Maturità

Maturità is the term used in Italy for the final examination of upper secondary education, traditionally known as the Esame di Stato. It marks the completion of five years of schooling and certifies the diploma that enables access to higher education and, in many cases, entry into the workforce. The exam is organized nationwide by the Ministry of Education and applies to all upper secondary schools, including Licei, Istituti Tecnici, and Istituti Professionali.

The typical structure of the maturità includes written tests and an oral examination. The written component usually comprises a test in Italian (language and literature) and a second written test in a subject chosen from a list aligned with the student’s track or program. The oral examination covers a broader range of subjects related to the student’s studies and often includes discussion of a prepared topic or project (the tesina) connected to the curriculum. A school or exam commission, composed of teachers from the school and external members, administers and grades the exam.

The final diploma is awarded based on the overall score from the written tests and the oral exam, with the possibility of recognition for outstanding performance, such as a distinction ("lode"). The maturità remains a central milestone in Italian education, having evolved through reforms to reflect curricular changes and national education policy while continuing to determine eligibility for higher education and various professional pathways.