Nowadays language centres are expected to provide high quality services not only in teaching foreign languages, but also in testing proficiency levels. This article describes the CERCLU project, which aims at certifying Italian language centres. Such certification is based on the Threshold and Vantage Levels established by the Council of Europe. Stress is laid on the evaluation of the ability to use the language communicatively. Much use is made of computerized systems in the preparation, administering and correction of the tests. The project is expected to last three years, and should lead to the drawing up of tests to evaluate the level of proficiency in two languages, English and Italian, as well as the creation of a data bank. In the future it is envisaged that such certification will be matched at the European level by a similar type of certification coordinated by CERCLES, the European Association of University Language Centres.
