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.

  • Understand and use common everyday expressions and basic phrases to meet specific needs.
  • Able to introduce themselves and others and ask and answer questions about personal information, such as where they live, who they know, and what possessions they have.
  • Can engage in simple conversations if the other person speaks slowly and clearly and can ask for help when necessary.

A2

【Beginner】Able to engage in simple conversations in various everyday situations.
  • Able to understand basic sentences and common expressions related to personal information, family, shopping, local geography, work, and other directly relevant areas.
  • Able to engage in simple and direct information exchanges on familiar and everyday topics within a limited scope.

B1

【Intermediate】Express your opinions in various everyday situations.
  • Able to understand the main points of familiar topics encountered in work, school, entertainment, etc., when spoken in standard language.
  • Able to handle most situations that are likely to occur when in a region where the language is spoken.
  • Able to produce simple, coherent sentences on familiar topics or topics of personal interest.
  【Pre-Advanced】Able to enroll in various types of schools and universities and able to demonstrate language proficiency in the jobs.
  • Able to understand the main content of complex sentences on both abstract and concrete topics, including technical discussions in one’s area of expertise.
  • Fluent and natural enough to communicate with native speakers without tension.
  • Able to produce clear and detailed sentences on a wide range of topics.

C1

【Advanced】Able to understand news without dictionary.
  • Able to understand various types of advanced and lengthy texts, grasping their implications.
  • Able to express oneself fluently and naturally without giving the impression of searching for words.
  • Use the language flexibly and effectively for social, academic, and professional purposes.
  • Able to create clear, well-structured, and detailed texts on complex topics.
 

C2

【Top Class】Able to speak correct Italian and have conversations with native speakers.

  • Easily understand almost everything you hear or read.
  • Summarize and reconstruct information from different spoken or written sources coherently, including reasoning and key points.
  • Express oneself naturally, fluently, and accurately.