Italian Language Certificates / Tests
GENERAL LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY CERTIFICATES / TESTS
The following are listed according to level of difficulty:
Certificates / Tests for various levels of language proficiency:
Level 1 (preliminary):
CELI 1 (Certificato di Conoscenza della Lingua Italiana, Livello 1)
Background information
: The CELI 1 was established by the Università per Stranieri di Perugia and is the first of five language proficiency tests designed for non-native Italian speakers. The test is based on the Council of Europe's Waystage Level specification. Candidates should be capable of communicating in a limited number of standard everyday situations. The test consists of four sections i.e. reading, writing, listening and speaking.Test Sites / Results / Dates: The examination can be taken in June and November at Italian Cultural Institutes or at centres recognised by the Institutes or by the Università per Stranieri, Perugia. Candidates are awarded either a 'pass' or 'fail' and results are available within 3 months.
For further information please contact:
Università per Stranieri
Prof. Paola Bianchi De Vecchi
Piazza Fortebracchio, 4
Palazzo Gallenga
06123 Perugia
Italy
Tel.: +39-075-5746218
Fax: +39-075-5746218
E-mail: certific@unistrapg.it
Website
Background information
: This certificate is part of The European Language Certificates scheme established by the German Adult Education Association and is offered by all member organisations of the International Certificate Conference (ICC) and in licensed centres by the WBT Further Education Test Systems. The ICC is an international association of European adult education organisations. The European Language Certificates are available at three levels i.e. A2, B1 and B2. Examinations at the lowest level i.e. A2 are currently available for 10 languages, including Italian.Test Sites / Results: This test can be taken at all language centres run by ICC members in Europe.
For further information please contact:
WBT Weiterbildungs-Testsysteme GmbH
Hansaallee 150
60320 Frankfurt
Germany
Tel.: +49-69-956246-0
Fax: +49-69-956246-62
E-mail: WBTests@aol.com
Website
Level 2 (elementary):
CELI 2 (Certificato di Conoscenza della Lingua Italiana, Livello 2)Background information
: The CELI 2 was established by the Università per Stranieri di Perugia and is the second of five language proficiency tests designed for non-native Italian speakers. The test is based on the Council of Europe's Threshold Level specification. Candidates should be able to deal with most social situations. The test consists of four sections i.e. reading, writing, listening and speaking.Test Sites / Results / Dates: The examination can be taken in June and November at Italian Cultural Institutes or centres recognised by the Institutes or by the Università per Stranieri, Perugia. There are three passing grades i.e. A,B or C and results are available within 3 months.
For further information please contact:
Università per Stranieri
Prof. Paola Bianchi De Vecchi
Piazza Fortebracchio, 4
Palazzo Gallenga
06123 Perugia
Italy
Tel.: +39-075-5746218
Fax: +39-075-5746218
E-mail: certific@unistrapg.it
Website
Background information
: The DELI was established by the Accademia Italiana di Lingua (AIL), and is part of the scheme Diploma di Lingua Italiana "Firenze". This language proficiency exam is taken at elementary level and candidates are required to understand the main structures of the Italian language (requires approx. 100 - 120 hours of tuition). The 90 minute exam tests reading comprehension; vocabulary and grammar; listening comprehension; oral expression and communication skills.Test Sites / Results / Dates: The test can be taken at recognised examination centres in both Italy and abroad. The following pass grades are available: 'excellent / A' (90-100%); 'very good / B' (80-89%); 'good / C' (70-79%) and 'satisfactory / D' (60-69%).
