Italian Language Certificate
Exams Italian

CELI (Official Certificate of Knowledge of the Italian Language) is an examination that tests your Italian language level according to standards established by the European Council.
For those who wish to study in an Italian University or teach Italian, this certificate is mandatory. Taking this exam is also useful if you wish to work as a translator, or in other domains where you must have a strong knowledge of the Italian language. The CELI exam includes four parts that measure linguistic skill, and are written comprehension, written expression, oral comprehension and oral expression.
There are 5 different levels of CELI certificates.

Minimum level required: Elementary

Italian Language Certificate

Course description

CELI 1

  • Written comprehension: based on the comprehension of 20 small texts
  • Written expression: fill in the blank and short answer questions
  • Oral comprehension: from short texts about daily life
  • Oral expression: individual interview

CELI 2

  • Written comprehension; fill in the blank, multiple choice questions
  • Written expression: writing short texts (letters, cards mail etc.)
  • Oral comprehension: description and comments about photos and other visual documents

CELI 3

  • Written comprehension: fill in the blank
  • Written expression: writing short texts
  • Oral comprehension: true / false questions

CELI 4

  • Written comprehension: multiple choice, fill in the blank, open-ended questions
  • Written expression: writing more complex texts
  • Oral comprehension: true / false questions, multiple choice questions

CELI 5

  • Written comprehension: understanding specific texts, understanding the nuances and specific details of the language in each text.
  • Written expression: writing and interpreting more complex texts
  • Oral expression
  • Grammar and vocabulary

    CELI 1

    • Oral comprehension: 30 % of the final score
    • Written expression: 30 % of the final score
    • Written comprehension: 20 % of the final score
    • Oral expression: 20 % of the final score
    • CELI 2 and 3: every section of the examination is worth 25 % of the final score. The score is based on an A, B, C scale.
    • CELI 4 and 5: The score is based on an A, B, C scale.