PLA 150 Hours Portuguese Course: Modules + Certificate (EdPro)

Canute Fernandes
5 days ago
3 min read

The PLA 150 hours Portuguese course is the official Português Língua de Acolhimento (PLA) pathway that typically covers A1 + A2. EdPro’s PLA A1+A2 is 150 hours, available online or in-campus, with intensive (8–9 weeks) and less intensive (13–15 weeks) options and morning/afternoon/evening schedules.

What PLA is (and why it matters for integration + nationality)

What PLA means

PLA stands for Português Língua de Acolhimento—a program created by the Portuguese government to support language learning for integration, including rules for organization and certification.

Why learners choose PLA (real-world + legal usefulness)

PLA is designed to help you function in everyday Portuguese (services, work, community). It’s also popular because AIMA states that PLA courses certify A1+A2 and that A2 (or higher) certification can be used as proof of Portuguese knowledge for permanent residence, long-term resident status, and Portuguese nationality.

Myth-buster: If you complete PLA successfully and obtain an A2 certificate, AIMA says you’re exempt from taking the Portuguese language test often referred to as the “Prova da Nacionalidade.”

Course structure (A1 + A2, 150 hours, schedule options)

1) A1 + A2 in 150 hours (what “150 hours” actually refers to)

EdPro’s PLA A1+A2 totals 150 hours and is presented as the minimum requirement aligned with A2 outcomes for nationality needs (as commonly understood/used in practice).

2) PLA modules (UFCDs) included in EdPro A1+A2

EdPro lists six UFCD modules, 25 hours each (150 hours total).

UFCD	Module theme	Hours
6452	Eu e o meu dia a dia (Daily routine)	25h
6453	Hábitos alimentares, cultura e lazer (Food, culture, leisure)	25h
6454	O corpo humano, saúde e serviços (Health & services)	25h
6455	Eu e o mercado de trabalho (Work & jobs)	25h
6456	Meu passado e meu presente (Past & present)	25h
6457	Comunicação e vida em sociedade (Communication & society)	25h

3) Schedule options (online or in-campus)

EdPro offers PLA online or in-campus, with schedule windows and pacing options:

Delivery format: Online or In-Campus
Pacing: Intensive 8–9 weeks OR Less intensive 13–15 weeks
Session windows:
- Morning 09:00–13:00
- Afternoon 14:00–18:00
- Evening 18:00–22:00

Timeline: how many weeks does 150 hours take?

AIMA clarifies that PLA duration depends on how many hours per week your provider runs. EdPro’s listed formats translate into these common timelines:

Intensive: ~8–9 weeks
Less intensive: ~13–15 weeks

A simple way to visualize it:

Weekly class hours	150 hours ≈
10h/week	~15 weeks
12h/week	~12–13 weeks
15h/week	~10 weeks
18–20h/week	~8–9 weeks

(Your exact calendar depends on the timetable + intake you choose.)

What you’ll be able to do after A2 (practical outcomes)

A2 is not “fluent.” It’s functional Portuguese for routine situations. Europass’ CEFR descriptors for A2 include understanding frequent vocabulary for immediate needs and handling simple routine tasks.

After reaching A2, most learners can typically:

Handle everyday conversations (introductions, basic questions, simple explanations)
Manage life-admin tasks: appointments, short messages, directions, basic forms (with support when needed)
Communicate in routine work contexts: schedules, simple requests, basic workplace interactions
Understand short, clear announcements and everyday written notices

PLA certificate issuance (what it is + what it’s used for)

What the certificate is

PLA is a regulated program created by Portaria n.º 183/2020, including rules for course organization and certification.

What the certificate is used for (the “why this counts” part)

AIMA states that PLA certification at A2 or higher proves Portuguese knowledge for:

permanent residence,
long-term resident status, and
Portuguese nationality.

And the nationality language testing framework is regulated under Portaria n.º 176/2014.

Enrollment (EdPro walkthrough) + what you need before starting

Choose your intake + study mode

EdPro’s PLA form includes intake options (e.g., January/February, May/June, September/October) and mode (Online / On-Campus / Blended).

What you’ll need (based on the application form fields)

EdPro’s PLA application requests key details such as:

NIF (tax number) and NISS (social security number)
Residence permit status/number/expiry
Contact details + WhatsApp contact (optional, for faster communication)
Uploads like residence card images, passport, and related documents may be requested in the form flow

How to apply (simple 3-step flow)

Pick Online vs In-Campus + preferred schedule window
Submit the PLA application form
Message EdPro via WhatsApp/contact for seat availability and next steps

FAQs

Q: Can I do PLA online?A: Yes—EdPro offers PLA online (and in-campus), and you can select your preferred mode in the application form.

Q: How many weeks does 150 hours take?A: It depends on weekly hours. EdPro lists 8–9 weeks (intensive) or 13–15 weeks (less intensive), and AIMA notes course duration varies by schedule.

Q: Is A2 enough for citizenship?A: AIMA states that PLA A2 (or higher) certification is accepted as proof of Portuguese knowledge for Portuguese nationality, and with an A2 certificate you’re exempt from the nationality language test.