CELI EXAMS IN Basel

CELI Italian exams – Certify your language skills with ILS Basel

The CELI exam (Certificato di Conoscenza della Lingua Italiana) is an internationally recognized certificate for Italian as a foreign or second language. It assesses language skills in the areas of listening, reading, writing, and speaking and is based on the proficiency levels of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR): CELI 1, CELI 2, CELI 3, CELI 4, and CELI 5.

The CELI certificate is recognized worldwide by educational institutions, employers, and government agencies and serves as proof of language proficiency for professional purposes, academic studies, or residence in Italy.

RATINGS

Experiences of our participants

Read how our participants achieve their language goals and get off to a successful start!

 
 
 
 
 ILS-Basel, International Language School 
 
 
 ILS-Basel, International Language School
 Google Star 1Google Star 2Google Star 3Google Star 4Google Star 5.0.7 
 623 Google reviews 
 
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 Nursen Benli 
 
February 19, 2026
 
 
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I took a FIDE test today. I was very nervous, but I was really happy to see the kind and warm faces there that helped me feel more at ease. The receptionist was also very informative and helpful.
  
 
 
 
 
 
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 Ariel Gioino Robman 
 
February 4, 2026
 
 
 Google Star 1Google Star 2Google Star 3Google Star 4Google Star 5Trustindex verifies whether the original source of the review is Google. 
A very good experience. I was there for an exam; the staff are friendly and well-organized.
  
 
 
 
 
 
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 Natalia Kravchenko 
 
January 11, 2026
 
 
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November 2024. I took the TELC exam at ILS Basel and was very satisfied. The exam was well organized, the atmosphere was calm and friendly, and the staff was professional and attentive. Everything went smoothly and pleasantly, and I came away with nothing but positive impressions.
  
 
 
 
 
 
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 Ines Macic 
 
October 20, 2025
 
 
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Thanks to ILS Basel , I can now write my review in German! I first took the A2 course here, then the B1 and B2 courses. 🎉

I’d especially like to mention my teacher, Chris Stettler, who taught me in both the B1 and B2 courses. 🌺
She always encouraged me to speak, improve my German, and not be afraid to try new things.
Chris is a wonderful teacher—friendly, patient, positive, very knowledgeable, and extremely dedicated. She answers every question thoroughly, explains everything in great depth, and takes plenty of time for each student. Her motivation and enthusiasm for learning German are contagious, and you can immediately tell how much she cares about her students. Anyone who has the chance to learn from her can truly count themselves lucky! 🪷🌸🌺
I’ve also often attended the conversation classes on Fridays from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. Chris is always exceptionally well-prepared, brings up interesting topics, and makes sure the classes are fun. 🌞🌻🗣️
You meet nice people, make new international friends, and learn a lot in the process. 🌎ILS Basel is very well organized. The classrooms are clean and nice, and the staff in the office is very friendly. 🤗🇨🇭
I plan to take the TELC B2 exam here as well.
Many thanks to the entire ILS team, my first teacher Nathalie (A2—my review in English), and my other teacher, Chris Stettler! ♥️
  
 
 
 
 
 
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 László Udvardi 
 
August 14, 2025
 
 
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The TELC exam was an exciting and positive experience for me. Everything was very well organized, precise, and ran smoothly. The exam proctors and the entire staff were extremely friendly and helpful. I felt comfortable throughout the entire process and can wholeheartedly recommend the exam center.
  
 
 
 
 
 
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 Mariella Cersosimo 
 
July 12, 2025
 
 
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I recommend improving the audio quality during the listening test, perhaps by using a device other than a laptop.
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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TEST DATES & PRICES

Prices, exam dates & Registration

Here you will find all the important information about the individual CELI exam levels, including exam dates, duration, and fees.

Prices for CELI Italian exams

CELI examPrice per level TotalPrice only in writingPrice only verbally
CELI 1-3320.-160.-160.-
CELI 4-5380.-190.-190.-

In case of retakes: If a part of the exam (written or oral) has not been passed, only this part can be retaken within 1 year. Registration only valid with the same participant number.

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CELI A1 Exam Dates

exam nameLevelExamination dateRegistration and deregistration period
CELI StandardCELI Impatto11.11.202609.10.2026
CELI StandardCELI Impatto09.03.202709.02.2027
CELI ImmigrantsCELI Impatto i20.05.202720.04.2027
CELI StandardCELI Impatto11.06.202711.05.2027
CELI StandardCELI Impatto16.11.202716.10.2027
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CELI A2 Exam Dates

exam nameLevelExamination dateRegistration and deregistration period
CELI ImmigrantsCELI 1 i16.09.202614.08.2026
CELI StandardCELI 111.11.202609.10.2026
CELI ImmigrantsCELI 2 i17.02.202722.01.2027
CELI StandardCELI 109.03.202709.02.2027
CELI AdolescentsCELI 1a15.05.202714.04.2027
CELI ImmigrantsCELI 1 i20.05.202720.04.2027
CELI StandardCELI 111.06.202711.05.2027
CELI ImmigrantsCELI 1 i15.09.202717.08.2027
CELI StandardCELI 116.11.202716.10.2027
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CELI B1 Exam Dates

