PORTUGUESE HOST LANGUAGE (PLA) COURSES

What are the Portuguese Host Language (PLA) courses?

The Portuguese Host Language (PLA) courses (formerly known as Portuguese for Speakers of Other Languages (PFOL) or Portuguese for All (PPT)), created within the scope of Ordinance No. 183/2020, of 5 August (amended by Ordinance No. 184/2022, published on 21st July), aim to respond to migrant’s needs concerning Portuguese language learning.

These courses certify levels A1 + A2 (Elementary User) and B1 + B2 (Independent User), according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).

PLA courses can be co-funded by EU funds, namely by the Operational Programme Social Inclusion and Employment (PO ISE), under which the High Commission for Migration (ACM, I.P.) assumes the quality of Intermediate Body for the Operation Typology 3.06 - Portuguese Host Language.

Consult the information cards, in PDF format, about the Portuguese Host Language (PLA) courses in five languages: Portuguese, Hindi, English, Nepalese and Ukrainian.

Access the image format versions at www.facebook.com/ACMigracoes

Where can I find PLA courses?

PLA courses are promoted by the public schools, through the Directorate-General of Schools (DGEstE), by the directly and participated management centres network of the Employment and Vocational Training Institute (IEFP, I.P.) and also by the Qualifica Centres network.

Find here the list of schools with PLA courses approved by DGEstE for the academic year 2023/2024.

Access the offer provided by the IEFP, I.P. through the website IEFPonline, searching in the field "Pesquise aqui...", for Português Língua de Acolhimento.

You can also check the offer provided by the Qualifica Centres here.

On the Education and Training Courses Portal you will also find information about PLA courses, by searching in the “Course title” field by “Portuguese Host Language”.

If you are interested in attending a course, you should contact the school, vocational training centre or Qualifica Centre in order to obtain information about the registration process, starting dates, timetables, as well as other requirements.

To find out which schools, vocational training centres or Qualifica Centres are closest to your residence or working area, you can contact the Portuguese Language Learning Promotion Office (GLPt), through the email glpt@acm.gov.pt, or the Migrant Support Line (808 257 257 - 21 810 61 91).

Who can attend PLA courses?

PLA courses are aimed at citizens, aged 16 or over, whose native language is not Portuguese and/or who do not have basic, intermediate or advanced skills in Portuguese language according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), regardless of their legal situation in the country.

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

a) Proof of initiation of the procedure for the extension of stay in the national territory or for granting or renewing the residence permit;

b) Proof of submission of the application for international protection or temporary protection;

c) Proof of Social Security Identification Number (NISS) attribution.

PLA courses are also addressed to citizens holding a short term visa for seasonal work, temporary stay visa or residence visa.

How long are the courses certifying level A (A1 + A2) - Elementary User?

The courses that certify level A (A1 + A2) have a maximum of 150 hours. The lenght of each course depends on each promoting entity’s organisation, according to the number of training hours taught per week. 

How long are the courses certifying level B (B1 + B2) - Independent User?

The courses that certify level A (A1 + A2) have a maximum of 150 hours. The lenght of each course depends depends on each promoting entity’s organisation, according to the number of training hours taught per week. 

How are the PLA courses organised?

PLA courses are organised according to the competences and training referential included in the National Qualifications Catalogue (CNQ), to which correspond the levels of language proficiency according to the QECRL and the respective number of hours.

The PLA courses that certify level A1 + A2 – Elementary User are organised according to the following Short Training Units (UFCD):

The PLA courses that certify level B1 + B2 – Independent User are organised according to the following Short Training Units (UFCD):

The National Qualifications Catalogue (CNQ) also includes a specific Short Training Unit (UFCD 10647 - Graphical dimension and alphabet in Portuguese for users of other writing systems), with a workload of 25h, which should be used when trainees use an alphabet other than Latin or another writing system.

Note: UFCD 6399UI constitutes an in-depth study of cultural knowledge about the host country and is not mandatory to obtain level B1 certification if the learner has already completed UFCD 6397UI and UFCD 6398UI. Although the organisation of the UFCD indicates a number of hours superior to 150 hours, it is foreseen to be more flexible in the teaching of the language and its adjustment to the trainees in the classroom, always considering a maximum of 150 hours, for the conclusion of level B1 and B2 - Independent User.

If I complete the PLA course successfully, do I have to take the Portuguese Language Exam, commonly known as the "Nationality Exam"?

No, if you obtain a certificate at level A2 – Elementary User or higher, you are exempted from taking the Portuguese Language Exam.

Is the A2 level (Elementary User) certificate accepted when applying for Portuguese Nationality?

Yes.

Is the B2 level (Independent User) certificate accepted when applying for Portuguese Nationality?

Yes.

Is the A2 level (Elementary User) certificate accepted in the application for the permanent residence permit?

Yes.

Is the B2 level (Independent User) certificate accepted in the application for the permanent residence permit?

Yes.

Is the A2 level (Elementary User) certificate accepted in the application for long-term resident status?

Yes.

Is the B2 level (Independent User) certificate accepted in the application for long-term resident status?

