FO.CO. is an accredited exam center of the University for Foreigners of Siena for the CILS – Certification of Italian as a Foreign Language. We can also help you prepare for the exam and support you throughout the registration process.

What is CILS?

The CILS, Certification of Italian as a Foreign Language, is an official qualification issued by the University for Foreigners of Siena. It certifies a learner’s communicative competence in Italian as a foreign language and is awarded after an examination assessing language skills.

It is structured into six levels: A1, A2, UNO-B1, DUE-B2, TRE-C1, and QUATTRO-C2. Each CILS level is independent and complete.

Each exam consists of five parts, covering the core skills of listening, reading, written production, spoken production, and analysis of communication structures. To take an exam at one level, it is not necessary to have passed a lower-level CILS exam.

Who is CILS for?

The CILS certification is useful for foreign citizens and for Italian citizens living abroad, such as descendants of Italian emigrants or dual citizens, to assess and certify their Italian language proficiency.

The certification exams are not tied to any specific teaching method or course type, so each candidate can prepare in the way they find most appropriate. No specific educational qualification is required to sit the exam; only the language competence corresponding to the selected CILS level is needed.

What is it used for?

CILS certification can be used for work and study, for enrolment in Italian universities, for teaching Italian, and in any other context where a formally certified level of Italian language proficiency is required.

Many Italian companies operating abroad, as well as foreign companies with commercial relations with Italy, require CILS certification depending on the duties the employee will perform.

For example, Italian citizenship may require proof of B1 level Italian, and A2 level certification is among the requirements for a long-term residence permit.

The minimum level required for enrolment in an Italian university is CILS DUE-B2.

Preparation courses

During the preparation lessons, learners will receive the tools and strategies needed to approach the different exam sections, together with practice and in-depth study materials.

Exam dates 2026

• 19 February 2026 — enrolment deadline: 19 January 2026.

• 14 April 2026 — enrolment deadline: 14 March 2026.

• 16 June 2026 — enrolment deadline: 7 May 2026.

• 22 July 2026 — enrolment deadline: 22 June 2026.

• 21 October 2026 — enrolment deadline: 21 September 2026.

• 3 December 2026 — enrolment deadline: 24 October 2026.

For more information and enrolment: formazione@coopfoco.org | 3755357581