The CELI 2 citizenship and the CILS B1 citizenship are the necessary levels to obtain Italian citizenship.
The level B1 is usually demonstrated by the ability to carry out simple conversations on somewhat complex topics, understanding the main elements of everyday discussions.
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Table of Contents
- Which exams are valid for citizenship?
- CELI 2 and CILS B1 exams: All the details
- How to prepare for the CELI / CILS exams
Which exams are valid for citizenship?
To obtain Italian citizenship, it is necessary to obtain an official certification verifying the passing of level B1.
Both the University for Foreigners of Perugia and the University of Foreigners of Siena are providers of the CELI and CILS qualifications, which are recognized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The security decree requires certification of a level no lower than B1 in order to obtain Italian citizenship.
Level B1 – pre-intermediate – of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) is equivalent to level CELI 2 and level CILS B1.
Equivalence of CELI and CILS Certifications as per the Common Framework of Reference (CEFR) for Languages
| LEVEL | CELI | CILS | Test your Italian |
| A1 – basic | CELI IMPATTO | CILS A1 | Italian Test A1 |
| A2 – elementary | CELI 1 | CILS A2 | Italian Test A2 |
| B1 – intermediate | CELI 2 | CILS B1 / CILS B1 cittadinanza | Italian Test B1 |
| B2 – upper intermediate | CELI 3 | CILS B2 | Italian Test B2 |
| C1 – advanced | CELI 4 | CILS C1 | Italian Test C1 |
| C2 – mastery | CELI 5 | CILS C2 | Complete Italian Test |
CELI 2 and CILS B1 exams: All the details
How much does the B1 exam cost?
- CELI 2: Here, at Europass, it costs 120€ for all those that attended one of our courses, 190€ for all those who didn’t.
- CILS B1: 100€, both in Italy and abroad.
The structure of the exams
CELI 2 – cittadinanza
Structure: reading comprehension (25%), writing and written interaction (25%), listening comprehension and phonetic discrimination (25%), and speaking (25%).
Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes
Please note: If one of the two parts (oral and written) is not passed, the entire exam must be repeated.
CILS B1 cittadinanza
Structure: listening (25%), reading comprehension and language competence (25%), writing (25%), and speaking (25%)
Duration: 2 hours 5 minutes
Please note: To obtain the CILS B1 cittadinanza certification, the candidate must pass all the parts. The candidate will have to retake the entirety of the exam upon failure of any of the parts.
When and where to take the exam
CELI
There are three sessions per year, taking place in March, June, and November. You can take the CELIexam at the center closest to you. Our school is one of the accredited centers in Florence.
Important: To take the CELI exam, strict deadlines and long waiting times are imposed. Marking the exams can take up to 3 months, while sending the certificate, up to 4 months.
CILS
CILS exams take place various times a year, simultaneously all over the world.
- In Italy, they take place at the University of Siena (about an hour’s drive from our school in Florence) and other affiliated locations.
- Abroad, exams take place at some affiliated centers and Italian Cultural Institutes. Discover the office closest to you.
Important: To take the CILS exam it is necessary to respect strict deadlines, for example, the application must be registered at least 45 days before the exam.
CELI / CILS exams online
Neither CELI nor CILS can be taken online.
How to prepare for the CELI / CILS exams
To pass the language exams for university admission, it is not necessary to follow a specific course, with imposed content or a determined method. What is important is to be well-prepared in both writing and speaking.
Since all parts must be completed successfully in order to pass the exam, training (or simply a review) may be necessary, focusing on certain aspects more than others.
Our courses (in Italy and online) are highly customizable according to your needs.
Are you in need of just a recap, or are you still not satisfied your level and you’d like to advance your skills by following an intensive course? Do you prefer to study in a group or take private lessons?
During exam preparation, exam sessions will also be simulated, using old exam papers.
By taking practice exams, you will get used to the exam structure and the time provided to complete it. Furthermore, by practicing, you can easily check your expected score.
Online preparation for B1 exam
Enhance your Italian language skills with our flexible online courses.
Join a global community of learners in group classes or opt for personalized instruction with individual lessons. Mix both options for a complete learning experience.
Online One-on-One Italian Lessons
Our online Italian lessons can be fully customized as per your needs.
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Live Online Italian Courses
These group courses will provide you with 2 weekly live lessons of 100 minutes each.
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Preparation for B1 exam in Italy
Improve your Italian skills and ace the B1 exam with our flexible group or private lessons.
Benefit from the guidance of native-speaking teachers while immersing yourself in the heart of Italian culture.
Classic Europass: Standard Italian Courses. Group Lessons
Join 4 Italian lessons every morning with 4-12 students at the same level of proficiency.
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Private Italian Courses in Florence
Our experienced trainers will be able to guide you and support you during your preparation for the B1 exam for citizenship.
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As an expert in Italian language proficiency and certification exams, I can assure you that obtaining Italian citizenship requires a demonstration of language proficiency at the B1 level. The CELI 2 and CILS B1 certifications are recognized as necessary qualifications, and I will provide a comprehensive understanding of these concepts.
The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) establishes language proficiency levels, and B1 is considered pre-intermediate. Both CELI 2 and CILS B1 align with this level, making them suitable for citizenship purposes. The equivalence of these certifications is crucial for understanding the language proficiency requirements.
The University for Foreigners of Perugia and the University of Foreigners of Siena are authorized providers of CELI and CILS qualifications. These certifications are acknowledged by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, highlighting their credibility and relevance in the context of obtaining Italian citizenship.
The CELI and CILS exams are structured to assess various language skills. For CELI 2, the exam includes reading comprehension, writing, listening comprehension, and speaking, each contributing 25% to the overall assessment. On the other hand, the CILS B1 cittadinanza exam evaluates listening, reading comprehension, language competence, writing, and speaking, with equal weightage for each section.
Understanding the exam costs and structure is vital for aspirants. The B1 exam costs for CELI 2 and CILS B1 are €120 and €100, respectively. The duration of the exams differs, with CELI 2 lasting 2 hours and 30 minutes, while CILS B1 cittadinanza takes 2 hours and 5 minutes.
For those planning to take these exams, it's essential to know the schedules and locations. CELI exams are held three times a year (March, June, and November), with centers worldwide, including accredited locations like the University of Siena. CILS exams occur multiple times a year globally, with venues in Italy and abroad, such as the University of Siena and affiliated centers.
One notable aspect is that neither CELI nor CILS exams can be taken online, emphasizing the importance of planning and adhering to strict deadlines. Proper preparation is key, and institutions like Europass offer customizable courses, both in Italy and online, catering to individual needs. These courses simulate exam sessions, providing a thorough understanding of the exam structure and allowing candidates to gauge their preparedness.
In conclusion, for individuals seeking Italian citizenship, proficiency at the B1 level, demonstrated through CELI 2 or CILS B1 exams, is imperative. By understanding the equivalences, exam details, costs, and preparation options, applicants can navigate the process with confidence and increase their chances of success.
