PLIDA – Progetto Lingua Italiana Dante Alighieri Certification

The Dante Alighieri Society of Washington is one of the few institutes in North America authorized to offer PLIDA (Progetto Lingua Italiana Dante Alighieri – Dante Alighieri Italian Language Project) certification.

The Dante Alighieri Society of Washington in Seattle is an official examination center of the Società Dante Alighieri and provides its students and others the opportunity of taking PLIDA exams in order to obtain a PLIDA certificate.

The PLIDA Certificate

The PLIDA certificate is an official Diploma issued by the Società Dante Alighieri under an agreement with the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the University of Rome La Sapienza . It is recognized by the Italian Ministry of Labor and Social Policies and by the Italian Ministry of University and Research as a qualification for the proficiency in the Italian language for foreigners.

The PLIDA certificates attest proficiency in Italian as a foreign language on a 6-level scale according to the parameters established by the Common European Framework for Languages (A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, C2).

Why take the PLIDA exam?

Those who may wish to be certified include those who

to obtain Italian citizenship (minimum PLIDA Certification  level B1 as proof of proficiency)
plan to study at Italian universities which accept a minimum PLIDA Certification  level B2 as proof of proficiency (see application instructions).
as an American high school or college student (may seek college credit)
wish to be certified for obtaining an application for the Italian Permit of  Stay in Italy (level A2 minimum)
seek the examination as a capstone experience after taking their language courses.

Dates of Exam Administration

PLIDA certificate sessions are held each year according to the calendar set by the PLIDA office in Rome. In Seattle, PLIDA exams are usually offered in June and November. Check this page for updates. The sessions for 2020 and 2021 were canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. A special opportunity to take the B1 Exam for Italian citizenship will be available in Fall 2021. See additional details below.

2021 Special Exam

PLIDA B1 Cittadinanza – Only speaking “PARLARE” examination

The Società Dante Alighieri, as a temporary measure in 2021, has authorized the PLIDA centers worldwide to offer a modified version of the B1 exam for those wanting to apply for Italian citizenship. This special exam will only evaluate the candidate’s speaking skills. The Dante Alighieri Society of Washington will offer the B1 exam in Seattle on Tuesday, September 7, 2021. Depending on demand and other factors, a second B1 exam may also be offered in November.

When: Tuesday, September 7, 2021

Time: Afternoon – Precise time will be communicated to the candidate at least seven days prior to the date of the exam.

Where: Seattle, WA USA – Precise location in Seattle TBD

Cost: The registration fee for the PLIDA B1 Cittadinanza will be the same as the regular PLIDA B1 ($ 170).

Refund: No refunds are issued for the PLIDA exam if a candidate withdraws or does not show on the date of the exam. Refunds are issued if the exam is cancelled by the Dante Alighieri Society of Washington.

How: In person.

Length: 15-20 minutes.

Format: 1. Introduction of the candidate. 2 Interaction between the intervistatore/intervistatrice and the candidato/a (or in pairs). 3. Monologue.

Evaluation: First evaluation in Seattle / Second evaluation for approval in Rome.

Registration: Complete the registration form and PayPal Payment.

Registration Deadline: August 23, 2021.

Capacity: Check our website before you register to check if we can still accept registrations).

Test result: 40 workdays from receipt of the recordings at the headquarters in Rome.

Urgent correction: Not available for this exam.

Certificate: If a candidate successfully completes the exam, the candidate will receive a certificate with the indication: ESAME SUPERATO. No numerical scores.

Use of the Certificate: The certificate B1 Cittadinanza is valid only for the purpose of applying for the Italian Citizenship.

For more information, please contact the PLIDA Coordinator Prof. Giuseppe Tassone at plida@danteseattle.org or call us at 206.289.0419. Thank you!

Keep me informed

Fees

PLIDA Level	A1	A2	B1	B2	C1	C2
Fee	$140	$140	$170	$170	$200	$200

Registration

Complete the online REGISTRATION FORM and pay the exam fee. Registration and payment must arrive on or before the registration deadline.

Location

Exams are usually held on the Seattle University Campus. The location of the the special B1 Exam has not yet been determined. Registrants will be notified in advance of the date of the exam.

Further Information

For more information contact the PLIDA Coordinator Prof. Giuseppe Tassone

Duration of the Exam

	Ascoltare	Leggere	Parlare	Scrivere	TOTALE
Plida A1	20'	30'	10'	40'	max 100 minuti
Plida A2	25'	40'	15'	40'	max 120 minuti
Plida B1	40'	40'	15'	60'	max 145 minuti
Plida B2	50'	70'	15'	60'	max 195 minuti
Plida C1	60'	100'	15'	90'	max 265 minuti
Plida C2	40'	45'	20'	135'	max 240 minuti

Definition of Level A1, A2, B1, B2, C1 and C2

The Common European Framework divides learners into three broad divisions which can be divided into six levels:

Basic Speaker
- A1 Beginner
- A2 Elementary
Independent Speaker
- B1 Intermediate
- B2 Upper intermediate
Proficient Speaker
- C1 Advanced
- C2 Mastery or proficiency

The Common European Framework describes what a learner is supposed to be able to do in reading, listening, speaking and writing at each level:

Level	Proficiency Expectation
	Can understand and use familiar everyday expressions and very basic phrases aimed at the satisfaction of needs of a concrete type. Can introduce him/herself and others and can ask and answer questions about personal details such as where he/she lives, people he/she knows and things he/she has. Can interact in a simple way provided the other person talks slowly and clearly and is prepared to help.
	Can understand sentences and frequently used expressions related to areas of most immediate relevance (e.g. very basic personal and family information, shopping, local geography, employment). Can communicate in simple and routine tasks requiring a simple and direct exchange of information on familiar and routine matters. Can describe in simple terms aspects of his/her background, immediate environment and matters in areas of immediate need.
	Can understand the main points of clear standard input on familiar matters regularly encountered in work, school, leisure, etc. Can deal with most situations likely to arise while travelling in an area where the language is spoken. Can produce simple connected text on topics which are familiar or of personal interest. Can describe experiences and events, dreams, hopes and ambitions and briefly give reasons and explanations for opinions and plans.
	Can understand the main ideas of complex text on both concrete and abstract topics, including technical discussions in his/her field of specialization. Can interact with a degree of fluency and spontaneity that makes regular interaction with native speakers quite possible without strain for either party. Can produce clear, detailed text on a wide range of subjects and explain a viewpoint on a topical issue giving the advantages and disadvantages of various options.
	Can understand a wide range of demanding, longer texts, and recognize implicit meaning. Can express him/herself fluently and spontaneously without much obvious searching for expressions. Can use language flexibly and effectively for social, academic and professional purposes. Can produce clear, well-structured, detailed text on complex subjects, showing controlled use of organizational patterns, connectors and cohesive devices.
	Can understand with ease virtually everything heard or read. Can summarize information from different spoken and written sources, reconstructing arguments and accounts in a coherent presentation. Can express him/herself spontaneously, very fluently and precisely, differentiating finer shades of meaning even in the most complex situations.