The short answer
In the CILS vs CELI vs PLIDA (and IT) question, all four are legally equal for citizenship — they certify B1 and any one of them satisfies the requirement. For most people, the CILS B1 Cittadinanza wins on practical grounds: it's purpose-built for citizenship, the most widely available, and its Cittadinanza results come back relatively fast. Pick a different exam mainly when a nearby centre offers it sooner, cheaper, or in a format that suits you better.
Below, we compare the four certificates side by side, then explain exactly when one of the alternatives is the smarter choice.
The four accepted certificates
For citizenship by marriage or residency, Italy accepts a B1 certificate from any of these four official providers. (Citizenship by descent doesn't require a language exam at all — see B1 for citizenship by descent.)
- CILS — University for Foreigners of Siena. Its Cittadinanza module is built specifically for citizenship applicants.
- CELI 2 — University for Foreigners of Perugia. Has a dedicated immigrant/citizenship version.
- PLIDA B1 — Società Dante Alighieri, delivered through its global network of centres.
- IT / CERT.IT — Roma Tre University. Often computer-delivered, with fewer centres.
Head-to-head comparison
All four test the same four skills (listening, reading, writing, speaking) at B1. They differ on the practical details that actually affect your experience and your timeline.
| CILS B1 Cittadinanza | CELI 2 | PLIDA B1 | IT / CERT.IT | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Issued by | Univ. for Foreigners of Siena | Univ. for Foreigners of Perugia | Società Dante Alighieri | Roma Tre University |
| Level | B1 (citizenship module) | B1 (citizenship version available) | B1 | B1 |
| Typical format | Paper + face-to-face oral | Paper + face-to-face oral | Paper + face-to-face oral | Often computer-delivered |
| Availability | Widest — many centres worldwide | Good, via Perugia network | Good, via Dante Alighieri centres | More limited — fewer centres |
| Built for citizenship? | Yes — dedicated Cittadinanza module | Yes — dedicated version | Standard B1 accepted | Standard B1 accepted |
| Results speed | Relatively fast (~45 days for Cittadinanza) | Varies by session | Varies by session | Can be quick (computer-marked elements) |
| Cost | ~€100 | ~€100 | ~€100 | Often among the lowest |
| Validity | Indefinite for citizenship | Indefinite for citizenship | Indefinite for citizenship | Indefinite for citizenship |
Fees, formats and timelines vary by centre and country and change over time. Treat the figures above as indicative and confirm with each provider before booking.
Paper vs computer: does it matter?
For most people, not much — but it's worth knowing. CILS, CELI and PLIDA are typically paper-based, with a separate face-to-face oral on the same day. IT/CERT.IT is more often computer-delivered. If you type faster than you handwrite, or you're more comfortable on screen, a computer-based sitting can feel easier. If you'd rather annotate a reading passage with a pen and not worry about an unfamiliar testing interface, paper wins. Delivery can vary by centre, so confirm before you commit.
Why CILS B1 Cittadinanza is the default recommendation
We point most applicants to the CILS B1 Cittadinanza for three concrete reasons:
- It's designed for this purpose. The Cittadinanza module focuses on the everyday and administrative Italian a citizenship applicant actually needs, rather than academic language.
- You can find a seat. It's hosted by Italian Cultural Institutes, Dante Alighieri branches and partner universities around the world, so booking is realistic wherever you are.
- Results are relatively quick. Cittadinanza results typically land in the region of 45 days — helpful when you're working to an application deadline.
It's also the format our prep is built around, so your practice maps exactly to the test. If you've settled on CILS, see how to register for the CILS B1 and what's on the exam.
When another exam fits better
The "best" exam is the one you can actually sit, on time, near you. Choose an alternative to CILS when:
- A nearby centre offers it sooner. If your local Dante Alighieri branch runs PLIDA next month but the closest CILS session is far off, PLIDA may get you to your deadline faster.
- You prefer (or only have access to) a computer-based test. That points toward IT/CERT.IT.
- Cost is the deciding factor. IT/CERT.IT is often among the cheapest — worth checking if budget is tight.
- CELI's citizenship version suits you. Its oral leans into civic and social life in Italy, which some residency applicants find natural.
Bottom line: there's no wrong choice among the four — each clears the legal bar. Decide on practical grounds (availability, format, cost, timing), and don't delay your booking while you deliberate. Whichever you pick, prepare in that exam's real format. For dates and planning, see CILS B1 exam dates.
Frequently asked questions
Is CILS, CELI, PLIDA or IT best for citizenship?
All four are legally accepted at B1, so none is officially "better." For most applicants the CILS B1 Cittadinanza is the easiest practical choice — purpose-built for citizenship, widely available, and relatively fast on results. Choose another mainly when a nearby centre offers it sooner or more conveniently.
Are all four equally valid for citizenship?
Yes. CILS (Siena), CELI 2 (Perugia), PLIDA B1 (Dante Alighieri) and IT/CERT.IT (Roma Tre) are all accepted for citizenship by marriage or residency. They certify the same level and differ only in format, availability, cost and results speed.
Which one is on computer instead of paper?
IT/CERT.IT from Roma Tre is often computer-delivered, while CILS, CELI and PLIDA are typically paper-based with a face-to-face oral. Delivery can vary by centre, so confirm before booking.
Do they all have the same pass mark?
Each provider sets its own scoring, but the principle is the same: reach B1 across all four skills in one sitting. For the CILS B1 Cittadinanza specifically, you need at least 7/12 in every section and 28/48 overall — see CILS B1 scoring and pass mark.
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