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How to Find a CILS Exam Center Near You (And What to Watch Out For)

You have decided which CILS exam you need. Now comes the next challenge: finding somewhere to actually take it. This is where a lot of people get stuck, because unlike most standardized tests, there is no single website where you can register, no central booking system, and no guaranteed availability near where you live.

Here is everything you need to know to find the right exam center, avoid common mistakes, and register with confidence.


A map graphic with a search bar and location pin illustrating how to find an authorized CILS exam center for the B1 Cittadinanza, A2 Integrazione, or B1 Standard exam

There is no centralized registration system

This surprises almost everyone. The University for Foreigners of Siena administers the CILS exams, but they do not manage registrations directly. Instead, they authorize exam centers around the world to host the exams independently. Each center sets its own registration window, its own fees, and its own process. You must contact each center directly to register. There is no online booking portal, no national sign-up page, and no way to register through the University of Siena itself.


How to find an authorized CILS exam center

The University for Foreigners of Siena maintains official lists of authorized centers:



Start there. If you are in Italy, you will have many options. If you are abroad, your choices may be more limited depending on where you live and which exam you need.


Step by step: How to register

First, find your nearest authorized center using the links above.


Second, contact the center directly by phone or email to confirm they offer the specific exam type you need, ask when their next exam date is, find out when their registration window opens, and get details on their fees and payment process.


Third, register as soon as the window opens. Do not wait. Popular exam types fill up quickly, and registration windows are typically only open for 6 to 8 weeks before the exam date.


Fourth, complete your registration carefully. The name on your registration must exactly match your photo ID, meaning your passport or carta d'identita if you are in Italy. This same ID is required on exam day, when you collect your certificate, and when you submit your results to Italian authorities. A mismatch can delay or invalidate your application.


Not all centers offer all exam types

This is one of the most important things to confirm before you register. There are significant differences in what is available depending on where you are:


The B1 Cittadinanza is available at every authorized center in Italy. Abroad, it is getting harder to find. Some government-funded Italian cultural institutes have quietly stopped offering it in favor of the harder B1 Standard. It is still available at many private centers abroad and remains fully legal and accepted everywhere. When you pass the B1 Cittadinanza, your certificate simply says "Livello B1." It does not say "cittadinanza" anywhere on it, which is different from the B1 Standard certificate. If you cannot find it near you, it may well be worth traveling to Italy for it, as it is significantly easier than the B1 Standard.


The A2 Integrazione is available in Italy but is almost never offered abroad. If you need this exam and you are not in Italy, you will almost certainly need to travel.


The B1 Standard is the most widely available exam type and is generally easier to find at centers abroad.


Government-funded centers vs private centers

Not all exam centers charge the same price. The University of Siena sets a base exam fee, but centers add their own administrative charges on top. Government-funded centers such as CPIA centers in Italy and Italian Cultural Institutes abroad tend to charge less. Private language schools often add a significant surcharge that can exceed the cost of the exam itself. If price matters to you, look for publicly funded centers first.


What happens after the exam

Online results are posted approximately 8 weeks after the exam on the University of Siena results portal at https://online.unistrasi.it/riscils.asp. You will need your matricola number, which is given to you on exam day. A downloadable letter becomes available about one week after results are posted and is accepted by some consulates and prefetture. The official paper certificate is sent to your exam center approximately 3.5 months after the exam. Most centers require you to collect it in person with valid ID. If you traveled to take the exam, ask the center during registration whether they can mail it or allow someone else to collect it on your behalf.


Once you have your exam center, start preparing

Finding your center is step one. Passing the exam is step two. Ready Set Italia has programs designed specifically for English speakers preparing for CILS exams, taught entirely in English.


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