CILS Certification of Italian as a Second Language in Rome

Under an agreement between John Cabot University and the University for Foreigners in Siena, Italy, the CILS (Certificate of Italian as a Foreign Language) has been activated at John Cabot University. 

The official CILS Certification, issued by the Università per Stranieri di Siena, certifies your knowledge of Italian, is valid throughout the world, and does not expire (as other certificates like TOEFL do).

There are six different proficiency levels and you can take more than one certification (e.g. after an A2 certificate you can take the exam again to get a superior level certificate):

A1 low beginner; A2 high beginner;

B1 low intermediate; B2 high intermediate;

C1 advanced; C2 proficiency

Please note that level B2 is also valid as a language exam for admittance to any Italian university without the need for further testing, and that with level C2 you can apply for the positions of official translator (from Italian into English), and teacher of Italian Language. 

The CILS exam will be held twice per year.

The duration of the exam (consisting of listening comprehensions, reading comprehensions, grammar and use of structure tests, compositions, and oral interview) is approximately 6 hours. 

Test your knowledge of Italian, get prepared to take this challenging exam, and make your CV even stronger with this official certification! Contact Prof. Gina Siddu Pilia [email protected] for details.            

Students preparing for CILS can have their level of Italian assessed by the FLRC through the DIALANG test to provide guidance regarding their language level (e.g., A1, B2, …). Stop by the FLRC to get more information or write to Prof. Gina Siddu Pilia [email protected]             

DIALANG TEST

You can take your DIALANG test to assess your level of Language at the FLRC!

DIALANG is an online diagnostic system designed to assess language abilities in 14 European languages in adherence to the Common European Framework of Reference - CEFR. Competences tested are reading, writing, listening, grammar and vocabulary. The tests are offered across a wide range of proficiency levels from beginners to advanced.

DIALANG is not intended to be used for certification purposes. The purpose of DIALANG is to offer information regarding students’ strengths and weaknesses in a language, and it is highly recommended before applying for any language certifications.