The CILS exam has five sections (listening, reading, writing, grammar and lexicon, and speaking), and you must pass all of them to earn the certificate. Issued by the University for Foreigners of Siena and available from A1 to C2, CILS is one of Italy’s most widely accepted Italian certificates.
Here is a complete preparation guide, level by level.
How the CILS Exam Works
The CILS tests five skills in a single sitting:
| Section | What it measures |
|---|---|
| Listening | Understanding spoken Italian |
| Reading | Understanding written texts |
| Writing | Producing texts |
| Grammar & lexicon | Structures and vocabulary |
| Speaking | Producing speech in a live interview |
Key rule: each section is marked separately and you must pass all of them. A strong writer who fails speaking gets no certificate. This is why balanced preparation matters.
Level-by-Level Realities
- CILS A1–A2: everyday survival Italian. Expected for beginners after a few months. The A2 is a popular first “official” certificate.
- CILS B1: the level most people need, required for citizenship. You must understand everyday conversations, write a simple letter, and hold a conversation.
- CILS B2: often required for university study in Italy and many jobs. Demands opinions, arguments, and longer texts.
- CILS C1–C2: advanced/mastery for professionals, teachers, and academics.
Know which level you are aiming for before you study; the syllabus for B1 and B2 are very different.
A Realistic Study Plan (8–12 weeks)
- Weeks 1–2: diagnose your level, learn the format, do one past paper cold.
- Weeks 3–8: weekly work on all five sections, focusing your weakest two.
- Weeks 9–10: timed past papers under exam conditions.
- Weeks 11–12: polish with speaking drills, error review, and logistics (centre, documents, timing).
This plan works for most candidates. If you need a shorter timeline, see my guide on how long to prepare for Italian B1.
The Sections Candidates Fail (and How to Fix Them)
- Speaking: the most feared and the most failed. Practise out loud with a live teacher; record yourself and listen back.
- Listening: Italian at natural speed is fast. Listen daily to podcasts and shows (see my podcast guide by level).
- Grammar & lexicon: learn the specific structures the level requires; my verb conjugation patterns and object pronouns guides cover the highest-frequency grammar.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the CILS exam?
The Italian certificate from the University for Foreigners of Siena, testing listening, reading, writing, grammar, and speaking from A1 to C2.
How is the CILS exam structured?
Five separately-marked sections; you must pass all of them to earn the certificate.
Which CILS level do I need for citizenship?
B1. CILS B1 satisfies the Italian citizenship language requirement.
How long does it take to prepare for CILS?
Most candidates need 3–6 months of consistent study plus practice with the exam format.
Preparing for the CILS? Let’s build a plan that covers all five sections.
Explore my Italian exam preparation guide or message me on WhatsApp for a free level check and a realistic timeline.
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In bocca al lupo, and good luck with your exam! 🇮🇹