CILS, CELI, or PLIDA — which Italian certificate do you need?
All three test the same CEFR levels (A1-C2) and are widely recognized in Italy, but they're run by different institutes with different exam centers and formats.
This page explains the three main certificate providers. Lerniyo doesn't issue any of these certificates — our own exam is built in their style to prepare you, but a residence permit or citizenship application requires sitting the official exam with one of these institutes, or another route your prefettura or comune accepts. Requirements vary by office and change over time, so always confirm with the specific office handling your application.
CILS, CELI and PLIDA in one minute
CILS, CELI and PLIDA are the three best-known Italian-language certificates. CILS is run by the University for Foreigners of Siena, CELI by the University for Foreigners of Perugia and PLIDA by the Dante Alighieri Society. All three cover levels A1 to C2 and are generally accepted for residence and citizenship files at the required level, but each office keeps its own list. The state also recognizes a fourth body, Roma Tre University (CERT.IT), so check the current official list.
This guide compares the three side by side, shows which situation calls for which certificate and how to check your requirement. Rules, fees and centers change, so always confirm with the office that handles your file.
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CILS, CELI and PLIDA side by side
| Aspect | CILS | CELI | PLIDA |
|---|---|---|---|
| Run by | University for Foreigners of Siena | University for Foreigners of Perugia | Dante Alighieri Society |
| Levels | A1 to C2 | A1 to C2 | A1 to C2 |
| Exam centers | Centers in many countries | A wide network of partner centers | One of the widest networks worldwide, through cultural institutes |
| Typical use | Residence permits, citizenship files and university admission | Residence permits, citizenship files, work and study | Residence permits, citizenship files and Italian-heritage programs |
| Check before booking | That your office accepts it at your level | That your office accepts it at your level | That your office accepts it at your level |
The three institutes
CILS (Certificazione di Italiano come Lingua Straniera)
Run by the University for Foreigners of Siena (Università per Stranieri di Siena). One of the most widely recognized Italian-language certificates, with exam centers in many countries.
A1 to C2
Residence permits, citizenship applications, university admission
CELI (Certificato di Conoscenza della Lingua Italiana)
Run by the University for Foreigners of Perugia (Università per Stranieri di Perugia), with a wide network of partner exam centers.
A1 to C2
Residence permits, citizenship applications, work and study
PLIDA (Progetto Lingua Italiana Dante Alighieri)
Run by the Dante Alighieri Society, with one of the widest networks of exam centers worldwide thanks to its cultural-institute presence in many countries.
A1 to C2
Residence permits, citizenship applications, Italian-heritage programs
Which one should you take?
For most residence-permit and citizenship applications, all three are accepted at the required level (A2 or B1) — but always check your specific prefettura or comune's list of accepted certificates before booking, since requirements vary and change. If your office names one specifically, book that one. If you have a free choice, pick whichever institute has an exam center and date that actually works for you.
Which certificate for which goal?
Start from the requirement, not from the exam. The office that handles your file has the final word.
A long-term residence permit (A2)
Check your prefettura’s list of accepted proofs. If it names one institute, book that one.
Citizenship by marriage or residency (B1)
Check the list of accepted certificates for your file, including whether the “Cittadinanza” edition of the B1 is required or the standard B1 is accepted. If you have a free choice, pick the institute with a center and a date that suit you.
University admission
The university names the certificates it accepts and the level it asks for. Read the admissions page.
A personal goal or a CV
Any of the three works as proof of your level.
Mistakes when choosing an Italian exam
- Booking an exam before checking which certificates your office accepts.
- Taking the wrong level: A2 and B1 are different exams, and the file names the level it needs.
- Assuming that all offices accept all three. Most do, but check your own.
- Assuming a Lerniyo certificate replaces an official one. It confirms that you completed Lerniyo’s own course and is not an official proof.
- Waiting until the last moment to register: exam sessions are limited and centers fill up.
- Paying anyone who promises a guaranteed result. Nobody can guarantee a pass.
How to choose in five steps
A simple order that avoids wasted exam fees and time:
- 1
Find the official requirement
Open the page of your prefettura, comune or university.
- 2
Write down the details
The accepted certificates, the level required and any validity period.
- 3
Pick the accepted institute that suits you
Think about the nearest center, the dates and the fee.
- 4
Build the level first
Reach the level the exam tests, then practice its format.
- 5
Book the official exam
Register with the institute and leave time before your deadline.
Common questions
Does Lerniyo issue a CILS, CELI, or PLIDA certificate?
No. Lerniyo's own certificate confirms you completed our curriculum. Our mock exams are built in the style of these exams to prepare you, but you still need to book and sit the official exam with one of these institutes for a residence permit or citizenship application.
Which one is cheapest?
Prices vary by country and exam center — there's no single answer. Check the specific exam center near you.
Can I prepare for any of them with Lerniyo?
Yes. The CEFR levels (A1-C2) are the same across all three, so the Italian you learn with Lerniyo prepares you for whichever one you end up booking.
Which is easier, CILS, CELI or PLIDA?
They differ in format but test the same CEFR level. What matters is which one your office accepts and which center is near you.
Can I use any of them for citizenship?
Citizenship by marriage or residency asks for B1 from a recognized institute. Confirm the current list with the office that handles your file.