CILS and CELI score rules explained

CILS and CELI both describe Italian-language proficiency, and each score report follows its own reading rules. The CILS and CELI exam overview introduces the certifications; this page separates the result rules. Start by identifying the issuing institution, the level and the exact sections shown on your certificate.

Read a CILS result skill by skill

The official CILS evaluation page reports a maximum total of 60 at A1 and A2, and 100 at B1, B2, C1 and C2. Each skill receives an autonomous result and the required threshold must be reached in every skill. Every skill threshold therefore keeps its own role alongside the overall sum.

The same CILS evaluation rules explain capitalization: the statement records passed and failed skills, and failed skills at the same level can be retaken within 18 months. That period governs partial-result capitalization. The official CILS FAQ gives a completed CILS certificate unlimited validity, so keep the capitalization statement and the completed certificate as separate records.

Read CELI written and oral results under CELI rules

The general CELI page covers 6 CEFR levels from A1–C2. Under the CELI examination regulations, the required minimum must be reached in both written and oral parts. At B1–C2, the final result is converted to 5 grades: A, B and C pass, while D and E fail. At A1 and A2, the result uses positive or negative status in place of a letter grade.

The CELI regulations also allow a passed written or oral part to be capitalized for 1 year when the other part is failed. That period applies to the partial written or oral result. The official CELI page gives completed CELI certificates unlimited validity, so preserve the partial-result deadline and completed certificate status separately.

Use the report to choose a precise language task

A result below the required standard still needs diagnosis. For receptive work, distinguish vocabulary from discourse structure, inference or listening attention. For writing, identify whether the task, organization or language control was the first weakness. For speaking, separate development of ideas from interaction, fluency and accuracy. Practise the specific decision on new material instead of repeating a memorized response.

ExamLuma can help you keep that work consistent. Select CILS/CELI as your target exam, follow the countdown, set a daily study-time goal and use the focus timer for a named language task. Enter practice results to monitor the general trend and use weekly statistics when planning the next skill block.