For further information please contact:
Accademia Italiana di Lingua - AIL
Casella postale 815
50123 Firenze
Italy
Tel.: +39-055-280 326
Fax: +39-055-290396
Background information
: This certificate is part of The European Language Certificates scheme established by the German Adult Education Association and is offered by all member organisations of the International Certificate Conference (ICC) and in licensed centres by the WBT Further Education Test Systems. The ICC is an international association of European adult education organisations. The European Language Certificates are available at three levels i.e. A2, B1 and B2. Examinations at level B1 are currently available in 8 languages, including Italian. The examination comprises a written section (reading comprehension, listening comprehension and written expression) and an oral section. The total testing time is approx. 3 hours.Test Site/s: The test can be taken at all language centres run by ICC (International Certificate Conference) members in Europe.
For further information please contact:
WBT Weiterbildungs-Testsysteme GmbH
Hansaallee 150
60320 Frankfurt
Germany
Tel.: +49-69-956246-0
Fax: +49-69-956246-62
E-mail: WBTests@aol.com
Website
Level 3 (intermediate):
CELI 3 (Certificato di Conoscenza della Lingua Italiana, Livello 3)
Background information
: The CELI 3 was established by the Università per Stranieri di Perugia and is the third of five language proficiency tests designed for non-native Italian speakers. The test is based on the Council of Europe's Vantage Level specification. Candidates should have an extended knowledge of grammar / vocabulary and be capable of dealing with the more complex matters of everyday life. The test consists of five sections i.e. reading; writing; listening; speaking and structural competence.Test Sites / Results / Dates: The examination can be taken in June and November at Italian Cultural Institutes or centres recognised by the Institutes or by the Università per Stranieri, Perugia. There are three passing grades i.e. A,B or C and results are available within 3 months.
For further information please contact:
Università per Stranieri
Prof. Paola Bianchi De Vecchi
Piazza Fortebracchio, 4
Palazzo Gallenga
06123 Perugia
Italy
Tel.: +39-075-5746218
Fax: +39-075-5746218
E-mail: certific@unistrapg.it
Website
Background information
: The DILI was established by the Accademia Italiana di Lingua (AIL) and is part of the scheme Diploma di Lingua Italiana "Firenze".The DILI tests language proficiency at intermediate level and candidates should be capable of communicating in all everyday situations (both oral and written). The 3 hour test covers reading comprehension; written expression; vocabulary and grammar; listening comprehension and oral expression.
Test Sites / Results / Dates: The test can be taken at recognised examination centres in both Italy and abroad. The following pass grades are available: 'excellent / A' (90-100%); 'very good / B' (80-89%); 'good / C' (70-79%) and 'satisfactory / D' (60-69%).
For further information please contact:
Accademia Italiana di Lingua - AIL
Casella postale 815
50123 Firenze
Italy
Tel.: +39-055-280 326
Fax: +39-055-290396
Level 4 (advanced intermediate):
CELI 4 (Certificato di Conoscenza della Lingua Italiana, Livello 4)
Background information
: The CELI 4 was established by the Università per Stranieri di Perugia and is the fourth of five language proficiency tests designed for non-native Italian speakers. Candidates should be capable of communicating in all social situations and discussing issues at an advanced level. The test consists of five sections i.e. reading; writing; listening; speaking and structural competence.Test Sites / Results / Dates: The examination can be taken in June and November at Italian Cultural Institutes or centres recognised by the Institutes or by the Università per Stranieri, Perugia. There are three passing grades i.e. A,B or C and results are available within 3 months.
For further information please contact:
Università per Stranieri
Prof. Paola Bianchi De Vecchi
Piazza Fortebracchio, 4
Palazzo Gallenga
06123 Perugia
Italy
Tel.: +39-075-5746218
Fax: +39-075-5746218
E-mail: certific@unistrapg.it
Website
Background information
: The DILI was established by the Accademia Italiana di Lingua (AIL) and is part of the scheme Diploma di Lingua Italiana "Firenze".The DILI tests language proficiency at an advanced level and candidates should be capable of communicating accurately in complex situations (both oral and written). Approximately 400 – 500 hours of tuition are required. The 260 minute test covers reading comprehension; written expression; vocabulary and grammar; listening comprehension and oral expression.
