Learning Italian and want an official certificate? Three institutions offer internationally recognized exams at level A1: CILS, CELI, and PLIDA. Each follows the CEFR standards and proves your ability to use Italian in everyday situations.
Official Italian certifications
Italy has three major certification systems for Italian as a foreign language:
- CILS – organized by the Università per Stranieri di Siena
- CELI – organized by the Università per Stranieri di Perugia
- PLIDA – organized by the Società Dante Alighieri in collaboration with the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs
All three are aligned with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) and offer exams from level A1 to C2.
CILS A1 – Università per Stranieri di Siena
The CILS (Certificazione di Italiano come Lingua Straniera) is one of the oldest and most widely accepted Italian certificates. The A1 level confirms you can understand and use familiar expressions, introduce yourself, and interact in basic daily contexts.
- Institution: Università per Stranieri di Siena
- CILS website
Exam format: Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking. Each skill is graded separately. Passing requires a minimum of 11/20 in each part.
CELI A1 – Università per Stranieri di Perugia
The CELI (Certificato di Conoscenza della Lingua Italiana) is issued by the Università per Stranieri di Perugia and officially recognized by the Italian Ministry of Education. The CELI A1 is designed for absolute beginners and focuses on basic vocabulary, listening comprehension, and short written and spoken interactions.
- Institution: Università per Stranieri di Perugia
- CELI official site
Exam format: Four sections: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. A total score of 60% or higher is required to pass.
PLIDA A1 – Società Dante Alighieri
The PLIDA (Progetto Lingua Italiana Dante Alighieri) is an official certificate supported by the Società Dante Alighieri and recognized by the Italian government. The PLIDA A1 exam measures your ability to communicate in simple, familiar contexts such as greetings, travel, and daily routines.
- Institution: Società Dante Alighieri
- PLIDA official website
Exam format: Four parts—Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking—with a total duration of about 90 minutes. A minimum score of 18/30 per skill is required.
Comparison summary
| Certificate | Institution | Validity | Level range | Recognition |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CILS | Università di Siena | Permanent | A1 – C2 | Universities, embassies, employers |
| CELI | Università di Perugia | Permanent | A1 – C2 | Italian Ministry of Education |
| PLIDA | Società Dante Alighieri | Permanent | A1 – C2 | Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs |
Why take an Italian A1 exam?
- Get an official certificate recognized in Italy and abroad.
- Meet visa or study requirements for Italian universities.
- Set a clear goal for your learning progress.
- Access beginner-level job or study opportunities in Italy.
How to prepare
- Review official sample tests from each institution’s website.
- Enroll in online or local Italian courses.
- Focus on essential topics: introductions, daily routines, family, travel, and basic communication.
- Use apps like A1 Polyglot Phrases for daily practice.
Note: Fees, exam schedules, and registration procedures may vary. Always check the official site of the chosen institution before applying.
