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The Italian citizenship language test, explained.
If you're applying for Italian citizenship, you need to prove Italian at CEFR A2. Here's what the test looks like, and how to actually prepare for it.
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What the test actually is
Since 2018, applicants for Italian citizenship (via residence or marriage) must prove Italian at CEFR level A2. You can do that with a certificate from one of four official providers:
- CILS A2 (Università per Stranieri di Siena): the most common choice.
- CELI A2 (Università per Stranieri di Perugia).
- PLIDA A2 (Società Dante Alighieri).
- Roma Tre A2.
All four are legally equivalent. Sessions run several times a year and the certificate has no expiry date.
What A2 actually means
A2 is not fluency. It's roughly the level of "surviving daily life in Italy without needing English." You should be able to:
- Introduce yourself, your family, your job.
- Talk about your day, your home, your neighbourhood.
- Read short signs, notices, forms and simple articles.
- Fill in a form with personal information.
- Write a short message (10-15 lines) about a familiar topic.
- Understand a slow, clear conversation on everyday matters.
Test structure (CILS A2)
The CILS A2 test has four sections:
- Ascolto (listening): 2 audio tasks, 30 minutes.
- Comprensione della lettura (reading): 2 short texts, 30 minutes.
- Analisi delle strutture di comunicazione (grammar): fill-in-the-blank, 30 minutes.
- Produzione scritta (writing): 2 short texts (30-50 words each), 30 minutes.
- Produzione orale (speaking): a short interview, ~5 minutes.
You need to pass each section to pass overall.
How to prepare
Most people need 3 to 6 months of steady practice to go from zero to A2. Here's what works:
- Daily short sessions: 20 to 40 minutes every day beats one long session per week.
- Focus on the four skills: reading, listening, writing, speaking. Most learners neglect writing and speaking, which are half of the exam.
- Learn topical vocabulary: family, work, home, health, shopping, travel. These come up in every section.
- Practice with real audio: Italian radio, podcasts, YouTube. Slow-speed Italian podcasts (e.g. Coffee Break Italian) work well.
- Simulate the test: the CILS website has past papers. Do at least three full simulations before the real test.
amo Italian has a dedicated A2 path
Every A2 stage in amo Italian is mapped to the vocabulary and grammar you need for the CILS/CELI test. Free to start.
Practical logistics
- Cost: €80-130 depending on provider and centre.
- Where: official centres in every major Italian city, plus consulates abroad.
- How to book: directly on the provider's website (cils.unistrasi.it, cvcl.it, ladante.it, uniroma3.it).
- Result: usually available in 8-10 weeks. You can send the certificate to the Prefettura for your citizenship file.
Common questions
Do I still need the test if I'm married to an Italian?
Yes. The A2 language requirement applies both to citizenship by residence and by marriage.
What if I fail one section?
You have to retake the whole test. That's why practising all four skills matters.
Is B1 or B2 needed for a highly skilled visa (art. 27 quater)?
That's a different rule and depends on the visa category, but the citizenship pathway is A2.
Prepare for the A2 test with amo Italian
Structured A2 path, real exam-style exercises, dictionary in your language.
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