Test Sites / Results / Dates: The test can be taken at recognised examination centres in both Italy and abroad. The following pass grades are available: 'excellent / A' (90-100%); 'very good / B' (80-89%); 'good / C' (70-79%) and 'satisfactory / D' (60-69%).
For further information please contact:
Accademia Italiana di Lingua - AIL
Casella postale 815
50123 Firenze
Italy
Tel.: +39-055-280 326
Fax: +39-055-290396
Level 5 (advanced):
CELI 5 (Certificato di Conoscenza della Lingua Italiana, Livello 5)Background information
: The CELI 5 was established by the Università per Stranieri di Perugia and is the fifth of the five available language tests for foreign nationals. Candidates should be capable of handling complex issues in any social or business situation. The test consists of five sections i.e. reading; writing; listening; speaking and structural competence.Test Sites / Results / Dates: The examination can be taken in June and November at Italian Cultural Institutes or centres recognised by the Institutes or by the Università per Stranieri, Perugia. There are three passing grades i.e. A,B or C and results are available within 3 months.
For further information please contact:
Università per Stranieri
Prof. Paola Bianchi De Vecchi
Piazza Fortebracchio, 4
Palazzo Gallenga
06123 Perugia
Italy
Tel.: +39-075-5746218
Fax: +39-075-5746218
E-mail: certific@unistrapg.it
Website
Certificates / Tests for various levels of language proficiency:
CILS (Certificazione di Italiano come Lingua Straniera)Background information
: The CILS was established by the Università per Stranieri di Siena and is an Italian language proficiency test taken at four levels, from elementary to advanced. Students can attempt the higher level tests without completing the lower levels. These certificates (Levels 2 - 4) satisfy Italian university entrance requirements. Candidates hoping to teach Italian have to complete Level 4. Tests on all levels have five components i.e. listening; reading; speaking; writing and knowledge of grammar / vocabulary. Candidates have to pass all sections.Test Sites / Results / Dates: The examinations can be taken at the Università per Stranieri di Siena, other selected sites in Italy and at Italian Cultural Institutes abroad. The CILS examinations are held in June and December.
For further information please contact:
Centro Certificazione CILS
Via Pantaneto 105
53100 Siena
Italy
Tel.: +39-0577-240467
Fax: +39-0577-240461
E-mail: cils@unistrasi.it
Website
Background information
: The UNIcert certificates were established by the AKS Arbeitskreis der Sprachzentren, Sprachlehrinstitute und Fremdp-spracheninstitute (Assoc. of Language Teaching Centres in Germany).
UNIcert was devised by German universities with a view to standardising the grades awarded for various levels of modern language competence. Member institutions of the UNIcert system devise their own specific courses and exam regulations based on UNIcert guidelines. The exams are available at four levels i.e. I (elementary); II (intermediate); III (advanced intermediate) and IV (advanced / native speaker level).
For further information please contact:
Clearingstelle des AKS
Ruhr-Universität Bochum
Postfach 10 21 48
44721 Bochum
Germany
Tel.: +49-234-3225076
Fax: +49-234-3214578
Email: Sibylle.Meyer@ruhr-uni-bochum.de
Website
CERTIFICATES / TESTS FOR TEACHERS
DITALS (Certificazione di Competenza in Didattica dell'Italiano a Stranieri)Background information
: The DITALS was established by the Università per Stranieri di Siena and certifies the student’s theoretical / practical ability to teach Italian to foreign students.Test Sites / Results / Dates: The DITALS exams can be taken in July and December at the Università per Stranieri di Siena, or at other approved centres in Italy / abroad.
