esami

Esami is the Italian noun for examinations or tests. It is the plural form of esame and is used to refer to formal assessments in education, certification, and professional licensing. The term derives from Latin examen, meaning a test or trial.

In education, esami are common across levels, from school assessments to university or college exams. They serve to evaluate a student’s knowledge, skills, and competencies in a given subject. Examinations can take various forms, including written tests, oral examinations, practical or performance-based assessments, and portfolio reviews. Many systems combine multiple components within a single examination period.

In Italy, the term has a specific cultural role: the Esame di Stato, commonly called the maturità, is the final examination of upper secondary education and historically determines eligibility for entering higher education. Other countries also rely on standardized or board examinations for university admission or professional practice; professional licensure often requires passing one or more licensing exams.

Formats and administration vary by jurisdiction. Examinations may be supervised by school instructors, national examination boards, or independent bodies. Results are typically reported on a grade scale and can influence future opportunities, such as admission to higher education or professional credentials. In many systems, students have options for retakes or remediation if they do not achieve a passing mark.

Critically, esami are a central mechanism for assessment and credentialing, but issues related to preparation, accessibility, and equity remain topics of ongoing policy discussion and reform.