Free Practice Questions for Italian DIMA Firearms Competency Exam

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Key Facts: Italian DIMA Firearms Competency Exam Exam

€150.00

National minimum course fee (UITS 2026)

Manifesto UITS 2026

72 hours

Firearms acquisition reporting deadline

Art. 38 T.U.L.P.S. (R.D. 773/1931)

200 / 1,500

Cartridges kept without a Prefect's licence: handgun / hunting

Art. 97 Reg. T.U.L.P.S. (R.D. 635/1940)

20 / 10

Magazine declaration thresholds (short / long firearms)

Art. 38 T.U.L.P.S. as amended by D.Lgs. 104/2018

5 years

Medical fitness certificate renewal cycle

D.Lgs. 104/2018 (Art. 38 TULPS)

The Italian DIMA (Diploma di Idoneità al Maneggio delle Armi) is the mandatory national firearms safety qualification administered exclusively by UITS TSN sections under art. 251 of D.Lgs. 66/2010. It requires passing a written multiple-choice exam on firearms law and mechanics, followed by a live-fire practical qualification with handguns and long guns.

Sample Italian DIMA Firearms Competency Exam Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to review concepts for the Italian DIMA Firearms Competency Exam exam. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1Under Article 38 of the Testo Unico delle Leggi di Pubblica Sicurezza (T.U.L.P.S., R.D. 773/1931), within what statutory timeframe must an individual report the acquisition or possession of a firearm (denuncia di detenzione) to the local public security authority?

A.Within 72 hours of taking material possession of the firearm

B.Within 24 hours of completing the commercial purchase at the gun shop

C.Within 7 calendar days of transferring the firearm to one's residence

D.Within 30 calendar days of invoice issuance by the licensed dealer

Explanation: Article 38 of T.U.L.P.S. explicitly mandates that anyone who comes into material possession of firearms, weapon parts, or ammunition must submit a formal declaration (denuncia di detenzione) to the local public security authority within 72 hours of acquiring possession.

2To which designated public authorities may a citizen lawfully submit the statutory declaration of firearm detention (denuncia di detenzione)?

A.Exclusively to the Prefettura — Ufficio Territoriale del Governo in the provincial capital

B.The local Questura, Commissariato di Pubblica Sicurezza, or the territorially competent Stazione dei Carabinieri

C.The Municipal Police (Comando di Polizia Locale) of the resident municipality

D.The regional administrative court (TAR) having territorial jurisdiction

Explanation: Under Article 38 TULPS, detention declarations must be presented directly or transmitted via certified electronic mail (PEC) to the Questura, the local Commissariato di P.S., or, where neither exists, to the local Stazione dei Carabinieri.

3Under Italian firearms law (T.U.L.P.S. and Legge 110/1975), what is the maximum number of handgun cartridges (cartucce per pistola o rivoltella) a private citizen may lawfully hold at home without a special depot licence?

A.50 cartridges

B.500 cartridges

C.200 cartridges

D.1,000 cartridges

Explanation: Italian legislation establishes a maximum limit of 200 cartridges for short firearms (pistols and revolvers) that can be lawfully kept in detention without obtaining a specific explosive/ammunition storage licence (licenza di deposito) from the Prefetto.

4What is the statutory detention limit on the quantity of hunting shotgun cartridges loaded with lead shot (cartucce spezzate per fucile da caccia a canna liscia) held without a depot licence?

A.Up to 500 cartridges

B.Up to 3,000 cartridges

C.Up to 250 cartridges

D.Up to 1,500 cartridges

Explanation: Article 97 of the Regolamento al T.U.L.P.S. (R.D. 635/1940) allows keeping, without a Prefect's licence, 'un numero di millecinquecento cartucce da fucile da caccia caricate a polvere' — a ceiling that covers hunting long-gun cartridges whether loaded with shot or with a single slug. Article 26 of Legge 110/1975 separately exempts up to 1,000 shot cartridges from the declaration duty for someone who already holds declared firearms.

5What is the maximum quantity of smokeless propellant powder (polvere da sparo da lancio) a licensed individual may possess at home for reloading purposes without a depot licence?

