If you are learning Italian or want to learn, you need to go through the Italian proficiency test to become a certified Italian speaker. You can not only use the certification for your traveling, you can also get the chance to apply for diverse job sectors or cross-cultural opportunities in Italy or other countries.
The proficiency tests focus on communicative skills in real-life situations and your ability to read and write standard Italian. To demonstrate your proficiency, you need to pass the test and there are a few tests to choose from.
To know about the popular Italian language proficiency tests, check out this guide article.
1. CELI — Certificate of Knowledge of the Italian Language
CELI is administered by the University for Foreigners of Perugia. This test adheres to the Quality System implemented (Q Mark) issued by ALTE (Association of Language Testers in Europe), which means your certificate would be accredited by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Education. For those who want to study in universities or higher studies in Italy, it is a credible proof of your Italian language proficiency and recognized internationally.
There are six sublevels: CELI Impatto (A1), CELI 1 (A2), CELI 3 (B1), CELI 4 (C1), and CELI 5 (C2). As per your knowledge and proficiency, you can sit for the tests and pass them one by one depending on your choice or reason of application. Be it for studying or applying for an immigrant visa.
2. CILS — Certification of Italian as a Foreign Language
Administered by prestigious University Siena, CILS is for foreigners. Since 1993, more than a hundred thousand candidates have passed and gained their credentials as an Italian language proficient. There are 6 levels in the exam- A1 to C2. The certificate is valid internationally and does not expire, so it is a great advantage for earning this test. Those who aspire to work in Italian companies, schools, institutions and other places, it is a notable certification. The exams take place twice a year and has to be given in person at an official testing site.
3. PLIDA — Italian Language Project Dante Alighieri
PLIDA is a legitimate official diploma that is issued by the Società Dante Alighieri under an agreement with the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. According to the level of skill, a candidate can choose the level. This certification is designed in a specific non-native Italians criteria. From A1 to C2, PLIDA has six different levels and it corresponds with a CEFR level. In the exams, the candidates have to answer 4 sections including writing, oral comprehension, speaking and reading comprehension.
In order to improve Italian pronunciation you can practice these Italian Tongue Twisters.
4. AIL — Italian Language Academy
Since 1984, AIL has been recognized as an internationally credible Italian language exam. Designed per CRF, this test was established in Florence. Held twice a year, this proficiency test has six levels. Since 2007, the B1 examination of this test has been acknowledged by the UFFT (Swiss Federal Office for professional education and technology) as the final Italian exam.
5. IT — Italian certification
Offered by the University of Roma Tre, the IT is a certificate of general competence in the Italian language. The exams are as per CEFR. It is not only recognized by the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, it is also administered, implemented and assessed by the ministry as a foreign language.
6. CEDILS — Certification for Italian language to foreigners
CEDILS is a credible Italian language certification of competence recognized as a second language for a foreigner. The University of Venice issues the results and the candidates have to go through 5 hours of examination which includes 4 written examinations and a single oral exam. This test examines the mastery of Italian language and is held twice a year.
While you find many internationally recognized tests, you need to check for the credibility of the proficiency tests before applying for the exams. All the mentioned Italian language proficiency tests in this article are credited so you can apply for them for your personal or professional goals.
