What is PLIDA?
The PLIDA Certificate (Progetto Lingua Italiana Dante Alighieri) is an officially recognized Italian language proficiency exam. It is endorsed by the Italian Ministry of the Interior, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Labor and Social Policy, and the Ministry of Education, University and Research. Società Dante Alighieri issues the certificate under the supervision of the University of La Sapienza in Rome.
PLIDA is a certification of Italian language skills designed to prove one’s ability to use Italian in everyday situations. It offers six levels, ranging from A1 (the most basic level, suitable for those who can use Italian in simple everyday situations) to C2 (the highest level, equivalent to the language proficiency of a native speaker educated in Italian).
These six levels are based on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), established by the Council of Europe, which provides a standardized system for measuring and comparing language proficiency across Europe.
Sample PLIDA certificate
CLIQ(Certificazione Lingua Italiana di Qualità)
The CLIQ (Italian Language Certification for Foreigners) is a certification system recognized by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. It offers mutual recognition of certification from four major Italian language testing organizations:
- PLIDA (issued by Società Dante Alighieri, available through our institution)
- CILS (issued by the University for Foreigners of Siena)
- CELI (issued by the University for Foreigners of Perugia)
- Certificazione di Italiano (issued by the University of Roma Tre)
Achieving a B2 level in any of these certifications allows candidates to be exempted from the Italian language test required for university admission in Italy. Additionally, these certifications are valid for life and do not expire.
Structure of PLIDA
PLIDA consists of four components
(1) Listening (ASCOLTARE)
(2) Reading (LEGGERE)
(3) Writing (SCRIVERE)
(4) Speaking (PARLARE)
Candidates for the Exam
PLIDA is conducted in over 70 countries, and the following individuals are eligible to take the exam:
- Non-Italian nationals
- Individuals with dual nationality (Italian and another) who do not have Italian as their native language
- Individuals with dual nationality (Italian and another country) who have not completed secondary education in Italy
- Italian nationals who need to prove their Italian language proficiency
For Minors (Candidates Aged 13–18): They can take the PLIDA JUNIORES exam, which is held twice a year. The available levels for this exam are A1, A2, B1, and B2.
Società Dante Alighieri Membership
To take the PLIDA exam, you must become a member of Società Dante Alighieri. If you are already a member, the membership fee is waived (please check the validity of your membership card). If your membership has expired, you will need to pay the annual membership fee.
By becoming a member of Società Dante Alighieri, you will enjoy various benefits both in Italy and abroad. You can find more details about the benefits here.
Selecting Your Exam Level
You can freely choose the exam level for PLIDA you wish to take. There is no requirement to obtain a certificate from a lower level before taking a higher one.
For example, you can take the B2 exam even if you do not hold certificates for A1, A2, or B1.
General guidelines for selecting the PLIDA exam level
概要 | |
A1 |
【Introduction】Able to engage in basic everyday conversations, such as greetings.
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A2 |
【Beginner】Able to engage in simple conversations in various everyday situations.
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B1 |
【Intermediate】Express your opinions in various everyday situations.
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【Pre-Advanced】Able to enroll in various types of schools and universities and able to demonstrate language proficiency in the jobs.
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C1 |
【Advanced】Able to understand news without dictionary. |
C2 |
【Top Class】Able to speak correct Italian and have conversations with native speakers.
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