How to prepare for the CILS exam - 2025 guide

Thinking about taking the CILS? Here’s how to start your preparation

The CILS (Certificazione di Italiano come Lingua Straniera) is the official certification issued by the Università per Stranieri di Siena, recognized globally and officially endorsed by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. It’s valid for university admission, visa or citizenship requirements, and professional credentials.

Why it's considered the best standard for Italian learners

• Globally recognized A1–C2 credentials, aligned with the CEFR
• Independent scoring for five skills: listening, reading, structure (grammar/lexis), writing, speaking
• Accredited exam centers worldwide, with standardized support and materials

Why take the CILS?

• Elevates your resume with an internationally accepted Italian certificate
• Qualifies you for Italian citizenship via B1 Cittadinanza (spouse/family-based)
• Meets language requirements for university studies (B2 level)

What each CILS level means: skills, goals, and exam format

Each CILS exam consists of five components: Listening, Reading, Grammar/Structures, Writing, and Speaking. From A1 to C2, each level builds your skills progressively.

What Each CILS Level Demonstrates

• A1 – Basic User: Understands and uses basic expressions.
• A2 – Basic User: Handles simple, routine exchanges and  understands frequent expressions in familiar contexts.
• B1 – Independent User: Understands main points on familiar topics; can produce connected text and express opinions.
• B1 Cittadinanza – Independent User: Meets B1 requirements with focus on everyday and public life situations for citizenship.
• B2 – Independent User: Understands complex texts; interacts fluently with native speakers.
• C1 – Proficient User: Understands demanding texts, including implicit meaning; expresses ideas fluently for professional use.
• C2 – Proficient User: Understands virtually everything; communicates with precision, nuance, and full fluency.

 CILS A1 - Beginner

Total: ~1h45 

Listening – 30 min

• Short, everyday audio clips: dialogues, announcements, simple instructions
• Tasks include matching information, identifying key details, and answering short questions

Reading – 30 min

• Short notes, ads, signs and written messages
• Match texts to questions or visuals

Writing – 30 min

• Fill out simple forms with personal details
• Write a short personal text about an everyday situation

Speaking – 10 min

• Introduce yourself
• Ask and answer simple questions about familiar topics

CILS A2 - Elementary

Total duration: ~2h10 

Listening – 30–40 min

• Everyday situations: family, weather, shopping, transport

Reading – 40 min

• Short texts like adverts, maps, comics, or notices
• Identify main ideas and details

Writing – 40 min

• Short messages or notes (about studies, work, free time)

Speaking – 10 min

• Short personal presentation
• Simple role-plays in daily situations

 CILS B1 - Intermediate

Total duration: ~2h50

Listening – 30–40 min

• Conversations, news snippets, and recorded instructions
• Identify gist and specific details

Reading – ~50 min

• Longer everyday and semi-formal texts: letters, articles, brochures

Writing – 70 min

• Write longer texts: narratives, descriptions, or informal letters

Speaking – 10 min

• Present a topic
• Engage in a short discussion on familiar or abstract themes

 CILS B1 - Cittadinanza

• Same as B1 Uno, but:
  • Tailored for citizenship application
  • You must pass all parts at once
  • If you fail one section, the entire exam must be retaken

 CILS B2 - Upper Intermediate

Total duration: ~3h50 

Listening – ~40 min

• Extended dialogues, radio interviews, and news reports

Reading – ~70 min

• Complex texts with academic or professional themes

Writing – ~90 min

• Formal letters, essays, and reports

Speaking – 15 min

• Discuss opinions, take part in debates, simulate formal situations

 CILS C1 - Advanced

• Total duration: ~4h 

• Listening – ~50 min

• Talks, lectures, and nuanced conversations with idiomatic expressions

• Reading – ~75 min

• Long, complex written texts from various genres

• Writing – ~90 min

• Academic essays, critical reviews, and structured reports

• Speaking – 15 min

• Adapt tone and style for different contexts
• Discuss abstract topics fluently and naturally

 CILS C2 - Proficiency

Total duration: ~4h 

Listening – ~50 min

• Fast, native-level speech from varied sources, including idiomatic and non-standard forms

Reading – ~80 min

• Dense, sophisticated texts, including literature and technical writing

Writing – ~90 min

• Produce any text genre with stylistic accuracy

Speaking – 15 min

• Full mastery of Italian in all contexts, with cultural and pragmatic awareness

Pricing 

Here’s the official fee schedule from Università per Stranieri di Siena: 

 Next steps

1. Pick your level based on your goals
2. Download official sample exams
3. Register in time, exams are offered in June, December, and special dates
4. Consider a prep course with experienced CILS tutors

Next steps to prepare

1. Pick your target level based on needs: A2 for integration, B1 for citizenship, B2 for studies, C1/C2 for profession.
2. Register 1–2 months in advance
3. Practice full mock exams with strict timing, including speaking drills recorded digitally.
4. Ensure strong grammar and lexis: use structure drills and true/false exercises as in the official format.
5. Join a prep course, or work with qualified tutors familiar with CILS rules and scoring.

Need help preparing for the CILS exam?

Not sure where to start or how to structure your study plan?

Check out our complete CILS preparation guide - packed with practical tips, official resources, and real exam advice.

We offer:

• Flexible online lessons
• Mock exams and timed practice
• Speaking nd writing corrections
• Access to official and custom study material

Buona fortuna!