CILS (Certification of Italian as a Foreign Language)

https://www.uniupo.it/en/international/students/you-want-come-upo/how-enrol-upo/cils-certification-italian-foreign-language

As an international student, you must pass an exam to demonstrate your basic knowledge of the Italian language. Alternatively, you must show evidence that you possess a CILS certificate.

CILS (Certification of Italian as a Foreign Language) is a qualification in Italian as a Foreign Language. It may be used for admission to higher education institutions in Italy. It can be obtained at six levels of increasing levels of proficiency:

  • A1/A2: beginners/elementary
  • CILS Uno = B1. This attests to a candidate’s knowledge of basic Italian
  • CILS Due = B2. This attests to an intermediate knowledge of Italian. The candidate should be able to converse in Italian adequately. It is the level requested for entry to an Italian university, removing the normally compulsory language assessment test;
  • CILS Tre = C1. This attests to advanced competence in Italian;
  • CILS Quattro = C2. This is the highest level and demonstrates native-like mastery of the language.

All of the exams cover the most important elements in language acquisition: speaking, reading, written composition, analysis of structures of communication, and listening.

UPO is an official examination centre, which also organises courses of Italian language during the academic year. You must enrol 40 days prior to the date of the exam (usually held in June and December).