Italian test guide
Italian A2 for the long-term residence permit
The Italian language test for the EU long-term residence permit is level A2: what it checks, the four skills, how to find your level and how to prepare with practice exams and lessons.
To apply for the EU long-term residence permit in Italy you have to show that you know Italian at level A2. You prove it with the language test of the Prefettura, or with a certificate of a recognised body, and there is no public bank of questions to memorise.
The first guide explains the level, the test, the certificates and the A2 vocabulary. The second shows what the four skills ask, with typical tasks and the way to practise each one.
Italian A2 for the EU long-term residence permit
What level A2 means, how the language test for the permit works, which certificates replace it, and the words you need.
What each guide covers
- What level A2 meansA2 is the second level of the European scale, called “elementary”.
- The language test for the permitThe Ministry of the Interior organises a test of the knowledge of the Italian language for the applicants of the long-term residence permit.
- Certificates that prove A2Instead of taking the test of the Prefettura you can show a certificate of Italian at level A2 or higher from a body that the State recognises.
- The words and situations of A2The test uses everyday situations.
Remember for the exam
- A2 for the EU long-term residence permit; B1 (with a certificate) for citizenship.
- You prove A2 with the test of the Prefettura or with a certificate: CELI 1, CILS A2, PLIDA A2 or Cert.IT A2.
- The test is about everyday situations: forms, the doctor, shopping, the house, work.
- Check the current notice of the Ministry of the Interior and of your Prefettura before you book.
The four skills: reading, listening, writing and speaking
What each part of an A2 or B1 test asks, with typical tasks and the way to practise every skill.
What each guide covers
- Reading (comprensione della lettura)You read short texts from daily life and answer questions: true or false, multiple choice, or matching.
- Listening (comprensione dell’ascolto)You hear short recordings, often twice, and you answer questions about what you heard.
- Writing (produzione scritta)You write short texts, with the information that the task asks and in a form that suits the situation.
- Speaking (produzione orale)In the certificates, the speaking part is an interview or a conversation with an examiner, often recorded.
Remember for the exam
- Four skills: reading, listening, writing and speaking; all four are tested in the certificates.
- Reading and listening: look for the information that is asked (a number, a time, a place).
- Writing: answer every point of the task, with a greeting and a closing that suit the situation.
- Speaking: speak slowly, ask “Può ripetere?” and practise aloud every day.
What an A2 task looks like
Writing: you read “Ti invito alla mia festa sabato alle otto” and reply in two or three simple sentences to say yes, thank the person and ask what to bring.
Speaking: introduce yourself, say where you live, where you work and what you do on weekends.
Questions people ask
Is there a civics test too?
Not with a public question bank. For the integration agreement there is a civic training session; the Italian culture guide on Asagno covers the same ground.
How long does it take to reach A2?
It depends on where you start and how often you practise. A regular daily routine of lessons and speaking practice is what moves the level.
Is there a list of questions to learn for the A2 test?
No. The test checks your Italian in everyday situations, so the best preparation is regular practice of the four skills, with the practice exams and the lessons.
Which certificates prove level A2?
CELI 1, CILS A2, PLIDA A2 and Cert.IT A2, from the four recognised bodies. Check the current list on the website of the Ministry of the Interior.
More guides
Ready to practise?
Study the questions by theme, then take the timed practice exam.