What is a Certificate of Italian?
A Certificate of Italian is an internationally recognized document that certifies an individual’s proficiency in the Italian language. It differs from the “Acknowledgement” issued by local centers for stay permit points or for CEE long-stay permits (ex-residence card).
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Italian Citizenship Application
Foreign nationals who apply for Italian citizenship are required to possess a certification that attests to their knowledge of the Italian language. This certification must be equivalent to or not lower than CEFR level B1. This ensures that applicants have a sufficient command of the language to integrate into Italian society effectively. For more details on this requirement.
EU Long Term Residence Permit
Foreign nationals applying for the EU Long Term Residence Permit must also possess a certification of their Italian language proficiency. However, for this permit, the required level is slightly lower; applicants must demonstrate knowledge equivalent to or not lower than CEFR level A2. This requirement helps ensure that residents can manage daily communications and interactions in Italy. For more details on this requirement, click here.
Summary
Obtaining a certificate of Italian proficiency is essential for:
- Italian Citizenship: Requires a language proficiency at least at CEFR level B1.
- EU Long Term Residence Permit: Requires a language proficiency at least at CEFR level A2.
These certifications are critical for legal processes and help in the integration of foreign nationals into Italian society.
How to Obtain a Certificate of Italian
To obtain a certificate, you must pass a test that evaluates your declared level of Italian. The test consists of four components: listening, reading, writing, and speaking.
Authorized Institutions for Issuing Certificates
Only four institutions, recognized by the Ministry of the Interior and the Ministry of Education, are authorized to issue certificates of Italian proficiency:
- University for Foreigners of Siena: Issues the CILS (Certificate of Italian as a Foreign Language). CILS Website
- University for Foreigners of Perugia: Issues the CELI (Certificate for the Italian Language). CELI Website
- University of Rome 3: Issues four certificates (A2 base.IT, B1 ele.IT, B2 int.IT, C2 –IT). Rome 3 Website
- Dante Alighieri Society: Issues the PLIDA (Dante Alighieri Italian Language Project). PLIDA Website
Costs of the Certificates
The cost of obtaining a certificate can vary. The following table provides a general guideline for expected prices. Note that some test centers may offer discounts to students who have attended their courses. For specific details and up-to-date pricing, contact the relevant institutions directly through the provided links.
| Institution | Certificate Type | General Cost (EUR) |
|---|---|---|
| Siena | CILS | Varies |
| Perugia | CELI | Varies |
| Rome 3 | A2, B1, B2, C2 | Varies |
| Dante | PLIDA | Varies |
Where to Obtain the Certificate in Milan
Several centers in Milan offer testing for the certificate. However, not all centers provide preparation courses. Some of the known centers include:
- CTP Mugello
- Comunità di S. Egidio C.A.M. Via Garibaldi
- Comunità di S. Egidio Via Olivetani
Free Schools and Payment for Certificates
Certain schools offer free courses, and payment is only required for the certificate itself. Examples include:
- CTP Mugello
- Comunità di S. Egidio C.A.M. Via Garibaldi
- Comunità di S. Egidio Via Olivetani
Preparation for the Test
Some schools, which are not test centers, offer preparation courses for the certificate. These schools are part of the certification network and provide Italian language courses to help you prepare for the test and direct you to the appropriate test center.
Conclusion
A Certificate of Italian proficiency is essential for enhancing educational and professional opportunities in Italy. Understanding the process, costs, and preparation options will help you achieve certification and improve your communication skills in Italian. For more detailed information, refer to the relevant institutions’ websites.
