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Are you learning Italian and wondering whether you really need an official certificate of your level? For many learners the answer is yes. In this guide I explain which Italian language certifications are officially recognised, who issues them, what they are for and how to choose the right one for your goal.
Why get an Italian language certification
An official certification is objective proof of your level, recognised worldwide and with no expiry date. You may need one for:
- Italian citizenship: applications by marriage or residence require at least a B1 certificate from a recognised body;
- university: many Italian universities ask international students for B1 or B2;
- work: on a CV, a certificate is worth more than a vague “good knowledge of Italian”;
- motivation: an exam gives your studies a deadline and a concrete goal.
All certifications follow the six levels of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), from A1 (beginner) to C2 (proficiency).
The official certifications: the CLIQ system
In Italy the official certifying bodies belong to the CLIQ association (Certificazione Lingua Italiana di Qualità). There are four of them:
- CILS – University for Foreigners of Siena;
- CELI – University for Foreigners of Perugia;
- PLIDA – Società Dante Alighieri;
- CERT.IT – Roma Tre University.
The first three are the most widespread outside Italy and the ones you will come across most often.
CILS: Certificazione di Italiano come Lingua Straniera
CILS is issued by the University for Foreigners of Siena. Its levels are called A1, A2, UNO (B1), DUE (B2), TRE (C1) and QUATTRO (C2). It is well known in academic settings and can be taken at exam centres in Italy and around the world.
Official website: cils.unistrasi.it
CELI: Certificato di Conoscenza della Lingua Italiana
CELI is issued by the University for Foreigners of Perugia through its assessment centre, CVCL. Levels range from CELI Impatto (A1) and CELI 1 (A2) up to CELI 5 (C2). CELI also has a long tradition and strong international recognition.
Official website: cvcl.unistrapg.it
PLIDA: Progetto Lingua Italiana Dante Alighieri
PLIDA is issued by the Società Dante Alighieri, the institution that has promoted the Italian language and culture worldwide since 1889. It covers all levels from A1 to C2. Thanks to its network of Dante Alighieri committees in many countries, it is often the most convenient option if you live outside Italy.
Official website: plida.dante.global
CILS, CELI, PLIDA at a glance
| Certification | Issued by | Levels |
|---|---|---|
| CILS | University for Foreigners of Siena | A1 – C2 (UNO, DUE, TRE, QUATTRO) |
| CELI | University for Foreigners of Perugia | A1 – C2 (Impatto, CELI 1-5) |
| PLIDA | Società Dante Alighieri | A1 – C2 |
All three test the four skills (listening, reading, writing, speaking) and are accepted for Italian citizenship applications.
Which one should you choose?
There is no single “best” certification. Ask yourself three questions:
- What do I need it for? Always check what the institution receiving your certificate asks for (university, employer, citizenship office).
- Where can I take it? Look for the exam centre nearest to you: location often decides more than anything else.
- When? Each body has its own exam sessions: choose one that gives you enough time to prepare.
In the next articles I will publish an in-depth guide to each certification, with the exam structure and preparation tips.
Living in Switzerland?
If you need proof of Italian for a residence permit or naturalisation in Switzerland, the reference is the fide system, which works differently from CILS, CELI and PLIDA. The next article is dedicated to it.
How I can help
- Find out where you stand with the free Italian level test (A1-C2).
- Prepare for your exam with private online lessons tailored to your level and certification: the first trial lesson is free.
- Soon you will also be able to follow my A1-C2 Italian video courses, designed as preparation for CILS, CELI and PLIDA.
Do you already have an exam in mind? Tell me in the comments.
📚 Further reading
If you are preparing for an official exam, a manual with mock tests helps you know the format before exam day:
- Percorso CILS Uno–B1 (Simone Scafi, Ornimi Editions) – preparation manual for the CILS B1 exam.
- Il CELI 2 (B1) dell’Università per Stranieri di Perugia (Luisa Aglini, Loescher) – book with materials and exercises for the CELI 2 exam.
- Quaderni del PLIDA B1 (Società Dante Alighieri, Alma Edizioni) – exercises and practice tests for the PLIDA B1 exam.
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🎁 Free download: CILS, CELI, PLIDA Comparison Guide
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