CILS Italian exams – your springboard to international success
with ILS Basel!

The CILS exam (Certificazione di Italiano come Lingua Straniera) is an internationally recognized certificate for Italian as a foreign or second language. It assesses language skills in listening, reading, writing, and speaking and is based on the proficiency levels of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR): A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, and C2. The CILS certificate is recognized by educational institutions, employers, and government agencies and serves as proof of language proficiency for professional purposes, academic studies, or residence in Italy. All information regarding CILS exam dates, registration, and requirements for levels A1 through C2 can be found below

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Prices, exam dates & registration

Here you will find all the important information about the individual CILS exam levels, including exam dates, duration, and fees.

More about our CELI exams in Basel

Learn more about our CELI exams in Basel!

level

A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, C2

Code Exam type
– Standard (without specialization)
B (Children) For children ages 8–11
A (Adolescents) For teens ages 12–16
I (Integration) For immigration-related purposes
C (Citizenship) To obtain Italian citizenship
C1 M Specifically for medical students or for the recognition of diplomas

  1. Listening Comprehension (Ascolto)
  2. Reading Comprehension
  3. Analysis of Communication Structures (Strutture di comunicazione)
    This section is not included in the A2-I and B1-C exams
  4. Written Expression (Produzione scritta)
  5. Oral exam (Oral presentation)

The oral exam consists of two parts:

  • A conversation between the candidate and the examiner
  • A monologue by the candidate

The number of exam places is limited. Please register early using the registration form or directly at our office. The respective registration deadlines can be found in the table "Exam dates & registration deadlines." Registrations are only possible until the registration deadline; unfortunately, registrations received after this date cannot be considered. The exam fees must be paid in full by the day of the exam at the latest, otherwise participation will be excluded.

Cancellations are subject to a non-refundable processing fee of CHF 30.00. Cancellations after the deadline will result in the full examination fees being charged. Cancellations can only be made by email.

It is generally possible to postpone an exam after the registration deadline has passed. In the case of a medically certified illness, the exam fee can be transferred to a later exam (within 18 months). A doctor's certificate is required for this. A processing fee of CHF 30.00 will also be charged. The medical certificate must be submitted within 10 days of the exam, otherwise it will not be considered. A refund of the costs is not possible.

On the day of the exam, you will receive a sheet showing your student ID number, as well as instructions on how to access your results.
The grading process usually takes about 3 months. Grades are issued directly by CILS. If you would like to pick up your certificate in person, please contact us by email.

The CILS certificate is internationally recognized, accepted by educational institutions, employers, and government agencies, and serves as proof of language proficiency for professional purposes, academic studies, or residence in Italy.

The CILS certificate is not recognized for naturalization in Switzerland.

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