CPIA (Centri Provinciali per l'Istruzione degli Adulti)

CPIA (Centri Provinciali per l'Istruzione degli Adulti) are autonomous state schools established under Italian Presidential Decree No. 263 of 29 October 2012, overseen by the Ministry of Education, Universities and Research. They replaced the earlier Centri Territoriali Permanenti (CTP) and evening course programmes from the 2014/2015 school year onward, having been first legislatively created by the 2007 Financial Law (Law No. 296/2006).

Approximately 130 CPIA operate across Italy, organised as Territorial Service Networks with central offices and associated branches to reach adult learners where they are. They serve Italian and foreign citizens aged 16 and above, regardless of nationality, though foreign citizens must hold a valid residence permit. Enrolment and attendance in qualification-bearing programmes are free of charge, with only a small administrative contribution required.

Programmes include first-cycle (middle school) leaving certificate pathways for those who have not completed compulsory education, Italian language and literacy courses for foreign adults targeting at least CEFR A2 level, and second-level diploma courses run in collaboration with upper secondary technical, vocational, and artistic institutes. CPIA also conduct orientation activities and research and development in adult education.

Their mission is to provide adult education services that foster the personal, cultural, social, and economic growth of all citizens, making them a central institutional actor in lifelong learning and immigrant integration in Italy. Innovations in adult learning technology, language instruction, or flexible credentialling are directly relevant to their mandate.