With the Lombardy Regional Authority project for 2011/12 foreign citizens have the chance to prepare for and obtain the A2, B1 and B2 Italian certificates free of charge

1. CERTIFy yOUR Language for social inclusion,
work and citizenship
ITALIAN 4th edition
Have you just
arrived? Do not Have you been here
be satisfied with for several years? In
knowing just a few that case, put your
words or phrases Italian to the test!
of Italian; try to
learn the language
properly!
With the Lombardy Regional Authority project for 2011/12 foreign citizens have the
chance to prepare for and obtain the A2, B1 and B2 Italian certificates free of charge.
Æ It is important to know Italian
It is very important for a foreign citizen to learn the language of the country in which
they have chosen to live, work or study because language helps you to become better
integrated and to learn about the society and culture of the host country. Language is
important for correctly exercising your rights and duties as a citizen.
Æ What is the Italian certificate?
The Italian certificate is a document that guarantees a certain level of linguistic proficiency.
It is valid in Italy and abroad and can facilitate study and work.
Æ How many certificate levels are there?
There are six second-language certificate levels as set by the Common European Frame-
work for Languages and they correspond to different degrees of communicative skill. A1
and A2 indicate the first contact phase and document the first steps towards learning; B1
and B2 allow for independent communication in situations from everyday life, work and
study; C1 and C2 guarantee reinforcement and total linguistic mastery.
Æ Why is the Italian certificate useful?
Having an official document that indicates your level of proficiency in Italian can help you
to successfully continue any training started in your own country, but is especially helpful
in improving your CV. In general, companies that decide to employ foreign staff prefer
people who know how to communicate in Italian without too many difficulties.
3

2. Æ IMPORTANT
A foreign citizen in possession of a minimum level A2 certificate does not have to take the
language test to obtain a long-term EC residency permit (Ministerial Decree 04/06/10)
Æ Who is eligible for the certificate?
All foreign citizens can take the Italian certificate. Foreign young people and adults, male
and female immigrant workers who want to improve their sociocultural integration can ob-
tain the A2, B1 and B2 Italian certificate free of charge thanks to the Lombardy Regional
Authority project Certify Your Italian, financed by the Ministry of Labour and Social Politics.
This project is NOT intended for the certification of children and those under 16 years.
They should contact their local schools.
Æ How is the certificate obtained?
It is advisable to follow a course in order to obtain your Italian certificate, as you will need
to prepare for, and take, a final exam. Those already with the proficiency required for one
of the indicated linguistic levels (A2, B1, B2) may decide just to attend the exam prepara-
tion lessons. The Italian courses, exams and final certificate are free of charge.
Æ Where do the courses take place?
The Italian courses for the indicated certificates take place in all the provinces in Lom-
bardy at the Permanent Territorial Centres (CTP) or at agencies and associations that work
with the CTPs. For all the information required and to find your nearest centre, please visit
the websites listed in this leaflet.
Æ What type of exam do I need to pass?
The Italian language exam consists of four tests (listening, reading, writing and speaking),
corresponding to the language level that the foreign citizen wishes to certify. No educa-
tional qualifications are required, just a general knowledge of culture acquired during life
and work experiences.
Æ Where and when do the exams take place?
The exams take place twice a year at the Permanent Territorial Centres. Generally the first
exam date is set for May/June and the second for November/December. Both dates will
be publicised approximately 40 days in advance.
For more information please contact the offices listed or visit the website:
www.certificailtuoitaliano.it
4