Is there more than one kind of Italian language certification? What are the differences? Are all certifications equally valid?
To answer these and more questions, we’ve prepared a short guide for all the Italian language learners out there.
CEFR: What is it?
CEFR is the acronym for the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages: learning, teaching, assessment. Its aim is to provide a commonly shared basis for the creation of language syllabi, CV guidelines, exams and textbooks throughout Europe. Basically, it shows in an exhaustive way what skills one should acquire and develop in order to effectively communicate in a foreign language.
While its creation began in 1989, it was only in November 2001 that a European Union Council resolution finally recognized the CEFR as an official validator for language ability.
Nowadays, the validity of this system is recognized and accepted worldwide (not only in Europe).
From A1 to C2
While slightly counterintuitively, the CEFR breaks learners down into three categories:
- A: Basic users
- B: Independent users
- C: Advanced users
In a nutshell, that’s the opposite of college grades, where A is the highest mark.
Every category has two sub-sections, so there are six levels in the end:
- A1: Breakthrough or beginner
- A2: Waystage or elementary
- B1: Threshold or intermediate
- B2: Vantage or upper intermediate
- C1: Effective operational proficiency or advanced
- C2: Mastery or proficiency
To further understand the differences between levels, the CEFR has provided additional grids:
The CEFR is currently applied to all languages of the European Union, but it also has equivalencies with other non-EU languages.
How can an Italian language certification be useful?
You’re probably wondering what do language certifications have to do with you. Well, a lot more than you think.
Official proof of your skills
Were you capable of driving a car a few days before passing your driving licence exam? Of course you were. Still, you were not officially qualified to drive, nor legally allowed to. Hence, no one would trust you for a ride.
Same applies to foreign languages. Maybe your family speaks Italian to you all the time, or you spent a semester abroad in Italy and learnt how to get along. But is an employer gonna trust your word for it?
Or maybe, you’ve already taken two semesters of Italian in college, which are bound to disappear into nowhere as soon as you graduate. The best way to make them count is to get an official certificate that will prove your accomplishment.
To get an Italian language certification is to achieve a purpose and to get a tangible result for your efforts.
No matter the level, a language certification is a huge personal achievement, and a great self-motivator.
A powerful short-cut
Planning on studying at an Italian university? As you know, you will have to pass an Italian language exam. Unless, of course, you already have an official Italian language certification (B1 and above) than can prove your proficiency.
Applying for an internship or a job with an Italian company? No matter what they say, Italians will always prefer to speak Italian (rather than English) whenever they get a chance. This is why a candidate with proven knowledge of the language already has a head start.
A spark on your resumé
When recruiters read through applications, they don’t care about how long a resumé is, or how many experiences it has on it. On the contrary, a resumé full of apparently irrelevant information can easily become unappealing.
Whether you’re a college sophom*ore or an executive director, the nicer your resumé, the better.
And you know what looks great on resumés, and can easily be spotted by recruiters? A language certification, indeed. Again, if you’re applying with a company that has even the tiniest relationship with Italy, they will be thrilled to read that you have achieved an Italian language certification. It will make you (and your application) stand out from the crowd.
More than just one Italian language certification
Fun enough, only Italians, in Italy, speak Italian.
Notwithstanding, Italian is one of the most loved and studied languages in the world. While some study Italian in an effort to reconnect with their Italian ancestors, many others simply love the language and are eager to learn it.
That’s why Italian as a foreign language is such a huge thing in Italy and abroad.
On one hand, there are specific university courses and masters designed for prospective teachers of Italian as a foreign language. Moreover, the certification exams to become a teacher of Italian as a foreign language (DITALS, CEDILS and DILS) become more and more challenging with time.
On the other hand, over the years many universities and private schools have come up with their own language certificates, adding quite a bit of confusion to the mix. In response to this, the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MAE) has been working alongside the highest Italian institutions in the field of Italian as a foreign language. As a result, in February 2013 the MAE has formally announced the creation of CLIQ – Certificazione Lingua Italiana di Qualità (Quality Italian Language Certification).
The CLIQ includes only these four official language certifications:
- CILS from Università per Stranieri di Siena
- CELI from Università per Stranieri di Perugia
- CERT.IT from Università di Roma Tre
- PLIDA from Associazione Dante Alighieri
CLIQ-recognizes certifications follow the CEFR and offer exams which are based on the 6 levels of knowledge of the language.
We started this article with a clear question: What’s the best Italian language certification?
Now luckily, with CLIQ, we have four correct answers. In fact, these four certifications are equally valid for all official purposes, such as university enrolment.
Depending on the school you will be studying Italian at, or where you are in the world, these certifications can be more or less easily accessible. Moreover, they offer exam dates throughout the year, so that learners with different needs can find the date that best suits them.
Make sure you always rely on a professional institution and an officially accredited exam center. For instance, The Italian Academy in Syracuse, Sicily, is an accredited center for CILS exams, in partnership with the Università per Stranieri di Siena.
Many learners from all over the world are currently taking a gap year with us, focusing on improving their Italian language skills.
Still not sure? Trust us when we say that studying Italian online with The Italian Academy Live is effective. You won’t be disappointed!
As a language enthusiast with a deep understanding of language certifications and their significance, let's delve into the concepts mentioned in the article.
CEFR: Common European Framework of Reference for Languages
The CEFR, or Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, is a comprehensive system that provides a standardized basis for language learning, teaching, assessment, and communication. Developed since 1989, it gained official recognition from the European Union Council in November 2001. The framework categorizes learners into three main groups (A, B, and C), each with two sub-levels, resulting in a total of six proficiency levels ranging from A1 (beginner) to C2 (proficiency).
This framework serves as a global standard, not limited to Europe, and is widely accepted worldwide. It facilitates the development of language syllabi, guidelines for CVs, exams, and textbooks.
Italian Language Certification: Importance and Types
The article highlights the importance of obtaining an official Italian language certification. These certifications serve as proof of language proficiency and are invaluable for various purposes:
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Official Proof of Skills:
- Drawing an analogy to a driving license, the article emphasizes that even if you can speak Italian, an official certification is essential for trust and recognition.
- The certification becomes crucial for job applications, reflecting your officially recognized language skills.
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Usefulness in Specific Scenarios:
- Planning to study at an Italian university? An Italian language certification (B1 and above) can exempt you from a language exam.
- Applying for jobs or internships with Italian companies? Having a certified proficiency in Italian gives you a significant advantage.
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Enhancing Resumé Appeal:
- A language certification stands out on a resumé, regardless of the length or experiences listed.
- Recruiters value language proficiency, especially when dealing with companies connected to Italy.
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Multiple Italian Language Certifications:
- Acknowledging the global interest in learning Italian, the article mentions specific challenges for those pursuing teaching Italian as a foreign language.
- The Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs collaborates with institutions to establish the CLIQ (Certificazione Lingua Italiana di Qualità) in 2013.
- CLIQ recognizes four official Italian language certifications: CILS, CELI, CERT.IT, and PLIDA. These certifications align with the CEFR levels and are equally valid for official purposes, such as university enrollment.
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Choosing the Best Certification:
- The article concludes by addressing the initial question: "What's the best Italian language certification?"
- With CLIQ, learners have four equally valid options (CILS, CELI, CERT.IT, and PLIDA), ensuring flexibility and accessibility based on individual needs and geographical locations.
In summary, the article emphasizes the importance of official Italian language certifications, explores the challenges in the realm of teaching Italian as a foreign language, and provides a concrete solution in the form of CLIQ-recognized certifications, each following the CEFR levels.
