B2 Italian Language Exam for University Admission

Most universities in Italy require a CILS B2 or CELI 3 certificate for admission.

Level B2 is usually demonstrated by the ability to carry out conversations on known, as well as unknown topics, and to easily understand the main elements of a discussion.

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Accepted Exams for University

In order to obtain admission to an Italian university it is necessary to obtain an official certification attesting to the passing of a B2 level according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages ​​(CEFR).

CILS and CELI, offered by the University of Foreigners of Siena and of the University for Foreigners of Perugia, are official qualifications recognized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

More than 80% of students choose the CILS. The rest is divided between CELI and the other officially recognized certifications.

Equivalence of CILS and CELI Certifications with the Common Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR):

CILS CELI Test your Italian
A1 – basic CILS A1 CELI IMPATTO Italian Test A1
A2 – elementary CILS A2 CELI 1 Italian Test A2
B1 – intermediate CILS B1 /
CILS B1 CITTADINZA		 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 B2 – upper intermediate – of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages ​​(CEFR) is equivalent to level CILS B2 and level CELI 3.

At B2 level, Italian learners can understand the main ideas of complex texts, interact fluently with native speakers, and produce clear, detailed speech and writing on a wide range of topics.

CILS B2 and CELI 3 exams

CILS B2

Structure:

  • Listening comprehension (20%)
  • Reading comprehension (20%)
  • Analysis of communication structures (20%)
  • Writing (20%)
  • Speaking (20%)

CILS B2 exam duration: 3 hours 40 minutes

Please note: To obtain the CILS certification, the candidate must obtain a passing score on all parts.
The candidate has the right to retake one or more parts of the exam within 18 months of the original exam session, paying only for the part(s) to be retaken.

CELI 3

Structure:

  • Reading comprehension (20%)
  • Writing (20%)
  • Linguistic accuracy (10%)
  • Listening comprehension (20%)
  • Speaking (30%)

CELI 3 exam duration: 3 hours 40 minutes

Please note: If one of the two parts, either written or oral, is not passed, you can retake the unsuccessful part within one year after your exam, paying only 70% of the initial price.

Costs, Dates, and CILS/CELI centers

CILS

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

Important: 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 105€, 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, up to 4 months.

Here, at Europass, it costs 120€.

Note: Neither CILS nor CELI can be taken online.

CILS / CELI exam preparation

We offer a specific online group course for the CILS B2 Exam, available twice a year, starting in early March and early September.
The course includes:

  • Small group classes

  • A 12-week structured program

  • Plenty of practice quizzes and exam simulations

This is the ideal option if you’re looking for a focused and supportive environment to prepare for the CILS B2 exam.

Discover the B2 online course

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