For further information please contact:
Centro Certificazione CILS
Via Pantaneto 105
53100 Siena
Italy
Tel.: +39-0577 240467
Fax: +39-0577 240461
E-mail: cils@unistrasi.it
Website
CERTIFICATES / TESTS FOR SPECIAL PURPOSES
The following are listed according to level of difficulty:

Level 3 (intermediate):
Certificato di italiano del segretario
Background information
: This certificate was established by the Chambre de Commerce Italienne pour la France (CCIF) and certifies the student’s Italian language proficiency in terms of handling business documents; general office correspondence; telephone conversations and being able to issue / receive instructions. The exam comprises a written (90 minutes) and oral section (35 minutes).Test Sites / Results / Dates: This exam can be taken at all recognised test centres in France. All four test sections are assessed individually; the final grade is the average of all four test sections. Candidates must achieve a minimum total average of 50% if they are to receive the certificate.
For further information please contact:
Chambre de Commerce Italienne pour la France (CCIF)
Service Formation et Examens
134, rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré
75008 Paris
France
Tel.: +33-1-53937375
Fax: +33-1-42891458
Email: ccif@club-internet.fr
Website
Background information
: This certificate was established by the Chambre de Commerce Italienne pour la France (CCIF) and certifies the student’s Italian language proficiency in terms of tourism, the hotel business and gastronomy. Candidates must be able to use professional forms and documents; handle business correspondence; make telephone calls / reservations and provide information regarding schedules and travel itineraries. The examination comprises three written sections (80 minutes) and one oral section (30 minutes).Test Sites / Results / Dates: This exam can be taken at all recognised test centres in France. All four test sections are assessed individually; the final grade is the average of all four test sections. Candidates must achieve a minimum total average of 50% if they are to receive the certificate.
For further information please contact:
Chambre de Commerce Italienne pour la France (CCIF)
Service Formation et Examens
134, rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré
75008 Paris
France
Tel.: +33-1-53937375
Fax: +33-1-42891458
Email: ccif@club-internet.fr
Website
Background information
: The CIC was established by the Università per Stranieri di Perugia and is a language proficiency test for Italian business purposes. It is available at two levels i.e. CIC Intermediate (ALTE Level 2 - 3) and CIC Advanced (ALTE Level 4).Test Site/s: The examination can be taken at Italian Cultural Institutes or centres recognised by the Institutes or by the Università per Stranieri, Perugia.
For further information please contact:
Università per Stranieri
Prof. Paola Bianchi De Vecchi
Piazza Fortebracchio, 4
Palazzo Gallenga
06123 Perugia
Italy
Tel.: +39-075-5746218
Fax: +39-075-5746218
E-mail: certific@unistrapg.it
Website
Level 4 (advanced intermediate):
CIC (Certificazione della conoscenza dell’Italiano Commerciale) - AdvancedBackground information
: The CIC was established by the Università per Stranieri di Perugia and is a language proficiency test for Italian business purposes. It is available at two levels i.e. CIC Intermediate (ALTE Level 2 - 3) and CIC Advanced (ALTE Level 4).Test Site/s: The examination can be taken at Italian Cultural Institutes or centres recognised by the Institutes or by the Università per Stranieri, Perugia.
For further information please contact:
Università per Stranieri
Prof. Paola Bianchi De Vecchi
Piazza Fortebracchio, 4
Palazzo Gallenga
06123 Perugia
Italy
Tel.: +39-075-5746218
Fax: +39-075-5746218
E-mail: certific@unistrapg.it
Website
Level 5 (advanced):
DALC (Diploma Commerciale di Lingua Italiana "Firenze" AIL)
Background information
: The DALC was established by the Accademia Italiana di Lingua (AIL), and is part of the scheme Diploma di Lingua Italiana "Firenze". The DALC tests Italian business language proficiency at an advanced level and candidates should be capable of communicating in a variety of complex business situations. In addition, candidates should be familiar with basic Italian economic / commercial issues. The 235 minute test covers reading comprehension; written expression; specialist vocabulary and grammar; listening comprehension and oral expression.Test Sites / Results / Dates: The test can be taken at recognised examination centres in both Italy and abroad. The following pass grades are available: 'excellent / A' (90-100%); 'very good / B' (80-89%); 'good / C' (70-79%) and 'satisfactory / D' (60-69%).
