CILS: Exam preparation
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Sign up for freeWhat is the CILS exam?
The CILS (Certification of Italian as a Foreign Language) is a certified language test for foreigners to examine their Italian language proficiency. The certificate is issued by the University of Siena.
With this test you can obtain the admission requirements for studying at Italian universities.
There are 3 categories of exams according to the candidates need:
| Beginner | Independent learner | Advanced learner | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Exams |
|
|
|
See the table below with the 6 respective levels:
| CILS exam | Level | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | CILS A1 | A1 |
| 2 | CILS A2 | A2 |
| 3 | CILS One | B1 |
| 4 | CILS Two | B2 |
| 5 | CILS Three | C1 |
| 6 | CILS Four | C2 |
Differences between CELI, CILS, PLIDA and IT
They are all Italian language certificates; The exams vary from level to level and are regulated by the CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages) so they present a similar structure. The only difference is that they are issued by 4 different bodies, one of which is private. The PLIDA in fact, since is issued by the private "Dante Alighieri Society", does not have the certainty of being recognized abroad.
- CILS - (Certification of Italian as a Foreign Language) issued by the University of Siena.
- CELI - (Certificate of Italian Language) issued by the University for Foreigners of Perugia.
- PLIDA - (Dante Alighieri Italian Language Project) issued by the Dante Alighieri Society.
- IT - Issued by the University of Roma Tre
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Why is it useful to take the CILS exam?
These certified exams are aimed at those who do not have Italian as their mother tongue. It is useful if you want to enter an Italian university without having to carry out an initial test or to work in Italy.
Where is the CILS recognized?
The CILS certificate is internationally recognised by the majority of institutions and companies.
In Italy the CILS certificate is accepted by universities as admission.
How much does the CILS cost?
The following table shows the exam price according to the level chosen:
| Level | CILS price | |
| 1 | A1 | 40 € |
| 2 | A2 | 40 € |
| 3 | B1 | 90 € |
| 4 | B2 | 105 € |
| 5 | C1 | 135 € |
| 6 | C2 | 160 € |
NOTE: The price may vary depending in which centre and country the exam takes place.
How is the CILS structured?
All certificates are regulated by CEFR and follow the same structure; the exam is divided in 4 activities:
- Listening
- Reading
- Writing
- Conversation
Let's focus on the duration of the exams:
| CILS exam | Duration | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | CILS A1 | 2h and 10min |
| 2 | CILS A2 | 2h and 55min |
| 3 | CILS One | 3h and 50min |
| 4 | CILS Two | 3h and 55 |
| 5 | CILS Three | 4h and 55min |
| 6 | CILS Four | 5h and 30min |
How is the CILS scored?
To obtain the certification it is necessary to pass all the 4 parts.
Evaluation criteria:
| Exam | Description | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | A1 and A2 level tests | The total achievable from the test = 60 Minimum to pass = 35 |
| 2 | The integration module | The total achievable from the test = 60 Minimum to pass = 34 |
| 3 | Level A1 of the children module | The total achievable from the test = 48 Minimum to pass = 28 |
| 4 | Levels One-B1, Two-B2, Three-C1, Four-C2 | The total achievable from the test = 100 Minimum to pass is 55 |
How to register for the exam?
If you reside in Italy:
- Go directly to the University of Siena with a valid document.
- Go to a certified centre around Italy.
If you live abroad:
- Abroad in one of the Institutes of Italian culture.
You can register within the deadlines set by the institution.
Where and when does the CILS exam take place?
The exam takes place at the University of Siena and in its offices around Italy.
In case you want to take the test abroad, contact the Italian Cultural Institutes.
The exam sessions take place twice a year: June and December.
How to prepare for the test?
To pass the exam with good grade you need to be prepared in advance on the form of the test and practice all the 4 activities. Online you can find samples of previous exams.
In addition, it is important to take familiarity with the language by practicing speaking with a mother tongue.
How can I improve the grammar for free?
coLanguage offers 145 lessons and more than 280 exercises, which allow you to learn and understand Italian grammar.
This way you will improve your grammar for free and pass the exam with excellent grades.
If I fail the exam?
The exam is repeatable as many times as desired, there are no limitations.
Also, it is possible to repeat individual sections however, within a year.
See the costs for each repeated exam on the table below:
| CILS exam | Price repeated exam | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | CILS A1 | 12 € |
| 2 | CILS A2 | 12 € |
| 3 | CILS One | 22 € |
| 4 | CILS Two | 23 € |
| 5 | CILS Three | 30 € |
| 6 | CILS Four | 35 € |
Online tutoring
At coLanguage you'll find professional language teachers who can help you prepare for the CILS exam.
How does it work?
- Register as a student on coLanguage and find the right teacher for you.
- Arrange your private lessons via Skype.
- Teaching geared to the level (A1-C2).
- Flexible appointment with the teachers.
- Prepare for the exam from anywhere in the world.
More info on the CILS exam
- https://www.europassitalian.com/learn/certification-cils/
- http://www.laboling.com/italian-language-school-sicily/detail/id/7/cils-certification/
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Certification_of_Italian_as_a_Foreign_Language
CILS exam sample
Start practicing online with these exam samples: