Portuguese Language – Língua de Acolhimento (PLA)

Learn Portuguese for real life, work, and integration in Portugal.

A collaborative programme supporting integration, communication, and opportunity in Portugal

An Immersive Learning Experience Course

About the PLA Programme

The Portuguese Language – Língua de Acolhimento (PLA) course is a nationally recognised language programme, delivered through the Centro Qualifica framework and accredited awarding body structure in Portugal, designed to support the integration of migrants and foreign residents.

In collaboration with Centro Qualifica centres, EdPro supports learners in accessing structured, certified Portuguese language pathways that develop essential skills for daily life, work, education, and social integration.

Our approach combines structured language education with real-life application, supported progression, and personalised guidance throughout the learning journey.

Training and certification of this programme is recognised for Nationality purposes.

Our Collaboration with Centro Qualifica & Awarding bodies

This programme is part of a wider national education and qualification network, where EdPro collaborates closely with Centro Qualifica centres to support learners effectively.

Through this partnership, we:

Refer students to Centro Qualifica programmes when appropriate
Support learners in accessing official certification pathways
Ensure smooth guidance through recognised national qualifications
Align training with Portuguese education and integration frameworks

This collaboration ensures learners receive the right support at the right stage of their journey.

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Migrants and newcomers living in Portugal
Individuals seeking residency or citizenship pathways
Professionals needing Portuguese for work
Anyone aiming to improve daily communication skills

It helps learners build essential communication skills, navigate everyday situations such as work, healthcare, and shopping, and improve access to employment, education, and public services while preparing for further learning or certification opportunities.

This programme is designed for:

Who This Course Is For

Participants must hold a residence permit in accordance with the national legislation applicable to foreign citizens, or must present one of the following documents:

a) Valid Portuguese Residency card and NIF (Portuguese Tax Identification number)

If the applicant doesn't have Portuguese Residency card, must present the following documents:

a) Valid passport

b)Proof from AIMA, that a procedure has been initiated for the extension of stay in national territory or for the granting or renewal of a residence permit;
c)NIF (Portuguese Tax Identification number)
Please note: If the applicant doesn't have any proof of resiency from AIMA, MUST present Proof of the allocation of a Social Security Identification Number (NISS).
PLA courses are designed for individuals aged 16 and over whose mother tongue is not Portuguese and/or who do not yet have basic, intermediate, or advanced proficiency in the Portuguese language, according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). Applicants must also meet the enrolment requirements in accordance with applicable legislation.
The PLA Programme is immersive, practical, and interactive, designed to support real-life communication in Portuguese from day one. It combines guided learning with active participation, helping learners develop confidence and fluency through meaningful practice.

The programme is delivered through live online classes and in-person sessions, with a maximum of 20 stduents per group, offering a flexible and engaging learning experience that adapts to different needs and schedules. ALL ARE WELCOME.
The PLA A2 programmes is designed by the department of education for the purpose of social integration. This is clearly a structured integration pathway, not just an academic language level course.

a government-designed integration course

focused on social integration, basic communication, and everyday life skills

often includes language + culture + civic knowledge

assessed through continuous attendance, participation, and internal tasks, not just a final exam

Used to support residency/citizenship requirements.

An A2 long-term course typically refers to:

a language level course aligned with CEFR A2 (Basic User level)

focused mainly on grammar, vocabulary, reading, writing, speaking

designed to move you toward a formal A2 qualification/exam

usually follows a standard syllabus with clear language outcomes

progress is measured more academically (tests/exams)

This is closer to what you’d see in:
CEFR language levels courses (A1, A2, B1, etc.)
No — if you complete the PLA programme, you normally do NOT need to sit the CIPLE exam. PLA (Português Língua de Acolhimento) programme
→ A course-based system (usually 150 hours)
→ Continuous assessment (attendance, class work, internal evaluation)
→ If you complete it successfully, you receive an A2 certificate.
Edpro collaborates with reputable awarding bodies that provided this training, validation and certification. The programme is accredited (DGERT-certified / official provider such as IEFP, Qualifica centres, public education network) in which by completing the course sucessfully then you are exempt from taking CIPLE for citizenship purposes.
To pass the course, learners must maintain a minimum of 90% attendance throughout the programme.

