{"id":14273,"date":"2026-03-12T12:44:50","date_gmt":"2026-03-12T11:44:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.asils.it\/?p=14273"},"modified":"2026-03-12T12:52:26","modified_gmt":"2026-03-12T11:52:26","slug":"italian-certifications-cils-celi-cert-it-roma-tre-plida-a-quick-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.asils.it\/en\/italian-certifications-cils-celi-cert-it-roma-tre-plida-a-quick-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"Italian Certifications (CILS, CELI, CERT.IT \/ Roma Tre, PLIDA): a Quick Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Learn Italian<\/p>\n

Levels, exam sessions, study tips and where to prepare with an ASILS school.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

If you are learning Italian seriously, sooner or later you may ask yourself an important question: Should I take an official Italian certification?<\/strong><\/p>\n

The answer is often yes. An Italian language certification can help you prove your level for study, work, university applications, citizenship procedures<\/strong> or simply for your own personal goals.<\/p>\n

It also gives structure to your learning: instead of studying \u201ca bit of everything\u201d, you prepare with a clear target in mind.<\/p>\n

In Italy, the main recognized certifications are CILS<\/strong>, CELI<\/strong>, CERT.IT<\/strong> (issued by Roma Tre University) and PLIDA<\/strong>. They are aligned with the CEFR<\/strong> \u2014 the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages \u2014 which measures proficiency from beginner to advanced.<\/p>\n

What is the CEFR?<\/h2>\n

The CEFR is the international scale used to describe language ability. If you have ever heard someone say \u201cI am B1 in Italian\u201d or \u201cI need a B2 certificate\u201d, they are referring to this framework.<\/p>\n

\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
CEFR level<\/th>\nMeaning<\/th>\nTypical ability<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
A1<\/strong><\/td>\nBeginner<\/td>\nYou can understand and use very basic everyday expressions.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
A2<\/strong><\/td>\nElementary<\/td>\nYou can handle simple routine situations and short conversations.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
B1<\/strong><\/td>\nIntermediate<\/td>\nYou can manage daily life in Italian with reasonable confidence.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
B2<\/strong><\/td>\nUpper intermediate<\/td>\nYou can study, discuss and work in many contexts using Italian.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
C1<\/strong><\/td>\nAdvanced<\/td>\nYou can understand complex texts and express yourself fluently.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
C2<\/strong><\/td>\nMastery<\/td>\nYou can use Italian with a very high level of precision and flexibility.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n

In practical terms, B1<\/strong> is often seen as a solid independent level, while B2<\/strong> is commonly required for academic or professional goals.<\/p>\n

The 4 main Italian certifications<\/h2>\n

Here is a quick overview of the four best-known certifications for Italian as a foreign language.<\/p>\n

\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Certification<\/th>\nIssued by<\/th>\nLevels<\/th>\nGood to know<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
CILS<\/strong><\/td>\nUniversity for Foreigners of Siena<\/td>\nA1\u2013C2<\/td>\nVery well known internationally; often chosen by students preparing for formal goals.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
CELI<\/strong><\/td>\nUniversity for Foreigners of Perugia<\/td>\nA1\u2013C2<\/td>\nHistoric and respected certification with a strong academic reputation.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
CERT.IT<\/strong><\/td>\nRoma Tre University<\/td>\nA1\u2013C2<\/td>\nOfficially recognized; often referred to simply as \u201cRoma Tre\u201d.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
PLIDA<\/strong><\/td>\nSociet\u00e0 Dante Alighieri<\/td>\nA1\u2013C2<\/td>\nPopular worldwide thanks to the broad network of Dante Alighieri centres.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n

Are they all equivalent?<\/h2>\n

In general, yes: all four certifications are official and recognized. What usually changes is not the value of the certificate, but the exam format<\/strong>, the organisation of the test<\/strong>, the available exam centres<\/strong> and the preparation materials<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

For this reason, many students do not choose \u201cthe best certification\u201d in the abstract. They choose the certification that is most practical for them<\/strong>: the one available in their city, the one recommended by their school, or the one they can prepare for more effectively.<\/p>\n

How often are the exams held?<\/h2>\n

Exam sessions are usually organised several times a year<\/strong>, 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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

How should you prepare?<\/h2>\n

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<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

A good preparation plan should include:<\/p>\n