What do you need to know to pass the Italian A2 exam?
A2 is the level Italy requires for a long-term residence permit. The exam tests 4 skills — here's exactly what each one covers, with real sample items.
Try the first unit freeLerniyo's exam is built in the style of recognized Italian certificates (CILS, CELI, PLIDA) — it is not an official registration with any of those institutes. The Lerniyo certificate is a completion certificate for our own curriculum.
The Italian A2 exam in one minute
The Italian A2 exam proves your Italian at level A2 of the CEFR. In Italy it is most often needed for the long-term (EC) residence permit, and it is taken with a recognized institute such as CILS, CELI or PLIDA, or through another route your prefettura accepts. The exam tests listening, reading, writing and speaking.
This guide explains who needs it, what each test asks, the grammar to master and a plan to get ready. It describes the exam in general terms: dates, fees, centers and the exact scoring differ by institute and change, so always confirm them with the institute and your prefettura before you register.
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Who needs the Italian A2?
The people who most often need it are:
Applicants for a long-term residence permit
A2 Italian has been required for the long-term EC residence permit since December 2010. Check exactly which proof your prefettura accepts.
People settling in Italy
A2 lets you handle daily paperwork and simple conversations with officials.
Learners building toward B1
A2 is the base for the B1 level used in citizenship by marriage or residency.
The four tests
The format differs a little between institutes, but all of them test the same four skills at A2. Check the current format with the institute you choose.
Listening (ascolto)
You hear short recordings, such as announcements and short conversations, and answer questions.
Reading (lettura)
You read short, simple texts such as notices, messages and signs, then answer questions.
Writing (scrittura)
You write short texts, for example a message or a note about yourself or your day.
Speaking (parlato)
You talk with the examiner about yourself and everyday topics.
Lerniyo's exam is built in the style of internationally recognized exams (Goethe, telc, ÖSD) — it is not an official registration with any of those institutes. The Lerniyo certificate is a completion certificate for our own curriculum.
What to master for A2
A2 Italian is simple but it must be accurate. These are the points that come up most.
- Essere and avere
- “Sono marocchino.” “Ho due fratelli.” The two verbs you use all day.
- Articles and gender
- “Il libro, la casa, un amico, un’amica.” Nouns are masculine or feminine, and adjectives agree.
- The present tense
- “Abito a Milano.” “Lavoro in un ristorante.” Regular -are, -ere and -ire verbs and the common irregulars.
- The passato prossimo
- “Ho mangiato.” “Sono andato al lavoro.” The past with avere or essere and the participle.
- Reflexive verbs
- “Mi alzo alle sette.” “Si chiama Karim.”
- Articulated prepositions
- “Vado al supermercato.” “Esco dall’ufficio.” “Il libro è sul tavolo.”
- Direct pronouns
- “Lo compro.” “La vedo domani.”
- Everyday vocabulary
- Family, work, housing, shopping, health, transport and official appointments.
Mistakes to avoid on the Italian A2
- Using the wrong auxiliary in the past: “Ho andato” instead of “Sono andato”.
- Forgetting agreement: “una casa piccolo” instead of “una casa piccola”.
- Dropping double consonants, which changes the word, for example “pala” and “palla”.
- Mixing up “tu” and “Lei”: use “Lei” with officials and strangers.
- Writing too little: a message that does not cover every point of the task loses marks.
- Registering before checking the dates, the fee and the documents you must bring.
How to prepare
A simple order for the weeks before the exam:
- 1
Finish the A1 and A2 lessons
Cover the grammar and vocabulary above with short daily sessions.
- 2
Practice each skill
Listen to short recordings, read simple texts, write short messages and speak aloud.
- 3
Speak with Nour
Practice answering personal questions and role-playing a conversation with an official, then listen back to yourself.
- 4
Take a mock exam
Sit a timed mock in the style of these exams, review your mistakes and repeat.
- 5
Register for the official exam
Book through the institute or the route your prefettura accepts, and leave time before any deadline.
Exam format
- 100 points total, you need 60 to pass
- 3 attempts — fail all three and you'll need to wait 7 days before retrying
- Pass, and you get a PDF completion certificate from Lerniyo, ready to share on WhatsApp
Listening (Ascolto)
You listen to a short recording and answer questions about it.
You hear: "Mi chiamo Karim e abito a Milano." — Question: Dove abita Karim?
Answer: A Milano.
Reading (Lettura)
You read a short text (a notice, a message, a sign) and show you understood it.
You read: "Il supermercato è aperto dalle 8 alle 20." — Question: A che ora chiude il supermercato?
Answer: Alle 20.
Writing (Scrittura)
You write a short message or fill in a simple form.
Write: introduce yourself in 3 sentences (your name, where you're from, what you do).
Example: Mi chiamo Sara. Vengo dal Marocco. Sono studentessa.
Speaking (Parlato)
You answer simple questions about yourself, or have a short conversation with Nour.
Question: Come ti chiami e di dove sei?
Example: Mi chiamo Youssef e vengo da Rabat.
Why A2 specifically?
A2 is the Italian level Italy has required for a long-term (EC) residence permit since December 2010. It's the level where you can handle daily paperwork and simple conversations with officials.
See the full path to Italian residency and citizenshipHow to prepare for the A2 exam
- 1
Complete all A1 and A2 lessons, building your foundation step by step
- 2
Take the mock exams — the first one is free, no pressure
- 3
Focus on the points you get wrong most often (Nour will flag them for you)
- 4
Once you feel ready, take Lerniyo's official A2 exam
Italian A2 exam: frequently asked questions
What is the Italian A2 exam?
An exam that shows your Italian at level A2. It is taken with an institute such as CILS, CELI or PLIDA, or through another route your prefettura accepts.
Is A2 required for the long-term residence permit?
A2 Italian has been required for the long-term EC residence permit since December 2010. Confirm the current rule and the accepted proof with your prefettura.
How long does it take to prepare?
About 3.5 months from zero at a steady 15 to 20 minutes a day, based on Lerniyo’s estimates. It depends on your starting point.
Does Lerniyo issue the official certificate?
No. Lerniyo prepares you with lessons and a mock exam in the same style, but the official certificate comes from the institute.
Which institute should I choose?
Check which certificates your office accepts. If you have a free choice, pick the institute with a center and a date that works for you.
Do I need A2 for citizenship?
No. Citizenship by marriage or residency asks for B1, and citizenship by descent has no language test. Rules change, so confirm your case.