Evaluation is based on continuous assessment, including class participation, speaking and writing tasks, homework, and teacher observation, rather than a single final exam.

Students are also required to complete a final assessment/test and may take a mid-course evaluation depending on the centre.

Performance is usually graded on a 0–20 scale, with a minimum passing score of 10/20.

Successful completion of the PLA A2 course leads to an official A2 certificate recognised for residency and citizenship purposes in Portugal.

Learners who obtain this certificate do not need to take the CIPLE exam.
YES- we have many options suitable for your schedule. EDPRO'S coordinators will discuss available options.
At Edpro, all trainers are officially approved and qualified under the national PLA framework, ensuring full compliance with Portuguese government standards.

In addition to formal certification, our trainers have extensive experience in online teaching, working with diverse groups of learners as well as individual students, requiring strong professionalism, patience, and adaptability.

PLA courses in Portugal are delivered by qualified professionals from recognised institutions such as:

Public schools (rede pública de ensino)

IEFP training centres (Instituto do Emprego e Formação Profissional)

Centros Qualifica (adult education centres)

Other officially authorised training providers under government regulation
Upon sucessfully completition of the programme, certification process takes up to 4 weeks. Sometimes sooner, this depends on the validation and certification procedures from the awarding bodies.
At Edpro, PLA is delivered by certified, experienced trainers within a strong, supportive learning community built on connection and inclusion.

We provide structured online learning with clear guidance and consistent support, ensuring you progress with confidence.

We partner with reputable awarding bodies, ensuring full quality assurance and recognition throughout the learning and RVCC process.

We help you stay on track with attendance, learning, and assessment requirements for successful completion.

On completion, you receive an official A2 certificate recognised in Portugal, with no need to take the CIPLE exam.
At Edpro, our membership service charges covers access to our learning platform, community support, and learner guidance. It includes live class support, progress tracking, and administrative help throughout your journey. We provide a structured and supportive experience to help you stay consistent and engaged.
You can enrol in the PLA programme by submitting your details through our application form. Simply express your interest and complete the required information, and our coordinators will review your application and guide you through the best enrolment options available for you.

Apply here: EdPro PLA Application Form

F.A.Q

Course Structure

Online & In campus

Classes are conducted in a group of max 20 students.
Training delivered through expert qualified trainers from the awarding bodies.

Curriculum

Level A1 & A2- From UFCD6452 to UFCD6457
6 MODULES- Total 25 h each
Total duration: 150 h

Modules are outlined in the National Qualifications Catalogue (Catálogo Nacional de Qualificações – CNQ) in Portugal.

Delivery- Timing

Intensive: 8–9 weeks
Less Intensive: 13-15 weeks
Morning: 09:00 – 13:00h
Afternoon: 14:00 – 18:00h
Evening: 18:00 – 22:00h

Requirements

Over 16+ age
Residence permit (if applicable)
NIF (Tax Identification Number)

If no residence permit:

Proof of application/renewal with AIMA or protection status
NIF or NISS
Passport copy (ID verification)

Certification

Edpro PLA Portuguese Course for Nationality.jpg

Through our collaboration with Centro Qualifica centres, learners are also guided towards appropriate certification routes when required, ensuring access to officially recognised qualifications within the Portuguese education and training system

Include:

CNQ-aligned structure
Recognition within Portuguese qualification system
Training and Certification (issued by our partner awarding bodies & Centros Qualifica) Certification recognised fo Nationality purposes.

Disclaimer: Certification will be given through Qualifica Centre Network and relevant authorities, adhering to the guidelines of Ordinance No. 184/2022 of 21 July and 183/2020 of August 5.