CILS A2 INTEGRAZIONE EXAM
A2 Integrazione Exam Prep for English Speakers
The A2 Integrazione exam is required for upgrading to a long-term EU residency permit (permesso di soggiorno UE per soggiornanti di lungo periodo) after 5 years of legal residence in Italy, or for fulfilling Integration Agreement (Accordo di Integrazione) requirements on work permits.
Ready Set Italia's expert instructors passed this exact exam themselves and know exactly how to help English speakers succeed. Learn More...
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What is the A2 Integrazione Exam?
The A2 Integrazione is an Italian language exam with two purposes: it is required to upgrade to a long-term EU residency permit (permesso di soggiorno UE), and it also satisfies the language requirement for non-EU residents on a residency permit with an integration agreement (accordo di integrazione). It tests listening, comprehension, writing and speaking at the A2 level and takes approximately 90 minutes to complete. Read our complete CILS A2 Integrazione exam guide.
Your A2 Integrazione Prep Program
CILS A2I PREP COURSE
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Everything you need to pass the A2 Integrazione exam, in one program.
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Your Path to Long-Term Residency Starts Here
9 Full-Length Practice Exams
Practice with 9 complete exams featuring real questions from actual past exams. Take them unlimited times to build confidence and identify weak areas before exam day.
Exam Scoring Algorithm Revealed
Understand exactly how your exam is scored and what evaluators look for in each section. Know which mistakes cost you points and which answers earn maximum credit.
Curated A2 Vocabulary List
Focus your study with our targeted vocabulary list covering the most common words and phrases that appear on the integration exam. Learn what actually matters, not random vocabulary.
Both Prep Programs Include
9 Full-Length Practice Exams
200-Term Vocabulary with Quizlet
18 Listening Exercises
18 Comprehension Exercises
18 Writing Exercises
18 Speaking Exercises
Proven Writing Formula
Exam Strategies
Day-of-Exam Guidance
Exam Scoring Algorithm Insights
Test-Taking Techniques
Email/WhatsApp Support
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Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to prepare for the A2 Integrazione exam? EExam prep takes 3-6 months with 30 minutes of studying every day, depending on your current Italian level. If you're starting from zero Italian knowledge, plan on 6 months of preparation. Our B1 Cittadinanza program is designed around this timeline. You'll have full access to all content from day 1, so you can pace yourself as needed.
What's the difference between A2 Integrazione and B1 exams? A2 Integrazione is a basic level exam (1 hour 35 minutes) required for long-term residency permits and integration agreements. It's shorter and simpler than B1 exams. B1 Cittadinanza (required for citizenship) and B1 Standard (for work/university) are intermediate level exams that are longer and more comprehensive. Choose A2 Integrazione if your goal is long-term residency status, not citizenship.
Who needs to take the A2 Integrazione exam? You need this exam if you're upgrading from a regular residency permit to a long-term EU residency permit (permesso di soggiorno UE per soggiornanti di lungo periodo) after living legally in Italy for 5+ years, or if you're fulfilling Integration Agreement requirements on your work permit. This exam proves your basic Italian language skills for long-term residency status.
How long does it take to get A2 exam results? Results take a minimum of 8 weeks to process after your exam date. Once results are ready, it takes an additional 4 months to receive your official certificate. Total wait time: ~6 months from exam day.
What happens if I fail the A2 Integrazione exam? You must retake the entire exam. Unlike the B1 Standard exam where you can retake individual sections, the A2 Integration exam requires you to pass ALL sections in one sitting. If you fail any part, you start over completely.
How much does the A2 Integrazione exam cost? The exam fee is €40. Some testing centers charge additional administrative fees.
Where can I take the A2 Integrazione exam? You can take it at approved test centers within Italy - Italian Cultural Institutes, authorized language schools, or the University of Siena for Foreigners. Exams are offered 6 times per year (February, April, June, July, October, December).
Do I need to speak Italian fluently to pass A2? No. A2 is basic level - you don't need perfect pronunciation or grammar. You need to understand main points of conversations, handle everyday situations, and express yourself on familiar topics. Some errors are acceptable.
Is the exam entirely in Italian? Yes. All instructions, questions, and tasks are in Italian. You'll be tested on listening, reading, writing, and speaking - all in Italian.
Can I use the A2 certificate for other purposes? The A2 Integrazione certificate is primarily designed for long-term residency permits and integration agreements. For citizenship applications, you need B1 Cittadinanza. For work or university, you typically need B1 Standard. However, A2 demonstrates basic Italian proficiency and can be a useful stepping stone to higher certifications.
How is the A2 Integrazione exam different from the CPIA test? The A2 Integrazione is the official CILS certification from the University of Siena. The CPIA test is administered at CPIA centers and also certifies A2 level for residency permits. Both are accepted for long-term residency applications. The CILS A2 Integrazione may be more widely recognized if you plan to use the certificate for other purposes beyond residency.