exam nameLevelExamination dateRegistration and deregistration period
CELI ImmigrantsCELI 2 and citizenship16.09.202614.08.2026
CELI StandardCELI 211.11.202609.10.2026
CELI ImmigrantsCELI 2 and citizenship17.02.202722.01.2027
CELI StandardCELI 209.03.202709.02.2027
CELI AdolescentsCELI 2 a15.05.202714.04.2027
CELI ImmigrantsCELI 2 and citizenship20.05.202720.04.2027
CELI StandardCELI 211.06.202711.05.2027
CELI ImmigrantsCELI 2 and citizenship15.09.202717.08.2027
CELI StandardCELI 216.11.202716.10.2027
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CELI B2 Exam Dates

exam nameLevelExamination dateRegistration and deregistration period
CELI StandardCELI 311.11.202609.10.2026
CELI StandardCELI 309.03.202709.02.2027
CELI AdolescentsCELI 3a15.05.202714.04.2027
CELI StandardCELI 311.06.202711.05.2027
CELI StandardCELI 316.11.202716.10.2027
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CELI C1 Exam Dates

exam nameLevelExamination dateRegistration and deregistration period
CELI StandardCELI 411.11.202609.10.2026
CELI StandardCELI 411.06.202711.05.2027
CELI StandardCELI 416.11.202716.10.2027
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CELI C2 Exam Dates

exam nameLevelExamination dateRegistration and deregistration period
CELI StandardCELI 511.11.202609.10.2026
CELI StandardCELI 511.06.202711.05.2027
CELI StandardCELI 516.11.202716.10.2027
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CELI Impatto – A1
CELI Impatto is the lowest level of the six CELI certificates and corresponds to Level A1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).

CELI 1 – A2
CELI 1 corresponds to Level A2 of the CEFR. The CELI 1 exam is required to obtain a residence permit in Italy.

CELI 2 – B1
CELI 2 corresponds to Level B1 of the CEFR and certifies intermediate-level proficiency in Italian. CELI 2 is required for admission to a university in Italy.

CELI 3 – B2
CELI 3 corresponds to Level B2 of the CEFR and is also referred to as the upper intermediate level. The Italian Ministry of Education, Universities, and Research (MIUR) recognizes CELI 3 as proof of proficiency in Italian. The certificate is valid for enrollment at an Italian university.

CELI 4 – C1
CELI 4 corresponds to Level C1 of the CEFR and certifies language proficiency at a level comparable to that of native speakers.

CELI 5 – C2
CELI 5 corresponds to Level C2 of the CEFR and certifies language proficiency at a level comparable to that of native speakers.

CELI Impatto – A1

Exam Structure:
Reading Comprehension: 25%
Writing: 25%
Speaking: 50%

Duration:
Reading and Writing: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Oral Exam: 5–6 minutes

CELI 1 – A2

Exam Structure:
Reading Comprehension: 25%
Written Expression: 15%
Listening Comprehension: 30%
Oral Expression: 15%

Duration:
Written exam: 2 hours
Listening comprehension: 20 minutes
Oral exam: 10 minutes

CELI 2 – B1

Exam Structure:
Reading Comprehension: 25%
Written Production: 25%
Listening Comprehension: 25%
Oral Production: 25%

Duration:
Written exam: 2 hours
Listening comprehension: 20 minutes
Oral exam: 15 minutes

CELI 3 – B2

Exam Structure:
Reading Comprehension: 20%
Written Production: 20%
Language Proficiency: 10%
Listening Comprehension: 20%
Oral Production: 30%

Duration:
Written exam: 2 hours and 15 minutes
Language proficiency and listening comprehension: 1 hour and 10 minutes
Oral exam: 15 minutes

CELI 4 – C1

Exam Structure:
Reading Comprehension: 20%
Written Production: 30%
Language Proficiency: 10%
Listening Comprehension: 15%
Oral Production: 25%

Duration:
Written exam: 2 hours and 45 minutes
Language proficiency and listening comprehension: 1 hour and 40 minutes
Oral exam: 20 minutes

CELI 5 – C2

Exam Structure:
Reading Comprehension: 20%
Written Production: 30%
Language Proficiency: 10%
Listening Comprehension: 15%
Oral Production: 25%

Duration:
The exam lasts a total of nearly five hours:
Written exam: 2 hours and 45 minutes
Language proficiency and listening comprehension: 1 hour and 40 minutes
Oral exam: 20 minutes

CELI Ordinario: Standard CELI exam for individuals aged 16 and older, at levels A1–C2.

CELI Adolescenti: For adolescents ages 12 to under 18, at proficiency levels A2, B1, and B2.

