Which Italian Proficiency Test to Take?

Do you speak the Italian language? Find out the exact level when you take Italian proficiency tests such as CILS, CELI, PLIDA, IT, AIL, CEDIL, and more.

What is the Italian Proficiency Test?

The Italian proficiency test is a standardized test for non-Italian speakers to certify their Italian language knowledge.

The exams are designed to assess a candidate’s communicative skills in a real-life situation and ascertain whether you have the language abilities necessary to succeed.

Advantages and Importance

If you’re learning Italian, you can demonstrate your knowledge by passing an Italian proficiency test, namely CILS, CELI, CIC, PLIDA, or IT.

These proficiency examinations are well-known throughout the world.

The associated certificates and diplomas are accepted as a qualification by employers and open doors to a wide range of jobs involving Italian around the globe.

It supports career advancement involving languages.

These certifications give job seekers and employees a competitive advantage. Thus, It is a great asset to include on your resume.

These certificates are valid proof of knowledge of Italian to study at a University in Italy. These are also compulsory for any international student applying to any university in Italy.

Suppose you aim to obtain a resident visa or permanent resident from the Italian Government. In that case, you have to take one of these tests.

Plus, It will also boost your confidence and of course, confirmation of your Italian competency level.

Types of Italian Proficiency Tests

There are six main certifications or diplomas for the Italian language proficiency test.

While all the tests are internationally recognized, the certificate or diploma choice depends on your personal or professional goals.

You must pick the most appropriate one according to your needs and better in terms of available testing centers in India, exam dates, and fees.

1. CELI — Certificate of Knowledge of the Italian Language

The University for Foreigners of Perugia (Università per Stranieri di Perugia) administers CELI (Certificato di Conoscenza Della Lingua Italiana).

It is accredited by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Education, Universities, and Research (MIUR).

The CELI certificates adhere to the Quality System implemented (Q Mark) issued by ALTE (Association of Language Testers in Europe), obtained due to the passing of appropriate audit procedures.

It is also internationally recognized and accepted as proof of Italian language proficiency by Chambers of commerce, companies, and private and public educational institutions worldwide.

The Celis are adapted to the levels of the CEFR, so they are divided into six sublevels: CELI Impatto (A1), CELI 1 (A2), CELI 3 (B1), CELI 4 (C1), and CELI 5 (C2).

The MIUR recognizes the CELI 3 as a valid Italian knowledge certificate to study at University in Italy. The CELI 4 and the CELI 5 confirm an equal understanding of the Italian language to students.

There are also CELI Immigrati (for immigration to Italy and to facilitate integration in Italy), CELI Adolescenti (adolescents for Children between the age of 13 and 17), and DILS-PG (Certification in Teaching Italian as a Foreign Language).

The DILS-PG certification is a handy tool for those who want to enter the world of teaching Italian to foreigners and is divided into two levels (DILS-PG Basic Level I and DILS-PG Level II).

CIC is another Italian proficiency test for foreigners engaged in business activities. It is helpful if you are preparing for a business career.

There are two CIC exams.

• CIC I (Certificato di Italiano Commerciale – Livello Intermedio) equivalent to B1.
• CIC A (Certificato di Italiano Commerciale – Livello Avanzato) is equal to C1, which tests Italian language ability used in the context of business.

2. CILS — Certification of Italian as a Foreign Language

Supported by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the prestigious University Siena (Università per Stranieri di Siena) administers CILS (Certificazione di Italiano Come Lingua Straniera) for Foreigners.

The exam comprises six A1 to C2 levels that mirror the CEFRL.

Since the inception of this exam in 1993, more than one hundred thousand candidates have earned their credentials.

The certificate is legally recognized as an official certification of Italian competence.

It is valid worldwide and does not expire (Like other Italian certificates).

The CILS exam is held twice per year, in June and December, and it must be taken in person at an official testing site.

The DITALS (Teaching Italian as a Foreign Language) is another essential certification offered by the DITALS Center of the University for Foreigners of Siena.

The exam aims to assess the training and the degree of preparation (theoretical and practical).

It is for those who aspire to work as teachers of Italian as a foreign language.

There are two levels: DITALS I and DITALS II.

3. PLIDA — Italian Language Project Dante Alighieri

The PLIDA (Progetto Lingua Italiana Dante Alighieri) is an official diploma issued by the Società Dante Alighieri under an agreement with the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Certification is designed for people whose mother tongue is not Italian.

All candidates can choose the level they consider closest to their skill level.

Each of the six PLIDA diplomas corresponds with a CEFR level from A1 to C2.

Like CELI and CILS, the PLIDA Italian proficiency test comprises four sections: oral comprehension, writing, reading comprehension, and speaking.

4. IT — Italian certification

The IT (Certificazione Italiano) is a certificate of general competence in the Italian language offered by the University of Roma Tre (Università Degli Studi Roma Tre).

The Ministries of Foreign Affairs recognizes, administrates, implements, and assesses Italian certification tests as a foreign language.

The exams are as per CEFR.

5. AIL — Italian Language Academy

Established in 1984 in Florence, the Italian Academy of Languages (The Accademia Italiana di Lingua) is an internationally recognized Italian exam designed per CRF.

Since 2007, the AIL DILC – B1 Examination has been recognized by the UFFT (Swiss Federal Office for professional education and technology) as the final Italian exam.

6. CEDILS — Certification in Didactics of the Italian language to foreigners

CEDILS ( la Certificazione Della Competenza in Didattica Dell’italiano Come Lingua Straniera) is a certification of competence in teaching Italian as a foreign or second language.

The ITALS Laboratory – at the University of Venice issues it.

The CEDILS exam includes five tests (4 written examinations and one oral exam ) for 5 hours.

Exam Centers, Dates, and Fees in India

The best way to learn Italiano is to join one of the Italian courses.

You can find plenty of choices to learn Italian in Delhi and other parts of India and the world.

Since these International exams are not very popular in India, the number of candidates taking these exams is very few.

Some tests are conducted a few times a year at the Italian cultural institutes and other affiliated institutions in India.

Suppose you are interested in these exams in India and want to know more about fees and upcoming dates. In that case, you can contact the Italian embassy culture center in New Delhi or Mumbai for more details.

Address: ICC, 50-E, Chandragupta Marg – Chanakyapuri – New Delhi.
Contact: 011 – 26871901/03.
Email: iicnewdelhi@esteri.it
Website: LINK

Address: ICC, Kanchanjunga Building, 72, Dr. G.Deshmukh Marg, Mumbai.
Contact: 022 – 23804071.
Email: iicmumbai@esteri.it
Website: LINK