How do I register for a CILS Italian language certification exam?

If you're applying for Italian citizenship, a long-term residency permit, or need to meet the requirements of the integration agreement (accordo di integrazione), the CILS exam is one of the most widely accepted Italian language tests. But the registration process can be confusing—especially if you're outside of Italy.

CILS is an official Italian language certification recognized worldwide. Click the logo to visit the official site.

Here's a clear step-by-step guide to help you register with confidence:

✅ Step 1: Find Your Nearest Exam Site

CILS exams are offered at authorized test centers across Italy and around the world.

• In Italy? 👉 Find a test center in Italy

• Abroad? 👉 Find a test center abroad

📍 A few things to keep in mind:

• There are far more exam centers in Italy than outside of it.

• More exam types are available in Italy. For example:

  • The A2 integrazione (integration) exam is almost never offered abroad.

  • The B1 cittadinanza (citizenship) exam is getting harder to find internationally.

If you're abroad and need a specific version of the test, you may need to search widely—or consider traveling.

✅ Step 2: Contact the Exam Site Directly

Once you find your exam center, you must contact them directly to register. There is no centralized sign-up system.

⏳ Typically:

• Registration opens 6–8 weeks before the exam

• Each site manages its own registration process, timeline, and payment

📅 CILS exam dates are the same worldwide, offered six times per year, usually in:

• February

• April

• June

• July

• October

• December

👉 See the official exam calendar for:

• Exact dates

• Which exam levels are offered on each date

🚨 Don’t wait to register. Some exam centers and exam types fill up quickly, especially when simplified versions are offered.

✅ Step 3: Choose the Right Exam for Your Goal

If you're applying for citizenship or a long-term residency permit, you don’t need to take the full general language exams. You may qualify for a simplified version, such as:

• B1 Cittadinanza → Significantly shorter and easier than the standard B1

• A2 Integrazione → Shorter and easier than the standard A2

If you qualify, it may be well worth traveling to a center that offers these simplified exams—they're faster to take, easier to pass, and fully recognized for legal use.

✅ Step 4: Register Carefully — Names and IDs Matter

When registering, make sure the name you use matches your ID exactly—especially your passport (or your Carta d’identità, if you’re in Italy).

🪪 Your photo ID must be:

• Valid and in-date (not expired)

• The same ID you bring:

  • On exam day

  • To pick up your certificate

  • When submitting your certificate to the Italian government

⚠️ Mismatched names or expired IDs can cause delays—or even invalidate your results.

✅ Step 5: After the Exam

Here’s what to expect after taking your CILS exam:

1. Online results: Available about 6–8 weeks after the exam at

   👉 https://online.unistrasi.it/riscils.asp

   • At your exam, you'll receive a paper with your matricola number. This number is required to log in and check your results.

   
   

2. Downloadable letter: Appears on the same website about one week after your results are posted. This PDF document can be used with some consulates or prefetture while waiting for the official certificate.

   
   

3. Official paper certificate: Sent to your exam site approximately 3.5 months after the test.

📦 Most test centers require you to pick up the certificate in person with valid photo ID. If you're traveling to take the exam, ask your exam site during registration if:

• They can mail it to you, or

• A friend or family member can pick it up for you (usually with written permission)

📝 Some Italian authorities will accept the downloadable letter, while others require the official certificate. Always check what your local consulate or prefettura accepts before submitting your application.

🔔 Upcoming Exam: July 16, 2025

The next available CILS exam is scheduled for July 16, 2025, and only B1 cittadinanza and A2 integrazione will be offered on that date.

📌 Many exam centers have already opened registration—or will very soon. These two exam types are in high demanda nd can fill up quickly, so don’t wait to secure your spot.

🎯 Final Tip

Finding the right test center and exam version takes a bit of planning—but it’s worth it.

Once you’re registered, Ready Set Italia will help you prepare with structured, efficient practice tailored to the exam. Whether you're in Italy or abroad, we’ve got your back.