Yes.

What is the National Monitoring Commission for PLA courses?

The National Monitoring Commission for PLA courses is a working group formed by representatives of the High Commission for Migration (ACM, I.P.), the National Agency for Qualification and Vocational Education (ANQEP, I.P.), the Directorate-General of Schools (DGEstE) and the Employment and Vocational Training Institute (IEFP, I.P.).

Created in 2021, this Commission has as objectives the monitoring and evaluation of PLA courses, the exchange of information and the definition of concerted strategies regarding the implementation of these courses.

Consult the infographic, produced under this Commission, with data about the implementation of PLA courses from 6 August 2020 (date of entry into force of Ordinance No. 183/2020 of 5 August) until 31 December 2021, in PDF/Cards format and in PDF/A4 format.

Access the image format versions at www.facebook.com/ACMigracoes.

NON-FORMAL EDUCATION PROJECTS

Recognizing the importance of non-formal education in a national and local context as an essential part of the lifelong learning process and considering that it is seen as complementary to formal education, the High Commission for Migration (ACM, I.P.) supports, within the scope of the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund (AMIF), Portuguese language learning projects, through non-formal education.

The activities of these projects are categorised in the following typologies:

a) Portuguese Language Activities for final certification by the competent body: initiatives aimed at providing participants with the knowledge they need for certification (level A2 - Elementary User of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR));

b) Initiation to Portuguese: initiatives aimed at providing participants with basic knowledge that will enable their social and professional integration;

c) Literacy: initiatives aimed at providing participants with reading and writing competences that contribute to their autonomy as immigrant citizens, allowing their integration in other training offers;

d) Integrated activities of cultural orientation combined with the teaching of Portuguese language, which promote practical knowledge of local contexts, institutions and practices of access to the labour market.

Take a look at the entities/projects supported under the last calls for proposals: Aviso n.º 97/FAMI/2021, Aviso n.º 98/FAMI/2021 and Aviso n.º 103/FAMI/2022.

RESOURCES

Online Platform for Portuguese

The Online Platform for Portuguese, available at https://pptonline.acm.gov.pt, provides content for the acquisition of European Portuguese by adult speakers of other languages. This platform is not a textbook for teaching and the acquisition of Portuguese. This is a tool that allows the user to develop listening, reading and writing skills. In addition, it also allows the user to learn and expand vocabulary and grammar knowledge necessary to use the language.

The content is organized in two levels - level A and level B – and is presented in two reference frameworks: "Portuguese for Speakers of Other Languages - The elementary user in the host country" and "Portuguese for Speakers of Other Languages - The independent user in the host country". These two documents interpret the descriptions of the levels presented in the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) produced by the Council of Europe Language Policy Unit and that guide the teaching and assessment of languages in the European context and also in many other countries.

The platform, available in Portuguese, English, Arabic and Spanish, is organised into 24 functional thematic modules, presented in text, audio, video and image formats.

For more information about the Portuguese Online Platform, please contact the Portuguese Language Learning Promotion Office (GLPt) by e-mail pptonline@acm.gov.pt.

Pedagogical Resources Platform

The Pedagogical Resources Platform, available at http://ppt.acm.gov.pt, is an e-learning platform developed in moodle software to support the teaching of Portuguese language to foreign people in training contexts, aimed at teachers and trainers who teach Portuguese language courses that certify level A2 – Elementary User.

The idea is to provide digital pedagogical resources to complement the materials/tools already existing in the teaching of Portuguese for speakers of other languages.

This platform is based on the contents of the reference framework "Portuguese for Speakers of Other Languages – The Elementary User in the Host Country" and brings together a set of pedagogical resources that enhance interactivity between learners and trainers, namely texts, exercises, audios, videos and animations.

As in the reference framework, it is organised according to the following modules:

1 – Personal Identification and Characterization;

2 – Daily Life;

3 – Food;

4 – Festivities and Free Time;

5 – Shopping, Services and Directions;

6 – The Human Body and Health;

7 – Occupations and Work;

8 – Studies and Professional Experience;

9 – Past and Present;

10 – Eating Habits;

11 – News and Other Texts;

12 – Citizenship and Cultural Diversity.

The teacher or trainer interested in using the Pedagogical Resources Platform must send his/her request to glpt@acm.gov.pt indicating the name and the entity/organisation.

Training Book - Activities and Exercises Proposals

The Training Book – Activities and Exercises Proposals of is aimed at a heterogeneous public of young and adult immigrants, elementary users of the Portuguese language, whose proficiency language level corresponds to A1 and A2, according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).

This Training Book is based on the guidelines of the reference framework "Portuguese for Speakers of Other Languages – The Elementary User in the Host Country", produced in October 2008, as a result of a partnership between the Directorate-General for Education (DGE), the National Agency for Qualification and Vocational Education (ANQEP, I.P.) and the Employment and Vocational Training Institute (IEFP, I.P.).

This working tool aims to explore and develop reception and production skills, leading the learner to communicate in Portuguese, allowing him/her to know the most relevant aspects of Portuguese culture. Designed to be used in the classroom and with the support of a trainer, its methodology is based on the principle that the use of language is communication-oriented.

