If you plan to study in Italy in an Italian-taught program, you will likely need an Italian language certificate. The two certifications that Italian universities recognize are CELI and CILS, and choosing between them confuses many applicants every year. This 2026 guide compares CELI vs CILS in detail: what each exam covers, which levels universities require, how the tests are structured, what they cost, and how to pick the right certificate for your admission application.
CELI vs CILS: What Are These Italian Language Certificates?
CELI (Certificato di Conoscenza della Lingua Italiana) is issued by the University for Foreigners of Perugia, while CILS (Certificazione di Italiano come Lingua Straniera) is issued by the University for Foreigners of Siena. Both are official Italian language certificates recognized by the Italian Ministry of Education and by universities across the country. For admission purposes, they are generally considered equivalent: what matters most is the CEFR level you achieve, from A1 for beginners up to C2 for near-native proficiency.
Most Italian-taught bachelor's and master's programs require at least a B2 level, while some competitive programs ask for C1. English-taught programs usually do not require an Italian certificate, but having one still strengthens your application documents for Italian universities and helps enormously with daily life.
CELI vs CILS 2026: Key Differences at a Glance
Although the two certificates serve the same purpose, they differ in structure and style. The CELI exam is organized by the University for Foreigners of Perugia and offers separate versions for adults, adolescents, and immigrants, so make sure you register for the standard adult version. The CILS exam, from the University for Foreigners of Siena, uses a single format with modules that can be retaken individually if you fail one part, which many students find less stressful.
Scoring also differs. CELI grades each section and requires a pass in every part in the same session. CILS lets you bank the modules you pass and retake only the ones you failed within a set period. In practice, students who are stronger in some skills than others often prefer CILS for this flexibility, while students who test well under pressure do fine with either.
Which Certificate Do Italian Universities Require?
Italian universities publish their language requirements in each program's admission call, and the wording varies. Some calls name CELI or CILS explicitly with a minimum level, often B2. Others simply require a B2 Italian certificate recognized by the Ministry, which means either one qualifies. A few universities also run their own placement tests and may waive the certificate if you pass.
The safest approach is to check the official admission page of your target program and read the exact requirement. If the call says "B2 level Italian certification," both CELI and CILS at B2 satisfy it. If you are unsure, email the university's international office before registering for an exam. Choosing the wrong test, or the wrong level, is an expensive mistake you can avoid with one email.
Exam Format, Levels and Scoring
Both exams test the same four skills: listening, reading, writing, and speaking, plus language structures such as grammar and vocabulary. At B2 level, the listening section uses conversations and announcements at natural speed, the reading section includes articles and formal texts, the writing section asks for texts like formal emails or short essays, and the speaking section is a face-to-face interview with an examiner.
Preparation time depends on your starting point. Reaching B2 from zero typically takes 500 to 600 hours of study, while moving from B1 to B2 takes around 200 hours. Be realistic about your timeline: register for the exam session that matches your level, not the one with the most convenient date. Failing and retaking costs more time and money than waiting one extra session.
Costs, Dates and Where to Take the Exam
Exam fees vary by level and exam center but generally fall between 100 and 200 euros, with higher levels costing more. Both CELI and CILS are offered several times per year, usually in spring, summer, and autumn/winter sessions, at authorized centers in Italy and abroad. Registration closes weeks before the exam date, and popular centers fill up, so book early.
If you live far from a test center, check whether your city hosts sessions through Italian cultural institutes or partner language schools. Results typically arrive within two to three months, so plan backwards from your university application deadline. Some scholarship applications also consider language preparation favorably, which is another reason to certify your Italian early.
How to Prepare and Choose the Right Certificate
Start by taking a practice test for each exam to see which format suits you. If the modular retake option of CILS appeals to you, or if a CILS center is closer to home, that may decide it. If your target university names one certificate in its call, follow that. When both are accepted, choose based on convenience, cost, and format preference rather than reputation: neither certificate impresses admissions more than the other.
For preparation, use official practice materials from the two universities for foreigners, join a B2-level course if possible, and practice speaking regularly with a tutor or exchange partner. Exam technique matters: learn the timing of each section and practice writing under time pressure. Once you hold your certificate, include it with your documents and submit your application with confidence. A recognized Italian language certificate removes one of the biggest uncertainties from the admission process and lets the committee focus on your academic merit.
