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Compare CILS vs CELI differences and which to choose visualisation

Compare CILS vs CELI differences and which to choose

Conquer the Italian Language: Complete Guide to Proficiency Tests: Compare CILS vs CELI differences and which to choose
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The CILS (Certificazione di Italiano come Lingua Straniera) and CELI (Certificato di Conoscenza della Lingua Italiana) are two widely recognized Italian language proficiency exams aligned with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), assessing levels from A1 to C2.

Key Differences Between CILS and CELI

  • Issuing Institutions:

    • CILS is issued by the Università per Stranieri di Siena.
    • CELI is issued by the Università per Stranieri di Perugia.

  • Exam Structure and Focus:

    • Both assess listening, reading, writing, and speaking skills.
    • CILS exam sections are evaluated independently; candidates must pass all to get certified. It includes oral, written, morphosyntactic, and lexical competencies with a mix of multiple-choice, semi-structured, and open questions.
    • CELI allows some compensation between the written and oral parts, so you might still pass if weaker in one part. It has structured written responses like summaries and places emphasis on linguistic accuracy.
    • CILS tends to have a harder grammar section but more freedom in writing and speaking, while CELI’s writing section may be more demanding with structured production.

  • Exam Frequency and Locations:

    • CILS exams are twice a year (June and December).
    • CELI exams are three times a year (March, June, and November).

  • Cost:

    • CILS exam costs about 105€.
    • CELI exam costs about 120€.

  • Recognition and Uses:

    • Both are recognized for university admission, work, and citizenship purposes.
    • The Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs recognizes the CILS A2 module for EC Residence Permit applications.
    • CELI 3 is officially recognized for university-level language proficiency by the Italian Ministry of Education.

Which to Choose?

  • Choose CILS if you prefer an exam with a more flexible writing and speaking approach but are comfortable with grammar challenges and want a recognized credential with good frequency of exam dates. It is often chosen by those aiming for Italian citizenship and university admission.
  • Choose CELI if you prefer a structured, formal exam with the possibility to compensate between oral and written parts, especially if you want more control over passing even if one skill area is weaker. It can be a bit more expensive and is suitable for academic and professional use.

Both certifications are respected and widely accepted; the choice depends on personal exam style preference, availability of test dates, and particular use case such as citizenship or university admission. 1, 2, 3, 4

References

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