Created by the University of Siena in Italy, the CILS certification attests one’s linguistic-communicative competence in Italian as a second language.
The exams are designed to assess how learners use Italian to communicate in real-life situations.
From 4th December 2018 (law 1st Dec 2018, n. 132) all those who apply for Italian citizenship, whether they are married to an Italian or are resident in Italy, must prove an adequate knowledge of the Italian language at a level of not lower than B1 Cittadinanza of the Common Reference Framework for the knowledge of languages.
Dates
First exam date available: 13th February 2025
Next exam dates in 2025: 9th April, 11th June, 16th July, 16th October, 4th December 2025
Registration closes no later than 40 days prior to the exam.
Please note that due to the large number of requests we give priority to students attending our preparatory courses.
The exam will take place in person at SIAL.school, in West London (154-156 Holland Park Avenue, W11 4UH).
Fee
£125 exam fee
In addition to the exam fee (equivalent to 100€) established by the University of Siena, we charge £40 to cover our expenses.
Please note that prices are subject to change without prior notice due to currency fluctuation.
The examination fee and the administration charges will not be refunded for any reason, except if the exam is not activated due to the insufficient number of students. If the minimum number of 8 students is not reached, examination fees and administrative charges will be refunded in full.
Are you ready to sit the exam?
Applicants at a B1 level should be able to communicate in daily situations (orally and in writing), to understand the main points of a clear standard input about familiar topics, to read and understand the general meaning and main information of linear texts about general topics. In addition, they should be able to talk about daily topics, to describe experiences and events.
We highly encourage anyone wishing to sit the exam to attend a 5-week preparatory course.
The course is designed to consolidate knowledge and boost exam confidence, practising and improving exam techniques.
Candidates must already be at a level no lower than B1 when starting the course.
We strongly recommend anyone wishing to sit the B1 Cittadinanza exam to fill in a short questionnaire to assess their level.
Please note that this test won’t assess the oral production which is nonetheless part of the exam.
Assess your level >>
Exam results
Please notice that it will take up to 6 months to get the exam results.
Results for the exam can be found on Università per Stranieri di Siena’s website at this link using the enrolment number provided on the day of the exam. Further information available here.
Please note that SIAL.school is an examination centre and is not responsible for your grades and marking as we only facilitate exams on behalf of Università per Stranieri di Siena. Please also consider that we won’t be held responsible for any delay in the delivery of your certificate.