A2 Italian Language Exam for Long-Term Residence Permit

To apply for an Italian residence permit, you need an official certificate showing at least an A2 level in Italian.

This qualification can be obtained by passing the CELI 1 Immigrati A2 or CILS A2 Integrazione exams, which are offered by recognized institutions such as the University for Foreigners of Perugia and the University for Foreigners of Siena.

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Accepted exams for Long-Term Residence Permit

To obtain an Italian residence permit, which is required for non-EU citizens planning to stay in Italy for more than 90 days, you must provide an official certificate showing that you have at least an A2 level in Italian. This certification can be obtained through recognized institutions, such as the University for Foreigners of Perugia and the University for Foreigners of Siena, which offer the CELI and CILS exams, officially recognized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The security decree requires certification of a level no lower than A2 in order to obtain a long-term residence permit.

Equivalence of CELI and CILS Certifications as per the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) for Languages

LEVEL CILS CELI Test your Italian
A1 – Basic CILS A1 CELI IMPATTO Italian Test A1
A2 – Elementary CILS A2 / CILS A2 Integrazione CELI 1 / CELI 1 Immigrati A2 Italian Test A2
B1 – Intermediate CILS B1 / CILS B1 Cittadinanza CELI 2 Italian Test B1
B2 – Upper intermediate CILS B2 CELI 3 Italian Test B2
C1 – Advanced CILS C1 CELI 4 Italian Test C1
C2 – Mastery CILS C2 CELI 5 Complete Italian Test

Level A2 – elementary – of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages ​​(CEFR) is equivalent to level CILS A2 and level CELI 1.

At the A2 level, Italian learners can understand short, simple texts – both spoken and written – participate in basic conversations, and write brief messages about everyday life.

CILS A2 and CELI 1 Exams

CILS A2 Integrazione

Structure:

  • Listening (25%)
  • Reading comprehension (25%)
  • Writing (25%)
  • Speaking (25%)

Duration of CILS A2 Integrazione exam: 2 hours 5 minutes

Please note: Candidates who do not pass a section are required to retake the full exam.

CELI 1 Immigrati A2

Structure:

  • Reading comprehension (25%)
  • Writing and written interaction (25%)
  • Listening comprehension (25%)
  • Speaking (25%)

Duration of CELI 1 Immigrati A2 exam: 2 hours and 10  minutes

Please note: If one of the two parts (oral and written) is not passed, the entire exam must be repeated.

Costs, Dates, and CILS/CELI Centers

CILS

CILS exams take place various times a year, simultaneously all over the world.

Important: If you want to take the CILS exam, it is necessary to respect strict deadlines; for example, the application must be registered at least 45 days before the exam.

It costs 40€, both in Italy and abroad.

CELI

There are three sessions per year, taking place in March, June, and November. You can take the CELI exam at the center closest to you, or in Florence, at our school.

Important: To take the CELI exam, strict deadlines and long waiting times are imposed. Marking the exams can take up to 3 months, while sending the certificate can take up to 4 months.

Here, at Europass, it costs 120€.

Please note: Neither CELI nor CILS can be taken online.

A2 Exam Preparation

In addition to the many online courses and courses in Florence, we have developed a specific online group course for the CILS A2 Integrazione exam, available twice a year, starting in early March and early September.

The course includes:

  • Small group classes with international students
  • Qualified native-speaking teachers
  • 12-week structured program
  • Exam simulations and targeted exam-focused activities
  • Plenty of practice quizzes and mock exams

This is the ideal option if you’re looking for a focused and supportive environment to prepare for the exam.

Discover our A2 online course and kickstart your exam preparation.

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