2026 CILS Exam Dates for Italian Citizenship & Residency

Are you looking for the official CILS exam dates for 2026? The wait is over! The University for Foreigners of Siena has officially released the exam schedule. For anyone on the path to obtaining Italian citizenship or a long-term residency permit, this is a crucial piece of information for planning your preparation.

This guide will provide you with all the official CILS dates for 2026 and offer guidance on how to use this information to successfully plan your test-taking journey.

Official CILS Exam Dates 2026: University of Siena

The following dates are for the CILS exams held at the University for Foreigners of Siena and are applicable to all levels (CILS A2 Integrazione, CILS B1 Cittadinanza, CILS B1 Standard, etc.).

• February 19

• April 14

• June 16

• July 22

• October 21

• December 3

It is official! The 2026 CILS Exam dates have been released.

How to Register for a CILS Exam

Registration is a critical step and requires careful planning, as deadlines are firm. You must register 6-8 weeks before the CILS exam date.

You can register directly with an authorized CILS exam center, which can be found all over the world. We have a detailed guide on How to Find and Register for a CILS Exam Center to help you through the process.

The B1 Exam Dates for Italian Citizenship: The Fastest Way to Citizenship

For those applying for Italian citizenship, the CILS B1 Cittadinanza exam is the required language test. It’s important to note that this exam is generally considered easier than the standard B1 level test.

If you find the B1 Cittadinanza is not offered in your closest CILS testing center, some travel may be required. Do not take the B1 standard exam just because it is closer to you.

For Residency: The A2 Integrazione Exam Dates

If you are applying for a long-term residency permit (permesso di soggiorno CE), you are required to pass the CILS A2 Integrazione exam. The same dates listed above also apply to this exam.

Start Your Preparation Today

Finding the right exam date is only the first step. The real challenge is being prepared. If you're looking to pass the B1 exam for citizenship, you don't have to spend years studying.

If an upcoming exam is in your sights, now is the perfect time to start. Our Ready Set Italia Fast Track Program is designed to get you ready for the exam quickly and efficiently, with a flat fee for 6 months of exam prep.

Now that you have the official CILS exam dates, you can start planning your preparation. We wish you the best of luck on your journey to Italian citizenship!