CELI: Exam preparation
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Sign up for freeWhat is the CELI exam?
The CELI (Certificate of Italian Language) is a certified language test for foreigners to examine their Italian language proficiency. The CELI exam is issued by the University for Foreigners of Perugia.
With this test you can obtain the admission requirements for studying at Italian universities.
The CELI offers exams in 6 different levels, see the table below:
| CELI exam | Level | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | CELI impatto | A1 |
| 2 | CELI 1 | A2 |
| 3 | CELI 2 | B1 |
| 4 | CELI 3 | B2 |
| 5 | CELI 4 | C1 |
| 6 | CELI 5 | C2 |
In addition to the standard CELI test there are 2 other tests: CELI immigrants and CELI adolescents.
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 CELI 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 CELI recognized?
The CELI certificate is internationally recognised by the majority of institutions and companies.
In Italy the CELI certificate is accepted by universities as admission.
How much does the CELI cost?
The following table shows the exam price according to the level:
| CELI standard price | CELI price for immigrants | |
|---|---|---|
| A1 | 100€ | 15,38€ |
| A2 | 100€ | 30€ |
| B1 | 100€ | 35€ |
| B2 | 100€ | - |
| C1 | 100€ | - |
| C2 | 100€ | - |
NOTE: The price may vary depending in which centre and country it takes place.
How is the CELI structured?
All certificates are regulated by CEFR and follow the same structure; the exam is divided in 4 activities:
- Listening
- Reading
- Writing
- Conversation
- Oral text analysis (levels C)
See the table below regarding the duration of the test:
| CELI exam | Duration | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | CELI impatto | 1h and 20 min |
| 2 | CELI 1 | 2h and 30 min |
| 3 | CELI 2 | 2h and 35 min |
| 4 | CELI 3 | 3h and 40 min |
| 5 | CELI 4 | 4h and 45 min |
| 6 | CELI 5 | 4h and 45 min |
How is the CELI scored?
To obtain the certification it is necessary to pass all the 4 parts.
The total score of the CELI exam is 120 and to pass you need to get at least 74 points.
In case of negative result, you can retake the CELI exam as often as you like. Also, it is possible to repeat individual sections however, within a year.
What if I fail the exam?
The exam is repeatable as many times as desired, there are no limitations.
How to register for the exam?
To register for the exam, you need to download and fill the form which you can find on the official CELI site and sent it via email or directly to the certified centre.
You can register within the deadlines set by the institution.
Certified centres around the world: https://www.cvcl.it/ricercasedi/homericerca.aspx?qst=celi
Where and when does the CELI exam take place?
The exam takes place at the University for Foreigners of Perugia 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 November. However, for levels A1, A2, B1 and B2 there is an extra session in March.
How to prepare for the CELI exam?
To pass the exam with good grade you need to be prepared in advance on the form of the test. Make sure you practice all 4 activities. Online you can find examples 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 my 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.
Online tutoring
At coLanguage you'll find professional language teachers who can help you prepare for the CELI 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.
For more info on the CELI exam
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CELI
- https://iicdublino.esteri.it/iic_dublino/it/imparare_italiano/i_corsi_di_lingua/autovalutazione
- http://www.porta-doriente.com/italian-language-school/CELI-italian-language-course.asp
CELI exam sample
Start practicing online with these exam samples: