Through an agreement with the Università per Stranieri di Perugia, Casa Italiana Language School offers the opportunity of obtaining a certificate for “Italian as a Foreign Language”. The examination takes place at our school. The Registration Form is available for download.

What is the CELI certification?

The CELI certification (certificazione di conoscenza della lingua italiana) is the “evaluation and certification of the Italian language proficiency” offered by the Università per Stranieri di Perugia, a very prestigious international Italian university.

What are the advantages of having a CELI certificate?

A CELI certificate is an academic recognition of one's proficiency in the Italian language. It may be used for personal or job advantage, or for further study of Italian.

Who are these certifications designed for?

The CELI exams are designed for non-italians, Italians abroad and foreigners living in Italy. It is not required to have secondary school qualifications or to have passed a lower level CELI exam. The CELI exams are not linked to particular teaching methods or to any language courses.

What types of CELI certificates are possible?

CELI 1, CELI 2, CELI 3, CELI 4, CELI 5
The Italian Ministry of Education recognizes CELI 3 as being valid for registering in an Italian University.
You can download a pdf file with further details on the CELI levels.

When are the CELI exams offered?

CELI 1-5 exams are offered in June and in November. CELI 1-3 are also offered in March. Registration and payment must be formalized 40 days prior to the test. For specific days and dates, contact Casa Italiana Language School by phone at 202-638-1348 or e-mail

Why do I want the CELI certification?

CELI is a legally recognized Certification

• To enroll in Italian Universities without having to pass the Proficiency Language Exam (CELI 3 exam).
• To teach Italian in primary and secondary schools in Italy (CELI 5).
• To be included in the European Language Portfolio. The European Language Portfolio was developed and piloted by the Language Policy Division of the Council of Europe, Strasburg, from 1998 until 2000. It was launched on a pan-European level during the European Year of Languages as a tool to support multilingual and multicultural development.
• To add on a C.V. for job search as a legally recognized Certification of knowledge of the Italian language.
• To be internationally recognized by international institutions.
• To be easily comparable with other International Language Certification, according to the ALTE Framework.

The fee for the exam is $270. A written confirmation from our office will inform you about the time of your exam. The results of the exam is assessed directly by the University for Foreigner of Perugia, the score of “pass” or “fail“ will be communicated. In the event the exam will be partly failed, you will be able to retake the part you failed in any Officially Recognized CELI Exam Center, by paying an extra fee for that portion of the exam only.
The Registration Form is available for download.