Learn Italian
Levels, exam sessions, study tips and where to prepare with an ASILS school.
If you are learning Italian seriously, sooner or later you may ask yourself an important question: Should I take an official Italian certification?
The answer is often yes. An Italian language certification can help you prove your level for study, work, university applications, citizenship procedures or simply for your own personal goals.
It also gives structure to your learning: instead of studying “a bit of everything”, you prepare with a clear target in mind.
In Italy, the main recognized certifications are CILS, CELI, CERT.IT (issued by Roma Tre University) and PLIDA. They are aligned with the CEFR — the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages — which measures proficiency from beginner to advanced.
What is the CEFR?
The CEFR is the international scale used to describe language ability. If you have ever heard someone say “I am B1 in Italian” or “I need a B2 certificate”, they are referring to this framework.
| CEFR level | Meaning | Typical ability |
|---|---|---|
| A1 | Beginner | You can understand and use very basic everyday expressions. |
| A2 | Elementary | You can handle simple routine situations and short conversations. |
| B1 | Intermediate | You can manage daily life in Italian with reasonable confidence. |
| B2 | Upper intermediate | You can study, discuss and work in many contexts using Italian. |
| C1 | Advanced | You can understand complex texts and express yourself fluently. |
| C2 | Mastery | You can use Italian with a very high level of precision and flexibility. |
In practical terms, B1 is often seen as a solid independent level, while B2 is commonly required for academic or professional goals.
The 4 main Italian certifications
Here is a quick overview of the four best-known certifications for Italian as a foreign language.
| Certification | Issued by | Levels | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|
| CILS | University for Foreigners of Siena | A1–C2 | Very well known internationally; often chosen by students preparing for formal goals. |
| CELI | University for Foreigners of Perugia | A1–C2 | Historic and respected certification with a strong academic reputation. |
| CERT.IT | Roma Tre University | A1–C2 | Officially recognized; often referred to simply as “Roma Tre”. |
| PLIDA | Società Dante Alighieri | A1–C2 | Popular worldwide thanks to the broad network of Dante Alighieri centres. |
Are they all equivalent?
In general, yes: all four certifications are official and recognized. What usually changes is not the value of the certificate, but the exam format, the organisation of the test, the available exam centres and the preparation materials.
For this reason, many students do not choose “the best certification” in the abstract. They choose the certification that is most practical for them: the one available in their city, the one recommended by their school, or the one they can prepare for more effectively.
How often are the exams held?
Exam sessions are usually organised several times a year, but the exact calendar depends on the certification, the level and the authorised exam centre. This is why it is always a good idea to check dates well in advance.
A practical tip: if you already know you need a certificate for a visa, university admission or citizenship procedure, do not wait until the last minute. Build your study plan backwards from the exam date and leave enough time for results, paperwork and possible retakes.
How should you prepare?
The biggest mistake students make is thinking that certification exams are only about grammar. Grammar matters, of course, but exams also test your ability to understand, interact, write and respond appropriately.
A good preparation plan should include:
- regular work on listening, reading, writing and speaking
- practice with timed tasks
- vocabulary building linked to real-life situations
- mock exams to become familiar with the format
- feedback from qualified teachers
In other words, the best preparation is not just “studying more”, but studying in the right way.
Preparing with an ASILS school
Many ASILS member schools offer courses specifically designed to prepare students for Italian certification exams, and some are also authorized exam centers. This means you can prepare with experienced teachers who know both the language and the logic of the exam.
This can make a real difference, especially if:
- you have a deadline
- you are unsure which certification to choose
- you need help understanding your actual level
- you want structured, targeted preparation instead of generic lessons
You can start from the ASILS page dedicated to certifications, then explore member schools and choose the one that best matches your goals.
Useful links
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