CILS (Certification of Italian As a Foreign Language)
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The University of Texas at Austin Department of French and Italian is now an official testing site for the CILS Language Certification test.
The Certification of Italian as a Foreign Language (Certificazione di Italiano come Lingua Straniera or CILS) is a qualification offered by the Università per Stranieri di Siena (Italy) for foreign speakers of the Italian language, recognizing various levels of language proficiency. The qualification is recognized by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and is often used to grant acceptance in any Italian university or higher education institution in Italy (B2 level) and as a required certification for the issuing of the Italian Citizenship for foreign spouses of Italian citizens (B1-cittadinanza level).
CILS qualification is open to all Italian residents abroad and non-Italian speakers wishing to validate their skills in Italian. Applicants of any age are eligible to apply. Preparation for the examination is highly encouraged.
There are six different proficiency levels officially recognized by the Common European Framework of References for Languages, which translate into different CILS certification exams:
|
Beginner |
CILS A1 CILS A2 |
|
Independent Learner |
CILS Uno – Level B1 CILS Due – Level B2 (required to apply in Italian Universities) CILS – B1 cittadinanza (required for the issuing of Italian Citizenship for foreign spouses of Italian citizens) |
|
Advanced Learner |
CILS Tre – Level C1 CILS Quattro – Level C2 |
All the examinations cover what are viewed as the most important elements in language acquisition: speaking, reading, written composition, analysis of structures of communication, and listening.
The qualification is officially issued on successful completion of a particular level. Each part of the examination is evaluated independently, so to pass the exam the candidate must have obtained the necessary grade in each section. Candidates who do not pass the entire exam in one session have 18 months to retake the parts that they have not passed. They will pay the fee only for the portion of the test they have failed. This option is not offered to the candidates taking the B1 Cittadinanza exam.
Who needs to take the CILS B1-CITTADINANZA certification?
As of December 4th, 2018 (law 1 Dec 2018, n. 132) it has become indispensable condition for the issuing of the Italian citizenship for foreign spouses of Italian citizens, according to artt. 5 and 9 of L. 91/92, to demonstrate the adequate knowledge of the Italian language to a level not less than B1 (Cittadinanza) of the Common Reference Framework for the knowledge of languages. Fulfillment of this requirement is met by the acquisition of a title/certification issued by an institution of public education/educational institution or a certification issued by an authorized/recognized certifying body.
Where to take the CILS certification exams?
Under an agreement with the University for Foreigners in Siena (Italy), the Department of French and Italian of The University of Texas at Austin is an authorized certifying center.
Address:
Department of French and Italian
Homer Rainey Hall - HRH -201 W. 21st Street, Austin, TX
Upcoming Exam Sessions
To secure your spot you have to fill out the registration form and to pay the exam fees. Please note that the registration process CLOSES NO LATER THAN 40 DAYS BEFORE THE EXAM. The results for the B1 citizenship level will be released 45 days after the session. For all other levels the results will be released after 3 months. |
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Note:
Dates and exams format may vary in compliance to the guidelines issued by the State of Texas, The University of Texas at Austin and the University for foreigners of Siena due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Before any CILS certification exam session, enrolled candidates will be informed about potential scheduling changes and the security protocol that will be followed to maintain a safe environment for everyone during the exam.
How to register:
The University of Texas at Austin has partnered with the America-Italy Society (AIS) in offering the CILS certification exams.
For more information, please contact Silvia Luongo and CILS Exam:
silvia.luongo@utexas.edu AND cilsexams@gmail.com
CILS Exam - F.A.Q.
1) HOW LONG ARE THE EXAMS?
The exams length varies based on the level taken:
A1: 2h15' - A2: 2h45' - B1/ B2: 3h45 - C1: 4h50' - C2: 5h15' B1-Cittadinanza 2h05'. The oral exam will be administered right after the written part.
2) CAN I TAKE BREAKS?
Breaks are incorporated in the exam schedule. Except in case of an emergency, you may not leave the room while taking each part. During the exam candidates cannot move to the next exam part before the allotted time is over.
3) WHAT SHOULD I BRING?
You have to bring the ID you used upon registration (valid Passport or Driving License). Each candidate should bring a black pen to complete the exam.
The use of cellphones, computers, dictionaries or notes of any kind during the written and oral part is not allowed.
4) HOW MANY POINTS DO I NEED TO PASS?
Level A1 and A2 have 60 points total.
(12 max / 7 min for each part).
Levels B1-C2 have 100 points total.
(20 max /11 min for each part).
Level B1 Cittadinanza has 48 points total.
(12 max/7 min for each part).
Candidates pass the exam if they reach the minimum points in each part. For levels Al-C2 candidates can retake, within 18 months, the parts) they fail. This option is not available for the B1-cittadinanza. Candidates cannot register to the next exam session until they receive their result.
5) HOW AND WHEN WILL I RECEIVE MY EXAM RESULT?
Exam results will be posted on https://online.unistrasi.it/riscils.asp. You will need to insert vour identification number (Matricola) and your date of birth DD/MM/YYYY to view the result. A summary (Riepilogo) will be available to print. This is the official document stating that you passed or not passed the exam or which parts) you passed.
For the BI-Cittadinanza results will be posted 45 days after the session. For all the other levels results will be available 3 months after the session. You will be mailed your certificate within 6 months. Certificates don't have an expiration date.
