Overview
The Esame di Stato per l'abilitazione all'esercizio della professione forense is the Italian state exam for lawyers (avvocati). The Ministry of Justice announces one session a year through a ministerial decree (bando). The 2026 session was announced by a decree dated 3 September 2026, which the Ministry describes as a new exam for aspiring lawyers. The written tests and the oral test take place at the Courts of Appeal (Corti di appello) listed in the decree.
Who can apply
Only candidates who have completed the required legal traineeship (pratica forense) can apply. For the 2026 session the traineeship had to be finished by 10 November 2026. A candidate who has not yet finished when applying must declare in the application form that they will finish by that date.
Exam pattern
For 2026 the exam has two written tests and one oral test. The written tests are taken in person, with only annotated codes allowed, and candidates get seven hours from the moment the topic is dictated.
| Part | Content |
|---|---|
| Written test 1 | A reasoned opinion (parere motivato) on a question in private law, criminal law or administrative law, chosen by the candidate |
| Written test 2 | A court document (atto giudiziario) on a practical case, needing both substantive and procedural law, in private, criminal or administrative law, chosen by the candidate |
| Oral test | A practical case in a subject chosen in advance; three questions (procedural law, substantive law, and a third subject chosen from a list); and one question on professional organisation, ethics and the lawyers' pension system |
The oral test is public and takes place at least 30 days after the list of admitted candidates is filed. Candidates choose their oral subjects in the application.
Marking and results
Each written test is scored out of ten points per examiner. A candidate reaches the oral test only with at least 18 points on each written test. To pass the oral test, a candidate needs at least 90 points in total and at least 18 on each of the case and each of the questions. The decree lists the criteria examiners use, including clarity of reasoning, ability to solve concrete legal problems and knowledge of legal principles.
Important dates
For the 2026 session:
Applications: 1 October to 11 November 2026.
Written tests: 15 and 16 December 2026, from 9:00.
Oral tests: dates are shown in each candidate's personal area at least 30 days beforehand.
Fees
For 2026, the total payable is EUR 90.91. This is a state fee of EUR 12.91 plus a flat contribution of EUR 62.00 (EUR 74.91 in all), and a EUR 16.00 stamp duty. Payment is made online through PagoPA, and unpaid applications are excluded.
How to apply
Apply online on the Ministry of Justice website, under the section for competitions and exams. Registration requires second-level SPID, an electronic identity card (CIE) or a CNS. Choose the Court of Appeal and the bar council that certified or will certify your traineeship, pay through PagoPA, then send the application. The application counts as sent only when the system issues a receipt with an identification code. Keep the PDF and code, because you need them in later stages. If you change the application before the deadline, the last one sent is valid.
After the exam
Results and call-ups appear in the candidate's personal area on the Ministry platform. The Ministry's pages do not describe the later step of registering with a bar council, so check with your local bar council.
Preparation tips
Finish your traineeship and certification in time for the 10 November deadline.
Choose your written subject and oral subjects with care. You select the oral subjects in the application.
Practise the two written formats separately, since one is an opinion and the other is a court document.
Read the full decree for the year you apply, because the exam rules changed for 2026.
How many written tests are there?
Two, taken on 15 and 16 December 2026, followed by an oral test.
Can I apply before finishing the traineeship?
Yes, if you will finish it by 10 November 2026 and declare this in the application.
Where are the written tests held?
At the Courts of Appeal listed in the decree, including Roma, Milano, Napoli, Torino and others, plus the Bolzano section of the Trento court.