This Training Book is made up of 12 Modular Worksheets each containing texts and contextualised activities. The activities include audio exercises in order to promote oral interactivity. All exercises have solutions, allowing the trainer to quickly correct or draw the attention of trainees to a more complex aspect. At the end of each Modular Worksheet there will be a short formative test to consolidate what has been previously achieved.

Access the Training Book.

Note: When downloading the Training Book, a zipped folder will open with a pdf file (the Training Book itself) and a subfolder with mp3 files (sound) that correspond to the audio exercises proposed in the Training Book. To ensure that the pdf file recognises the mp3 files, both files must be saved in the same folder (uncompressed). In case of doubt you may contact the Portuguese Language Learning Promotion Office (GLPt), through the email glpt@acm.gov.pt.

GUIDE for teaching Portuguese Host Language (PLA) in the context of Non-Formal Education (ENF) 

The Guide for teaching Portuguese Host Language (PLA) in the context of Non-Formal Education (ENF) proposes technical guidelines for the organisation of non-formal education activities targeting third-country nationals, carried out under the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund (AMIF).

The Guide is aimed at promoters of non-formal education projects, as well as trainers and teachers responsible for the implementation of the activities.

Access the Guide.

Reference framework "Portuguese for Speakers of Other Languages - The Elementary User in the Host Country"

Developed in 2008, the reference framework "Portuguese for Speakers of Other Languages - The Elementary User in the Host Country" is the result of a partnership between the Directorate-General for Education (DGE), the National Agency for Qualification and Vocational Education (ANQEP, I.P.) and the Employment and Vocational Training Institute (IEFP, I.P.).

This reference framework is intended for non-native adult learners and the communicative-linguistic profile corresponds to level A2 - Elementary User.

Access the reference framework "Portuguese for Speakers of Other Languages – The Elementary User in the Host Country".

Access the reference framework "Portuguese for Speakers of Other Languages – The Elementary User in the Host Country – Activities and Exercise Suggestions".

Reference framework "Portuguese for Speakers of Other Languages – The Independent User in the Host Country"

The reference framework "Portuguese for Speakers of Other Languages - The Independent User in the Host Country" was developed in 2009 through a joint partnership between the National Agency for Qualification and Vocational Education (ANQEP, I.P.), the Directorate-General for Education (DGE) and the Employment and Vocational Training Institute (IEFP, I.P.).

This reference framework is intended for non-native adult learners, with acquired competences of proficiency level A2 - Elementary User, who wish to continue improving their competences in Portuguese language and culture.

Access the reference framework "Portuguese for Speakers of Other Languages - The Independent User in the Host Country".

OTHER INFORMATION

What are the means available to obtain a qualification certificate that proves the Portuguese language knowledge?

According to number 2 of Article 25 of Decree-Law No. 237-A/2006, of 14 December (diploma that approves the Regulation on Portuguese Nationality), as changed by Decree-Law No. 26/2022, of 18 March, Portuguese language knowledge can be proven by one of the following ways:

a) Qualification certificate or certificate from a public, private or cooperative teaching establishments recognized under the legal terms, as long as its holder has successfully attended the curricular unit/discipline of Portuguese or of Portuguese as a non-native language, for at least two school years;

b) Approval certificate in a Portuguese language exam carried out in public teaching establishments, when performed in national territory, or in places approved by the Institute for Cooperation and Language (Camões, I.P.), when performed abroad. The regulation of this exam, as well as the respective control, shall be set out in an ordinance from the members of the Government responsible for the areas of foreign affairs, internal administration, justice and education. [please check the webpage of the Educational Evaluation Institute (IAVE, I.P.) about the Portuguese Language Exam for Nationality Acquisition (PaN)];

c) Certificate in Portuguese as a foreign language, through an exam carried out in an evaluation centre for Portuguese as a foreign language, recognized by the Ministry of Science, Technology and Higher Education. [please check the webpage of the Portuguese as a Foreign Language Evaluation Centre, in the area dedicated to Portuguese as a Foreign Language Exams (PLE)];

d) Certificate attesting the A2 level or higher of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, issued by public schools, employment and training centres and protocol centres of the Employment and Vocational Training Institute (IEFP, I.P.), under the Ordinance no. 1262/2009, of 15 October, amended by the Ordinance no. 216-B/2012, of 18 July;

e) Certificate of the Portuguese Host Language course attesting the A2 level or higher, issued by public schools, directly and participated management centres network of the Employment and Vocational Training Institute (IEFP, I.P.), and by Qualifica Centres, under the Ordinance No. 183/2020, of 5 August (amended by Ordinance No. 184/2022, published on 21st July);

f) Qualification certificate attesting the conclusion of competence units/training units in Portuguese language that integrate the schooling training component of a qualification of the National Qualifications Catalogue, obtained through double certification training modalities of the National Qualifications System, according to article 9 of Decree-Law no. 396/2007, of 31st December, in its current wording, and that complete a minimum of 100 hours.