The CELI Exam: How It Works, Levels and Tests

🇮🇹 Leggi questo articolo in italiano

In my guide to Italian language certifications we looked at the official certifying bodies. Today we take a closer look at CELI, the Certificato di Conoscenza della Lingua Italiana: levels, tests, how the exam works and how to register.

Who issues CELI

CELI is issued by the University for Foreigners of Perugia through its assessment centre, CVCL (Centro per la Valutazione e le Certificazioni Linguistiche). It is part of the CLIQ quality system, is recognised internationally and does not expire.

CELI levels

Exam	CEFR level
CELI Impatto	A1
CELI 1	A2
CELI 2	B1
CELI 3	B2
CELI 4	C1
CELI 5	C2

Besides the “general” CELI exams there are two families designed for specific groups:

• CELI Adolescenti: for teenagers aged 12 to 18, levels A2 to B2;
• CELI Immigrati: for adult immigrants, levels A1 to B1, based on everyday situations in Italy.

The four skills tested

• Reading comprehension: different types of texts, with multiple-choice, matching or short-answer questions.
• Listening comprehension: dialogues, announcements and short audio texts.
• Writing: one or more texts (a letter, an email, a short argumentative text at higher levels) with a set number of words.
• Speaking: an interview with two examiners, starting from a photo or a short text.

At higher levels there is also a language competence section (grammar and vocabulary).

How it works in practice

You take the exam in person, in Perugia or at one of many affiliated exam centres in Italy and worldwide (Italian cultural institutes, universities, language schools). The written tests usually take place in one morning; the oral test may be on the same day or a nearby day. There are several sessions a year: the up-to-date calendar is on the CVCL website.

When to choose CELI

• if there is a CELI exam centre near you or a session on the dates you need;
• if you need a certificate for university, work or Italian citizenship (B1 level, i.e. CELI 2);
• if you live in Italy as an immigrant and need A2 for the long-term residence permit: in that case look at CELI Immigrati too.

Three preparation tips

1. Choose the right level: start with the free Italian level test and aim for a level you can pass with confidence.
2. Practise with official samples: the CVCL website has sample exam papers.
3. Don’t neglect speaking: talking in front of an examiner is something you only learn by talking.

Official information

Dates, centres, fees and registration: cvcl.unistrapg.it.

Prepare with me

I can help you prepare for CELI with a personalised plan covering all four skills, with mock exams and corrections of your written texts. Book a free trial lesson.