Which exams are valid for university admission?
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).
CELI and CILS, offered by the University for Foreigners of Perugia and of the University of Foreigners of Siena, are official qualifications recognized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Level B2 – intermediate – of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) is equivalent to level CELI 3 and level CILS B2
Equivalence of CELI and CILS Certifications with the Common Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR):
| LEVEL | UNIVERSITÀ PER STRANIERI DI PERUGIA | UNIVERSITÀ PER STRANIERI DI SIENA |
| A1 – basic | CELI IMPATTO | CILS A1 |
| A2 – elementary | CELI 1 | CILS A2 |
| B1 – intermediate | CELI 2 | CILS B1 / CILS B1 |
| B2 – upper intermediate | CELI 3 | CILS B2 |
| C1 – advanced | CELI 4 | CILS C1 |
| C2 – mastery | CELI 5 | CILS C2 |
CELI 3 and CILS B2 exams: all the details
How much does the B2 exam cost?
- CELI 3: 100 euros, both in Italy and abroad.
- CILS B2: price varies according to the exam venue.
How the exams are structured
- CELI 3: Comprehension of written texts 20%; Production of written texts 20%; Linguistic competence 10%; Comprehension of oral texts 20%; and Oral production 30%
Duration: 3 hours and 40 minutes - Warning: Level B1 Citizenship does not allow for partial passes. If one of the two parts (oral and written) is not passed, the entire exam must be repeated.
- CILS B2: Listening 25%; Reading comprehension and grammar reflection 25%; Written production 25%; and Oral production 25%.
Duration: 2 hours
Note: To obtain the CILS certification, the candidate must obtain a passing score on all parts.
When and where to take the exam
CILS: Cils exams take place a few times a year, simultaneously all over the world.
- In Italy, they take place at the University of Siena (about an hour’s drive from our school in Florence) and other affiliated locations.
- Abroad, exams take place at some affiliated centers and Italian Cultural Institutes. Discover the office closest to you.
Attention: To take the CILS exam it is necessary to respect strict deadlines, for example, registration must take place at least 45 days before the exam.
CELI: Three sessions are planned a year: March, June and November. You can take the CELI exam at the exam center closest to you. Our school is one of the accredited centers in Florence.
Attention: To take the CELI exam it is necessary to respect strict deadlines and long wait times. The correction of the exams can take up to 3 months, the sending of the certificate up to 4 months.
How to prepare for the CELI / CILS exams
To pass the language exams for university admission, it is not necessary to follow a specific course, with specific contents or a specific method. What is important is to be well prepared in both writings and in speaking.
Since both parts must be passed in order to pass the exam, training (or simply a review) may be necessary, focusing more on certain aspects than others.
Our courses (in Florence and online) are highly customizable according to your needs.
Do you just need a refresher or are you still far from the level you would like to be and need an intensive course? Do you prefer to study in a group or take private lessons?
During exam preparation, exam sessions will also be simulated, using old exam papers.
By taking practice exams you will get used to what’s expected, the exam sequence, and the time provided to complete it. Furthermore, you can easily check your score.
B2 preparation for university admission in Online
If you are looking for a highly flexible solution, online preparation is unmatched.
If you are short on time, you can choose individual lessons.
If you want to take it easy and spend little, you can choose our Europass Agile guided self-paced study course.
If you don’t want to give up the experience of studying together with other students from all over the world, you can choose group courses.
Finally, if you are interested in multiple solutions, you can choose to mix the various solutions (see examples below).
Times and prices
Customize your study path according to your needs.
Here are a few examples:
| Package | Hours | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 4 private lessons + 4-week group course | 16 | 260€ |
| 16-week group course (2 lessons of 1.5 hours per week) | 48 | 480€ |
| 8 private lessons + 8-week group course | 32 | 520€ |
| 20 private lessons | 29 | 580€ |
| Europass Agile (self-paced-study course) + 8 private lessons + 8-week group course | 80 | 600€ |
If you are not sure how many lessons you will need to reach the level you are aiming for, contact us!
B2 preparation for university admission to Florence
Times and prices
Also in this case the preparation is highly customizable.
We have noted, from experience, that the most welcome solution is a combination of group lessons and private lessons.
Each day: Four group lessons + Two private lessons, focused on preparing for the CELI or CILS exam.
Lectures from 9 to 12.40 and from 13.10 to 14.50.
| Weeks | Price |
|---|---|
| 1 | 640 € |
| 2 | 1280 € |
We are here to help.Contact us
Details and conditions
Non Beginners → every Monday Beginners → every two weeks For durations other than those proposed, or to add any extras, contact us. Each course includes: proficiency level assessment, textbook, certificate of attendance, general secretarial services, WiFi connection, and the loaning of books and DVDs. Excluded: Accommodation, other guided tours and activities during the week and weekends. Discover our study vacation packages, which include tours/visits and accommodation!2020 course starting dates, onsite in Florence
2020: 20/1, 03/2, 17/2, 02/3, 16/3, 30/3, 06/4, 20/4, 04/5, 18/5, 01/6, 15/6, 29/6, 06/7, 13/7, 20/7, 27/7, 03/8, 17/8, 31/8, 07/9, 14/9, 21/9, 05/10, 19/10, 02/11, 16/11, 30/11, 07/12.
2021: 04/1, 18/1, 01/2, 15/2, 01/3, 15/3, 29/3, 12/4, 26/4, 10/5, 24/5, 07/6, 21/6, 28/6, 05/7, 12/7, 19/7, 26/7, 02/8, 16/8, 30/8, 06/9, 20/9, 04/10, 18/10, 8/11, 22/11, 06/12.
