release methods depend on the University for Foreigners that grades the tests, but they are generally published online within 90 days from the date of the exam.
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- Consultation: Students can check their scores independently on the University’s official portals by entering their date of birth and the student ID number (numero di matricola) assigned on the day of the exam.
Issuance of the Official Certificate
- Digital Certificate (Immediate): As soon as results are online, it is possible to download a summary document that is valid for all legal purposes (e.g., for citizenship applications or visas).
- Original Paper Diploma: The official paper diploma printed by the University is shipped to the Comitato Linguistico headquarters within approximately 4–5 months of the exam.
- Collection or Shipping: Students can pick up the original document directly from the school secretary’s office in Perugia or request international shipping to their home address via express courier (cost to be borne by the student).
