CILS exam tutors

he CILS (Certificate of Knowledge of Italian as Foreign Language) exam is a qualification issued by the L'Università per Stranieri di Siena (University for Foreigners in Siena) which decides the level of linguistic and communicative competences in Italian as a foreign language.

The exams are designed to assess how learners use Italian to communicate in real-life situations. Unlike other certificates like TOEFL, the CILS certificate does not expire.

The CILS exam is held twice per year, in June and December.

The CILS (Certificate of Knowledge of Italian as Foreign Language) certificate is the official accreditation of the degree of fluency of the Italian Language.

The duration of the exam (consisting of listening comprehension, reading comprehension, grammar and use of structure tests, compositions, oral interview) is approximately 6 hours. The CILS certification is the most recognized Italian certification in the world.

There are six different proficiency levels and you can take more than one diploma (e.g. after an A2 certificate you can take the exam again to get a superior level certificate):

To obtain a CILS certificate it is necessary to pass the relevant examination. This consists of a listening and reading test, an analysis of the structures of communication, and writing and speaking tests.

All examination papers are produced and evaluated at the Certification Center of the Università per stranieri di Siena according to the guidelines laid down by the EU.

The CILS Level A1 certificate accredits that the candidate can understand and use familiar everyday expressions and very basic phrases aimed at the satisfaction of needs of a concrete type.

To pass this level you must be able to introduce him/herself and others and can ask and answer questions about personal details such as where he/she lives, people he/she knows and things he/she has.

Additionally you need to be able to interact in a simple way provided the other person talks slowly and clearly and is prepared to help.

The CILS Level A2 certificate accredits that the candidate can understand sentences and frequently used expressions related to areas of most immediate relevance (e.g. very basic personal and family information, shopping, local geography, employment).

To pass this level you must be able to communicate in simple and routine tasks requiring a simple and direct exchange of information on familiar and routine matters.

Additionally you need to be able to describe in simple terms aspects of his/her background, immediate environment and matters in areas of immediate need.

The CILS Level B1 certificate shows that the candidates understand the main points of clear standard input on familiar matters regularly encountered in work, school, leisure, etc.

To pass this level you must be able to deal with most situations likely to arise whilst travelling in an area where the language is spoken.

Additionally you need to be able to produce simple connected text on topics which are familiar or of personal interest. Can describe experiences and events, dreams, hopes & ambitions and briefly give reasons and explanations for opinions and plans.

The CILS Level B2 certificate shows that the candidates understand the main ideas of complex text on both concrete and abstract topics, including technical discussions in his/her field of specialization.

To pass this level you must be able to interact with a degree of fluency and spontaneity that makes regular interaction with native speakers quite possible without strain for either party.

Additionally you need to be able to produce clear, detailed text on a wide range of subjects and explain a viewpoint on a topical issue giving the advantages and disadvantages of various options.

The CILS Level C1 certificate proves that the student can understand a wide range of demanding, longer texts, and recognize implicit meaning.

To pass this level you must be able to express him/herself fluently and spontaneously without much obvious searching for expressions. Can use language flexibly and effectively for social, academic and professional purposes.

Additionally you need to be able to produce clear, well-structured, detailed text on complex subjects, showing controlled use of organizational patterns, connectors and cohesive devices.

The CILS C2 exam certifies the student can understand with ease virtually everything heard or read.

To pass this level you must be able to summarize information from different spoken and written sources, reconstructing arguments and accounts in a coherent presentation.

Additionally you need to be able to express him/herself spontaneously, very fluently and precisely, differentiating finer shades of meaning even in more complex situations.