The Università per Stranieri di Perugia has established a series of five tests for non-native speakers of Italian. The tests have been designed to fit with the Council of Europe's specifications for language proficiency tests.

Certificato di Conoscenza della Lingua Italiana, Livello 1 (CELI 1)
The CELI 1 corresponds to the Council of Europe's 'Waystage' level. This means candidates ought to be able to use Italian in a limited number of day-to-day activities that have a largely predictable vocabulary. It tests reading, writing, listening and speaking skills. Grades are given as either 'Pass' or 'Fail', and results are available within three months of the day of the test.

Certificato di Conoscenza della Lingua Italiana, Livello 2 (CELI 2)
Candidates of the CELI 2 have expanded on the skills tested in the CELI 1. They ought to be at the 'Threshold' level according to the Council of Europe's specifications. This means candidates can communicate in most everyday situations, though complex language forms or constructing arguments can cause difficulties. Candidates who pass receive either an 'A', 'B' or 'C', which will be available within three months of the day of the test.

Certificato di Conoscenza della Lingua Italiana, Livello 3 (CELI 3)
In this third test, candidates ought to have an extended knowledge of grammar and vocabulary. The candidate should be in the initial stages of understanding more complex language forms and degrees of politeness in the language. The CELI 3 corresponds to the Council of Europe's 'Independent' level speaker. The test covers reading, writing, listening, speaking, and knowledge of grammar and vocabulary (structural competence). Those who pass will be given a grade f 'A', 'B' or 'C'. Grades are available within three months of the day of the test.

Certificato di Conoscenza della Lingua Italiana, Livello 4 (CELI 4)
Candidates of the CELI 4 are expected to have an advanced knowledge of Italian. Holding this certificate may serve as proof of ability to work or study in the Italian language. Candidates at this level ought to be able to communicate in social settings and discuss topics of interest to them, forming arguments and defending their views. The test covers reading, writing, listening, speaking, and knowledge of grammar and vocabulary (structural competence). Those who pass will be given a grade of 'A', 'B' or 'C'. Grades are available within three months of the day of the test.

Certificato di Conoscenza della Lingua Italiana, Livello 5 (CELI 5)
Candidates attempting the CELI 5 ought to have a grasp of Italian approaching that of a native speaker. Confusion is rare and is usually caused by jokes or obscure cultural allusions. The test covers reading, writing, listening, speaking, and knowledge of grammar and vocabulary (structural competence). Those who pass will be given a grade of 'A', 'B' or 'C'. Grades are available within three months of the day of the test.

When and Where?
Test dates are usually set for June and November. The examinations may be taken at Italian Cultural Institutes, or centers recognized by either the Institutes or by the Università per Stranieri, Perugia.

Further Information
Università per Stranieri
Piazza Fortebracchio, 4
Palazzo Gallenga
06123 Perugia
Italy
Phone. +39-075-574-6218
Fax. +39-075-574-6218
E-mail. certific@unistrapg.it
Website. www.unistrapg.it/homepage.htm