Levels

The 5 levels of exams

Common European Framework of Council of Europe		ALTE framework	CELI EXAMS
Elementary level	A1 Elementary	Breakthrough level
	A2 Pre intermediate	Level 1	CELI 1
Intermediate level	B1 Intermediate	Level 2	CELI 2
	B2 Upper intermediate	Level 3	CELI 3
Advanced level	C1 Pre-Advanced	Level 4	CELI 4
	C2 Advanced	Level 5	CELI 5

CELI 1 This exam verifies the understanding of the Italian language at the basic and 'survival' levels within an Italian speaking society. The candidate should possess the necessary skills for communicating in the most common daily situations. The exam consists of four sections: written comprehension test; written skills test; aural comprehension test; oral skills test.

The candidate can understand sentences and frequently used expressions related to areas of most immediate relevance (e.g. very basic personal and family information, shopping, local geography, employment). The candidate can communicate in simple and routine tasks requiring a simple and direct exchange of information on familiar and routine matters. Describing (in simple terms) aspects of his/her background, immediate environment and matters in areas of immediate need is initiated with ease.


CELI 2 This exam verifies the understanding of the Italian language at post-elementary level. The candidate should possess the skills necessary for interacting in social and tourism situations. The exam consists of four sections: written comprehension test; written skills test; aural comprehension test; oral skills test.

The candidate can understand the main points of clear standard input on familiar matters regularly encountered in work, school, leisure, etc. Is able to deal with most situations likely to arise whilst traveling in an area where the language is spoken. Producing simple connected text on topics which are familiar or of personal interest, can describe experiences and events, dreams, hopes & ambitions and briefly give reasons and explanations for opinions and plans.


CELI 3 This exam verifies the understanding of the Italian language at the intermediate level. The candidate should possess the necessary skills for interacting in social situations, which require a more active participation. The exam consists of five sections: written comprehension test; written skills test; language skills test; aural comprehension test; oral skills test.

The candidate can understand the main ideas of complex text on both concrete and abstract topics, including technical discussions in his/her field of specialization. The candidate can interact with a degree of fluency and spontaneity that makes regular interaction with native speakers quite possible without strain for either party. Can produce clear, detailed text on a wide range of subjects and explain a viewpoint on a topical issue giving the advantages and disadvantages of various options.


CELI 4 This exam verifies the understanding of the Italian language at the advanced level. The candidate should possess the skills necessary for interacting in Italian speaking environments, participating and communicating actively for study or work purposes. The exam consists of five sections: written comprehension test; written skills test; language skills test; aural comprehension test; oral skills test.

The candidate can understand a wide range of demanding, longer texts, and recognize implicit meaning, can express him/herself fluently and spontaneously without much obvious searching for expressions. Language flexibly is effectively utilized for social, academic and professional purposes. Clear, well-structured, detailed text on complex subjects, showing controlled use of organizational patterns; connectors and cohesive devices are comprehended with ease.


CELI 5 This exam verifies the understanding of the Italian language at the advanced level. The candidate should possess the skills necessary for interacting in all social and professional contexts. The exam consists of five sections: written comprehension test; written skills test; language skills test; aural comprehension test; oral skills test.

The candidate can understand with ease virtually everything heard or read, can summarize information from different spoken and written sources, reconstructing arguments and accounts in a coherent presentation. Expressing him/herself spontaneously, very fluently and precisely, differentiating finer shades of meaning even in more complex situations is controlled with ease.