Which certificate?
CILS, CELI, PLIDA or CERT.IT for Italian citizenship
Italian consulates list five certificates that can prove B1 Italian for a citizenship application. Certificates from other bodies are not accepted. All five test the same B1 level; they differ in format, exam dates, fees and where you can sit them.
| Certificate | Issued by | Version for citizenship |
|---|---|---|
| CILS | Università per Stranieri di Siena | CILS UNO B1 Cittadinanza |
| CELI | Università per Stranieri di Perugia | CELI 2 Cittadinanza (B1) |
| PLIDA | Società Dante Alighieri | PLIDA B1 Cittadinanza |
| CERT.IT | Università Roma Tre | CERT.IT B1 |
| CE.Co.L | Università per Stranieri di Reggio Calabria | CE.Co.L B1 |
Accepted list as published by the Italian consulate in London (source). Check each body’s site for its current citizenship version and sample papers.
How to choose
- Nearest centre and next date. In practice this decides for most people. Centres run only a few sessions a year and fill up.
- Citizenship version. CILS, CELI and PLIDA each have a citizenship version that differs from their standard B1 exam. The CILS citizenship version is valid only for a citizenship application, not for work or study.
- Format you have practised. The task types differ between bodies. Download the sample paper of the exam you book and practise that format.
- Acceptance. Confirm with your prefecture or consulate that the certificate you plan to take is accepted for your application.
What our practice covers
Our practice papers follow the CILS B1 Cittadinanza format: two listening tasks, two reading tasks, one 80–120 word email and a speaking conversation. The listening and reading skills transfer to the other exams, but check the format of the one you book.
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