For further information please contact:
Accademia Italiana di Lingua - AIL
Casella postale 815
50123 Firenze
Italy
Tel.: +39-055-280 326
Fax: +39-055-290396
Background information
: This certificate was established by the Chambre de Commerce Italienne pour la France (CCIF) and tests the student’s knowledge of business terminology and the socio-economic situation in Italy. The 3 hour written examination requires the drafting of a business document; translation into Italian and a case study. The oral test section lasts 35 minutes. Candidates are not allowed to use dictionaries.Test Sites / Results / Dates: This exam can be taken at all recognised test centres in France. All four test sections are assessed individually; the final grade is the average of all four test sections. Candidates must achieve a minimum total average of 50% if they are to receive the certificate.
For further information please contact:
Chambre de Commerce Italienne pour la France (CCIF)
Service Formation et Examens
134, rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré
75008 Paris
France
Tel.: +33-1-53937375
Fax: +33-1-42891458
Email: ccif@club-internet.fr
Website
Background information
: This certificate was established by the Chambre de Commerce Italienne pour la France (CCIF) and tests the candidate’s ability to deal with general Italian legal issues, as well as edit / translate legal documents. Students should note that this is a linguistic, rather than legal qualification. The examination comprises two written test sections (translation: 3 hours; questions regarding legal issues: 1 hour) and an oral test section (35 minutes). Candidates are allowed to use mono / bilingual dictionaries.Test Sites / Results / Dates: This exam can be taken at all recognised test centres in France. All four test sections are assessed individually; the final grade is the average of all four test sections. Candidates must achieve a minimum total average of 50% if they are to receive the certificate.
For further information please contact:
Chambre de Commerce Italienne pour la France (CCIF)
Service Formation et Examens
134, rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré
75008 Paris
France
Tel.: +33-1-53937375
Fax: +33-1-42891458
Email: ccif@club-internet.fr
Website
Background information
: This certificate was established by the Chambre de Commerce Italienne pour la France (CCIF) and tests the candidate’s ability to communicate fluently in terms of business / economic issues. It also examines the candidate's knowledge of geographic, socio-economic and legal aspects concerning cultural / trade relations between France and Italy. The exam includes four written test sections (total duration: 4 hours) and one oral test section (35 minutes). The use of dictionaries is not allowed.Test Sites / Results / Dates: This exam can be taken at all recognised test centres in France. All four test sections are assessed individually; the final grade is the average of all four test sections. Candidates must achieve a minimum total average of 50% if they are to receive the certificate.
For further information please contact:
Chambre de Commerce Italienne pour la France (CCIF)
Service Formation et Examens
134, rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré
75008 Paris
France
Tel.: +33-1-53937375
Fax: +33-1-42891458
Email: ccif@club-internet.fr
Website
Certificates / Tests for various levels of language proficiency:
Test CliP (Test di Conoscenza della lingua Italiana a uso Professionale)Background information
: This certificate was established by the Chambre de Commerce Italienne pour la France (CCIF) and tests the candidate’s Italian business language (students and professionals). Candidates should possess a basic knowledge of Italian / business Italian. The aim of the test is to assess the individual level of proficiency i.e. candidates cannot fail the exam. The 3 hour, 150 multiple choice question exam covers grammar; vocabulary; written comprehension and oral comprehensionTest Sites / Results / Dates: The test can be taken at recognised examination centres in France, Brussels (Belgium) and Athens (Greece). All examinees receive a certificate confirming their individual level of proficiency. dates are four times a year.
For further information please contact:
Chambre de Commerce Italienne pour la France (CCIF)
Service Formation et Examens
134, rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré
75008 Paris
France
Tel.: +33-1-53937375
Fax: +33-1-42891458
E-mail: ccif@club-internet.fr