Overview
PLIDA (Progetto Lingua Italiana Dante Alighieri) is an Italian language diploma issued by the Società Dante Alighieri. It is issued under an agreement with Italy's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in understanding with the University La Sapienza in Rome. It is also recognised by the Ministry of Labour and Social Policies, and the university ministry recognises it as a qualification that eases university enrolment for foreign students.
The only source for this page is the PLIDA page of the Società Dante Alighieri's Milan school, which lists exam dates from 2020 only and no fees. No dates or fees are given here, so check the current session calendar and fees with your exam centre.
Who can apply
PLIDA is for people whose first language is not Italian, and the exam is open to everyone. You choose the level yourself, with no prerequisite exams, and you may sit several levels at once.
Levels or stages
| Group | Levels |
|---|---|
| Initial | A1, A2 |
| Fundamental | B1, B2 |
| Professional | C1, C2 |
Exam pattern
Every level has four tests: listening, reading, writing and speaking. The six levels follow the Council of Europe scale. Exam centres send the papers to the head office, which marks them within 30 days of receipt.
Marking and results
Each skill is scored out of 30. To pass you need at least 18 out of 30 in all four skills, which is a minimum of 72 out of 120 in total. If you pass only some skills, you can retake the failed ones within 18 months.
After the exam
A PLIDA certificate at A2 or higher is accepted as documentation for a long-term residence permit in Italy.
Do I have to start at A1?
No. You pick the level that suits you, and you can sit more than one level in the same period.