Learning a new language is a challenge that provides great health and learning benefits, regardless of the language. After English, Italian is one of the most studied languages in the world today. For this reason, today’s article explains everything you need to know about the official Italian language proficiency certificate.
What is the official Italian language proficiency certificate?
As its name suggests, the Italian language certificate is an attestation certifying your proficiency in the language. It is a document issued by official bodies, recognised all over the world and, therefore, by many universities and companies.
In addition, this certificate serves as legal and reliable proof of your level of knowledge of the Italian language.
What is assessed to issue an Italian language certificate?
In order to obtain an Italian language certificate, you must pass a test in which basic criteria are assessed to demonstrate your proficiency in the language. These basic criteria include the following four:
Reading
Reading comprehension in Italian is important to show that you have learnt the language. To do this, you need to be able to analyse and interpret sentences, punctuation marks, as well as popular sayings and proverbs of the language.
Writing
In addition to reading, written production is essential. At this point, grammatical language learning is also assessed. It is therefore important to know the verbs and their conjugations well, as well as morphosyntax in general.
Conversation
One of the main tips for learning any language is to practise conversation. This involves making Italian a second language and listening to songs, films or series in the language, as well as speaking the language constantly.
In this way, you will get your ear used to it and it will be easier for you to have conversations with people who are native speakers of Italian. Please note that this is one of the most important parts of the test for the Italian language certificate.
How are the results assessed?
The Italian language certificate is awarded according to different levels of learning established by the Common European Framework of Reference for Foreign Languages. This framework defines levels of competence ranging from basic to advanced. In particular, the levels are classified as follows:
- Elementary (A): A1 / A2.
- Intermediate (B): B1/ B2.
- Advanced (C): C1/ C2.
Based on the European Framework of Reference for Languages, there are currently several institutions that issue the official Italian language certificate. The best known are the following.
Università per Stranieri di Perugia
La universidad de Perugia issues the CELI Italian language certificate, which is classified into three types: general certificate, citizenship certificate (cittadinanza) and certificate for teenagers. They also issue a specific business certificate for people who need this accreditation for a job.
Università per Stranieri di Siena
This university has been issuing Italian language certificates since around 1917. It is an exam that certifies six levels, and is recognised worldwide as the CILS Italian language certificate.
Università degli Studi Roma Tre
Although it is one of the youngest universities in the world, they issue an Italian language certificate in four levels. This Italian language certificate is known as CERT, and is aimed in particular at people seeking a residence permit, or admission to an Italian university.
Società Dante Alighieri
This society provides an Italian language certificate known as PLIDA, and accredits language proficiency in six levels (ranging from basic to advanced). It is also a society that promotes Italian culture around the world.
Tips for taking the Italian language proficiency test
Taking the Italian language certificate is not something to be taken lightly. Therefore, in order to pass the exam you need to make an investment, the cost of which varies depending on the institution and the type of level you choose. It also requires preparation and excellent results.
For this reason, the best advice is to prepare adequately for each part of the exam, and the best way to do this is to seek advice from an Italian language professional. You can also consider taking a course or an intensive course to master all the basic criteria that will allow you to obtain the Italian language certificate.
