Learning Italian opens doors to a world of culture, art, and international opportunities. Whether pursuing higher education in Italy, seeking employment, or simply exploring your passion for the language, proficiency tests can validate your skills and pave the way for new possibilities. Here’s a detailed look at five popular Italian proficiency tests in 2025.
1. CILS (Certificazione di Italiano come Lingua Straniera)
The CILS certification, issued by the University for Foreigners of Siena, is one of the most recognized Italian proficiency tests. It is designed for non-native speakers and assesses the ability to use Italian in various real-world contexts.
- Levels: The CILS test follows the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) with six levels: A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, and C2.
- Who Should Take It: Ideal for students applying to Italian universities (B2 is usually the minimum required level) and professionals looking to work in Italy.
- Exam Format: The test evaluates listening, reading, writing, and speaking skills, along with a specific section on grammar.
- Advantages: Offers a specific module for immigrants aiming to meet legal requirements for residency in Italy.
Read also: Why Students Choose ReSOLT To Learn Italian Language?
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2. CELI (Certificato di Conoscenza della Lingua Italiana)
Offered by the University for Foreigners of Perugia, CELI is another widely accepted Italian proficiency test, suitable for academic, professional, and personal purposes.
- Levels: CELI is structured across six levels aligned with the CEFR (A1 to C2).
- Who Should Take It: Ideal for anyone aiming to prove their Italian proficiency for work, study, or immigration purposes.
- Exam Format: It covers listening, reading, writing, and speaking. The exam places significant emphasis on practical communication.
- Advantages: CELI Impatto (A1 level) is specifically tailored for beginners and is recognized for basic certification needs.
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3. PLIDA (Progetto Lingua Italiana Dante Alighieri)
Administered by the Società Dante Alighieri, the PLIDA certification is an internationally recognized test endorsed by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
- Levels: PLIDA tests are available at six levels, from A1 to C2, corresponding to the CEFR.
- Who Should Take It: Designed for students, workers, and immigrants, PLIDA is particularly suitable for those applying for Italian citizenship.
- Exam Format: The test evaluates listening, reading, writing, and speaking skills, and is known for its straightforward structure.
- Advantages: Test-takers can attempt each section separately, providing flexibility to focus on weaker areas.
4. AIL (Accademia Italiana di Lingua) Exams
The AIL offers a series of proficiency tests such as the DELI (beginner level) and DILI (intermediate level), among others, which are tailored for different learning stages and objectives.
- Levels: AIL exams cover beginner to advanced levels (A1 to C2).
- Who Should Take It: Perfect for individuals seeking certifications focused on business and professional Italian.
- Exam Format: The tests include reading, writing, listening, and speaking, often featuring scenarios relevant to professional environments.
- Advantages: AIL exams emphasize practical and business-related Italian, making them ideal for corporate professionals.
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5. IT (Italiano Certificato)
Developed by the University of Roma Tre, the IT certification focuses on academic and professional Italian language proficiency.
- Levels: The IT exam aligns with the CEFR levels (A1 to C2).
- Who Should Take It: Aimed at students and professionals who need Italian for academic or workplace settings.
- Exam Format: Covers the four key skills—listening, reading, writing, and speaking—with an emphasis on formal language use.
- Advantages: Recognized for its academic focus and suitability for higher education requirements in Italy.
How to Choose the Right Test?
Selecting the right proficiency test depends on your goals. Here are some factors to consider:
- Purpose: Are you aiming for university admission, citizenship, or professional validation?
- Level: Assess your current Italian proficiency to determine the most suitable test level.
- Flexibility: Some tests, like PLIDA, allow retakes for individual sections, which can be beneficial.
Tips for Success
- Practice Regularly: Dedicate time to all four language skills: reading, writing, listening, and speaking.
- Use Authentic Materials: Incorporate Italian newspapers, podcasts, and videos into your study routine.
- Enroll in Courses: Consider enrolling in preparatory courses tailored to the specific test.
- Take Mock Tests: Familiarize yourself with the test format and timing by taking practice exams.
Read also: How to Learn Italian in 30 Days
Conclusion
There certification tests you can choose as per your requirements and by choosing the right Italian proficiency test and preparing strategically, you can achieve your language goals in 2025 and beyond. So choose the best Italian institute in Mumbai to start preparation today.