CELI Immigranti: For immigration-related purposes, at levels A1–B1.

The CELI exam is not offered to children under 12 years of age

The number of exam slots is limited. Please register early using theregistration formor directly at our office.
Please refer to the“Exam Dates & Registration Deadlines” table for the respective registration deadlines.

Unfortunately, registrations received after this datecannot be considered.

The examination fee must be paid by the end of the registration period.

Withdrawals made before the deadlines expire will be subject to a processing fee of CHF 30.–.
Withdrawals made after the deadline will result in thefullexam feebeing charged.
Withdrawals must be made exclusively by email.

In principle, this is only possible after the registration deadline has expired in the case ofmedically certified illness. The examination fee can be transferred to a later date, but amedical certificate isrequired for this. Processing fees will be charged, andcosts cannot be refunded.

To take the CELI exam, you must meet specific registration deadlines. It can take up to three months to grade the exams and up to four months to mail the certificate.

Processing Times and Results:
Standard Results: within 140 days
Results for Residence Permits or Citizenship: approx. 90 days
Official Certificate: approx. four months after the results are published
Provisional Certificate: available for immediate download

The provisional certificate is equivalent to a self-declaration. It can be used for applications for a residence permit or citizenship. However, its acceptance depends on the competent authority. In some cases, the original paper certificate with a unique QR code is required.

A CELI exam is considered passed only if the minimum score is achieved in both the written and oral sections. If one of the two sections is not passed, the result of the passed section remains valid for one year.

For CELI Impatto and CELI 1, there are two possible outcomes:
Passed
Failed

For all other levels, there are five rating levels:

Positive ratings:
A – Excellent
B – Good
C – Satisfactory

Negative ratings:
D – Insufficient
E – Highly insufficient

The CELI certificate is internationally recognized and accepted by educational institutions, employers, and government agencies. It serves as proof of Italian language proficiency for professional purposes, academic studies, or residence in Italy.

CELI 1 may be relevant for obtaining a residence permit. CELI 2 is required for admission to a university in Italy. CELI 3 is recognized by the Italian Ministry of Education, Universities, and Research (MIUR) as proof of Italian language proficiency and is valid for enrollment at an Italian university.

CELI 4 and CELI 5 certify language proficiency at a level comparable to that of native speakers.

CELI certificates are valid indefinitely and do not expire.

The CELI certificate is recognized for naturalization in Switzerland.

SPACE

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Basel exam rooms
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CELI at ILS ILS-Basel

The ILS-Basel is an accredited testing center for the CELI exams and offers test dates for all proficiency levels from A1 to C2, as well as specialized versions such as CELI Adolescenti (A2–B2) and CELI Immigranti (A1–B1). Here, you have the opportunity to officially certify your Italian language skills according to international standards and earn a certificate recognized by employers, educational institutions, and government agencies in Italy, Switzerland, and around the world.

The CELI exams are based on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) and assess proficiency in listening, reading, writing, and speaking. Whether you need Italian for work, for your studies, or for residency or naturalization purposes, the CELI certificate is valuable proof of your language skills.

The ILS-Basel not only assists you with Registration the CELI exam, but also supports you throughout the entire examination process. If you wish, you can attend special CELI exam preparation courses, which will prepare you specifically for the requirements of the respective level. The experienced teachers at ILS-Basel to offer you advice and assistance.

You can find all the important information about the current CELI exam dates, exam content, and registration procedures directly at ILS-Basel. Passing a CELI exam at ILS-Basel opens up new opportunities for you—whether for your professional career, your studies, or your personal development in Basel and beyond.

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CELI at a Glance

  • Accredited
    CELI Test Center

  • Levels A1 through C2

  • CELI for Adolescents (A2–B2)
  • CELI for Immigrants (A1–B1)

  • Exams and preparation for the "
    " are available at the ILS-Basel

  • Internationally Recognized Certificate

CILS or CELI

Both CELI and CILS are internationally recognized certificates for Italian as a foreign language. Both assess the four core language skills: listening, reading, writing, and speaking.

CELI

University for Foreigners of Perugia

  • Levels A1 through C2
  • Internationally recognized
  • Accepted for naturalization in Switzerland
  • Various groups, e.g., adolescents, immigrants

  • Private tutoring at the ILS-Basel

CILS

University for Foreigners of Siena

  • Levels A1 through C2
  • Internationally recognized
  • Depending on the intended use
  • Different Types of Exams

  • Private Tutoring & Crash Courses at the ILS-Basel

The main difference lies in their origin: CELI is issued by the University for Foreigners of Perugia, while CILS is issued by the University for Foreigners of Siena. Although both exams are based on the same proficiency levels of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (A1–C2), they differ in terms of exam formats, preparation options, and test centers.

For exam takers, this means that depending on your location, the preparation available to you, and your personal goals, one certificate may be more practical than the other. Both options allow you to retake failed sections individually, giving you the flexibility to demonstrate your knowledge.