Looking for formal recognition of your knowledge of Italian?
What is CELI?
The Certificato di conoscenza della lingua italiana (CELI) exam is one of the most widely recognised certificates for learners of Italian. It is issued by the University for Foreigners, Perugia and recognised by the Italian Department of Education and the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. There are five CELI exams for adults – CELI 1, CELI 2, CELI 3, CELI 4, and CELI 5, which test general Italian language ability. CELI Adolescenti is available only for CELI levels 1, 2 & 3. The levels are linked to the Association of Language Testers in Europe (ALTE) and to the Council of Europe’s Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.
Why take the CELI exam?
The CELI examination is recognised by employers, universities and government organisations throughout the world. Passing a CELI exam can help you gain entrance to a university or college, improve your job prospects and measure your progress in Italian. CELI qualifications are recognised at different levels by Italian Ministry and Government organisations for many purposes, such as the recruitment of government officials and for training teachers in the State School sector. The CELI level 3 exam is an entrance requirement for all non-Italian students who would like to enrol in an Italian university.
When are the exams held?
The CELI exams are held three times a year at Co.As.It. and we offer preparatory courses for each level of the CELI examination.
| 2026 Exam Dates | Deadline for Enrolment and Payment |
| 11 March (CELI Impatto, 1, 2, 3) |
09 February |
| 10 June (CELI Impatto, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5) |
04 May |
| 11 November (CELI Impatto, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5) |
05 October |
How do I enrol?
In order to enrol for the exam please complete the enrolment form below by the deadlines included in our calendar. The price of the exam is $330 which can be paid by cash, cheque, money order or credit card. Payment and enrolment form must be received in order to confirm your admission to the exam. Email the completed enrolment form with payment details to learning@coasit.org.au or send via post to Co.As.It. Head Office (Leichhardt). Once enrolled in an exam, the University for Foreigners, Perugia does not refund fees received. No responsibility will be taken for changes to students’ personal circumstances that prevent attendance.
CELI Levels
| Co.As.It. Levels | Corresponding CELI Levels |
| A2.3 | CELI 1 – An elementary level exam, testing your ability to deal with basic written and spoken communications. |
| B1.4 | CELI 2 – An intermediate level exam, testing your ability to cope with everyday written and spoken communications. |
| B2.5 | CELI 3 – An upper intermediate level exam – ideal if you can deal confidently with a range of written and spoken communications. |
| C1.6 | CELI 4 – An advanced exam – if you can communicate with confidence in Italian for work or study purposes, this is the exam for you. |
| C2.4 | CELI 5 – A very advanced level exam – perfect if you have achieved a high level of language skills and are able to function effectively in almost any Italian-speaking context. |
How is the exam structured?
The exam tests all four language competencies: speaking, writing, listening and reading. The duration of the exam varies according to the level ranging from one hour and a half, for the CELI 1, to four hours and forty-five minutes for the CELI 5.
Certification required for Italian Citizenship
From 4th December 2018, all applicants for Italian Citizenship need to demonstrate knowledge of the Italian language equal to, or greater than level B1, as established by the Council of Europe’s Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. Proof of knowledge is accepted in the form of an official certificate from an approved Italian examination centre. Co.As.It. Sydney is a long-established approved Italian examination centre in partnership with the University for Foreigners of Perugia, and can assist you in obtaining CELI, an official certificate which demonstrates your knowledge of the Italian language. The CELI 2 (B1 level) is the minimum level required for Italian citizenship.
When are exam results published?
Once you have completed the exam, papers are sent to the University for Foreigners of Perugia in Italy for marking. The timeframe varies, but the University can take up to 3 months to publish results and send certificates.
