Frequently asked questions about the Italian language examination AIL
However, it is posible to retake an AIL exam, after many years, or even after a short amount of time, if you want to improve the mark obtained.
Duplicate certificates will not be issued for exams taken more than 5 years ago.
DELI-A1/DELI-A2 85 Euros – 170 CHF
DILI-B1/DILI-B2/DILC-B1 105 Euros – 210 CHF
DALI-C1/DALI-C2/DALC-C1 125 Euros – 240 CHF
Online EnrolmentEnrolment
The fee for the exam must be payed to the candidate's preferred exam centre upon enroling. The methods of payment are in agreement with this location.
Yes, it is possible to take an exam without having attended a specific preparation course. You just need to fill in the enrolment form.
Remember to make reference to the This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. if there is not a specific email address.
The main office sends the diplomas of all of the candidates which have passed the exam, to the exam centres. Included on the certificate, apart from the details of the candidate, are the grades obtained in each skill and the marks awarded. The personal details of the candidate and the grades from the exam are only used to issue the certificates and are not shared in the public domain or with third parties, in accordance with the Italian law on privacy (675/96).
The certificate is issued once the exam has been passed. The candidate will pass the exam if they have achieved at least 60% of the maximum marks.
The following marks are awarded:
| EXAM | DELI-A2 | DILI-B1 | DILC-B1 | DILI-B2 | DALI-C1 | DALI-C2 | DALC-C1 |
| Written comprehension | 20% | 20% | 20% | 20% | 20% | 20% | 20% |
| Written expression | 20% | 20% | 20% | 20% | 20% | 20% | 20% |
| Lexis and grammar | 20% | 20% | 20% | 20% | 20% | 20% | 20% |
| Listening comprehension | 20% | 20% | 20% | 20% | 20% | 20% | 20% |
| Oral Expression | 20% | 20% | 20% | 20% | 20% | 20% | 20% |
| Skills | |||||||
| Understanding skills | 40% | 40% | 40% | 40% | 40% | 40% | 40% |
| Writing / Speaking skills | 60% | 60% | 60% | 60% | 60% | 60% | 60% |
The following grades are awarded:
Grades
|
% |
100 - 90 |
<90 - 80 |
<80 - 70 |
<70 - 60 |
<60 - 0 |
|
Grade |
A |
B |
C |
D |
F |
|
Judgement |
excellent |
very good |
good |
sufficient |
insufficient |
Before starting we please ask that you download and read carefully the Copyright document and the Introduction document of the Accademia di Lingua Italiana AIL and the 'Florence' diplomas.
As a first step, we advise that you carefully read the self-assessment chart, provided in the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.
Then, you should consult the sillabus.
After, you could try to do our online quiz. Once you have chosen your level of lingustic competency, it is often useful to try to do a complete test, by downloading a practice exam directly from this website.
Elementary level 1 diploma; recommended preparation time: ca. 50 - 60 hours
Elementary level 2 diploma; recommended preparation time: ca. 100 - 120 hours;
Intermediate level 1 diploma; recommended preparation time: ca. 240 - 300 hours;;
Commercial diploma - intermediate level, recommended preparation time: ca. 280 - 340 hours; including min. 40 hours of specific preparation of business language;
Intermediate level 2 diploma; recommended preparation time: ca. 320 - 400 hours;
Advanced level 1 diploma; recommended preparation time: ca. 450 - 500 hours;
Advanced level 2 diploma, recommended preparation time: ca. 600 - 650 hours;
Commercial diploma - advanced level, recommended preparation time: ca. 500 - 550 hours, including min. 80 hours of specific preparation of business language.
These levels correspond to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages(QCER): http://it.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quadro_comune_europeo_di_riferimento_per_la_conoscenza_delle_lingue
A1. The level denotes the ability to use simple familar expressions of everyday use, to satisfy some concrete needs, describing relevant personal details to others. At this level, interaction with Italian speakers can happen only with the direct intervention of others.
A2. The level shows independance in basic forms of communication: you can carry out relevant tasks for some primary needs regarding personal life, local geography, work, shopping etc.
B1. The level indicates the ability to understand spoken and written texts linked to familar topics. You can interact in an Italian speaking context, for example on holiday, and you can also use Italian to express opinions and to give basic explanations.
B2. The level demonstrates a competency in Italian language in educative (enrolment at school or university) or extracurricular (courses of professional training, internships etc.) contexts and in professional activity that even includes interaction with the public. You can easily socialise in an Italian-speaking environment and can use the Italian language in work linked to your own field of specialization.
C1. The level describes a notable confidance with Italian language and Italian life, which can be used in complex professional activities (professional activities in commercial, industrial or administrative spheres, for example). You can understand and produce complex texts, identifying extra and hidden meanings, for example in literature.
C2. The level denotes a high linguistic competency, comparable with that of a native person. The language can be used in all professional activities. It is the level expected to teach Italian as an L2 and to take on highly qualified, professional positions.
Obtaning a diploma that officially demonstrates knowledge of Italian can be very advantageous and useful to study or work in Italy, in a context where you speak Italian, to improve your own knowledge of the Italian language, to comunicate with friends or Italian relatives, to improve your position at work, or to find a new job.
Structured according to the principal linguistic skills, the diplomas issued by the Accademia Italiana di Lingua test the ability of the candidate to read, speak, write and listen in typical situations in which Italian is used in real life. This means that preparing for an AIL exam means developing the necessary abilities to deal with daily life and commercial life, in an Italian context.
The diplomas issued by AIL are recognised by bodies and institutions all over the world. In particular, since 2007, the DILC - B1 exam has been recognised by the UFFT (Swiss Federal Office of professional training and technology) as the final Italian exam, it being the second national language in all of the professional, commercial schools of the Swiss Confederation.
Upon your request, the AIL can provide all of the documents and the system of grading of the AIL 'Florence' Italian exams to the institutions, bodies (universities, high schools, specialisation courses etc.) or employers to which you need to show your exam certificates.
Suggestions for the exams
The use of dictionaries, grammar books and other materials of consultation are strictly prohibited.
It is not permitted to carry telephones, smartphones or other electronic devices into the testing area.
Any violation of these rules will result in an immediate expulsion from the exam.
