The DITALS certification (Teaching Italian as a Foreign Language) is an academic qualification issued by the University for Foreigners of Siena. It certifies the theoretical and practical skills required to teach Italian to foreigners. It is one of the most prestigious and recognized qualifications in the field of language teaching, both in Italy and abroad.
At Comitato Linguistico, we support future teachers throughout their training journey. Discover how the certification is structured and how to choose the most suitable level for you.
The Three Certification Levels
The DITALS path is divided into three independent levels, designed to meet different professional profiles and career goals:
- DITALS BASE (Base Level)
This is the starting level, ideal for those entering the world of teaching Italian as a second language (L2) for the first time, or for non-native teachers seeking a first validation of their skills.
- Competence: General teaching of Italian to foreigners.
- Main Requirements: High school diploma and a minimum Italian language proficiency of level B2 (for non-native candidates).
- DITALS I Livello (Level I)
This level certifies good general competence combined with a targeted specialization toward a specific student profile (e.g., children, immigrants, university students, tourist operators).
- Main Requirements: High school diploma, Italian language proficiency of level C1 (for non-native speakers), at least 24 hours of language teaching training, and at least 60 hours of teaching activity or internship.
- DITALS II Livello (Level II)
This certifies an advanced and deep competence in teaching Italian to foreigners, valid for teaching in any professional context and to any type of audience.
- Main Requirements: Bachelor’s degree (or higher), Italian language proficiency of level C2 (for non-native speakers), at least 30 hours of training, and a structured amount of qualified teaching hours or internship.
How Does the Exam Work?
The exam sessions combine theory and practice to evaluate the candidate’s actual classroom management abilities:
- Written Exams: Critical analysis of real teaching materials, independent design of teaching units based on texts or videos, and questions on language teaching theory.
- Oral Exam (DITALS II only): An audio or video simulation where the candidate deals with specific communicative tasks related to classroom management.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is it mandatory to pass the BASE level before taking Level II?
No. The levels are independent. If you already meet the educational requirements and the required teaching or internship hours for DITALS II, you can register directly for that exam.
Can I take the DITALS II exam if I only have a high school diploma?
No. A university degree (at least a three-year Bachelor’s degree) is a mandatory access requirement for the second level. Candidates with a high school diploma can instead focus on DITALS BASE or DITALS Level I.
What happens if I do not pass all parts of the exam?
The DITALS exam allows you to retain credits for the sections you passed. If you achieve a passing grade only in certain sections, you can retake exclusively the failed sections (within the deadlines set by the University), paying only the fee related to those specific parts.
Can non-Italian citizens obtain the DITALS certification?
Yes. The certification is open to everyone. Non-native candidates must simply prove they possess the required Italian language proficiency level for the chosen exam (B2 for Base, C1 for Level I, C2 for Level II).
Are computer skills or foreign language certifications required to register?
No. The exam regulations have been simplified: computer skills and knowledge of foreign languages are no longer mandatory screening prerequisites for registration.
If you would like to receive more information about access requirements, upcoming exam session dates, or our preparatory courses, please contact the administrative office at Comitato Linguistico. We are completely at your disposal to guide you step-by-step toward your future in teaching Italian!