A.5 kilograms

B.1 kilogram

C.10 kilograms

D.2.5 kilograms

Explanation: Italian public safety law sets a strict maximum limit of 5 kg of smokeless propellant powder (polvere da lancio) for domestic detention for ammunition reloading. Exceeding 5 kg requires a specialized explosives depot license.

6Under Legge 110/1975, how many common firearms (armi comuni da sparo non sportive e non da caccia) may a private citizen hold under standard detention reporting?

A.Up to 6 common firearms

B.Up to 3 common firearms (corte o lunghe non sportive)

C.Only 1 handgun and 1 long gun

D.An unlimited number provided every gun is reported within 72 hours

Explanation: Article 10 of Legge 110/1975 caps the domestic detention of common firearms (armi comuni da sparo, which are neither classified as sport firearms nor as hunting long guns) at a maximum of 3 pieces. To possess more, a collector's licence is required.

7Following the legal reforms enacted by Legislative Decree n. 104/2018, what is the maximum number of officially classified sport firearms (armi sportive) a citizen may possess under standard detention?

A.Up to 6 sporting firearms

B.Up to 8 sporting firearms

C.Up to 12 sporting firearms

D.Up to 20 sporting firearms

Explanation: D.Lgs. 104/2018, in force from 14 September 2018, raised the detention ceiling in Article 10 of Legge 110/1975 for firearms officially classified as armi per uso sportivo from 6 to 12. The separate limit of 3 armi comuni da sparo was left untouched, and hunting long guns remain outside the cap.

8Under Italian law (Article 10 of Legge 110/1975), what administrative authorization is required to possess common firearms in excess of the statutory numbers (3 common, 12 sport)?

A.A commercial armory concession issued by the Ministry of Defense

B.A special dealer permit granted by the Chamber of Commerce

C.An extraordinary waiver issued by the local TSN Section President

D.A collection licence (licenza di collezione per armi comuni da sparo) issued by the Questore

Explanation: Article 10 of Legge 110/1975 provides that keeping common firearms above those numbers 'è subordinata al rilascio di apposita licenza di collezione da parte del questore', normally limited to one example per model. Hunting long guns are outside this cap under Article 37, comma 2, of L. 157/1992.

9Under Legislative Decree n. 104/2018, what are the capacity thresholds above which firearm magazines must be formally reported (denunciati) upon acquisition?

A.More than 20 rounds for short firearms (handguns) and more than 10 rounds for long firearms

B.More than 15 rounds for handguns and more than 5 rounds for long guns

C.More than 30 rounds for handguns and more than 20 rounds for long guns

D.More than 10 rounds for handguns and more than 2 rounds for long guns

Explanation: D.Lgs. 104/2018 modified Article 38 TULPS and Article 2 of Law 110/1975 to establish that magazines exceeding 20 rounds for handguns (armi corte) or exceeding 10 rounds for long firearms (armi lunghe) are subject to mandatory reporting.

10What is the crucial statutory difference between 'porto d'armi' (carrying) and 'trasporto d'armi' (transporting) in Italy?

A.'Porto' applies strictly to rifles, while 'trasporto' applies strictly to handguns

B.'Porto' authorizes carrying a loaded weapon ready for immediate use on one's person, whereas 'trasporto' requires the weapon to be unloaded, enclosed in a case, not immediately accessible, and separate from ammunition

C.'Porto' allows carrying firearms inside airplanes, while 'trasporto' is restricted to private motor vehicles

D.'Porto' requires notifying the police station before each trip, while 'trasporto' requires no police oversight

Explanation: In Italian law, 'porto' means having a weapon on one's person ready for immediate use (requires a specific carrying licence, such as for personal defense). 'Trasporto' means moving an unloaded, inaccessible firearm in a locked container from one location to another (e.g., to a range).

About the Italian DIMA Firearms Competency Exam Exam

The Diploma di Idoneità al Maneggio delle Armi (DIMA) is the mandatory statutory firearms competency qualification in Italy, required under art. 251 of D.Lgs. 66/2010 and art. 8 of Law 110/1975 for any citizen applying for a firearms licence (porto d'armi for sport shooting, hunting, or personal defence) or firearms acquisition permit (nulla osta all'acquisto) who has not performed military service within the preceding 10 years. Administered exclusively by the Sezioni of the Unione Italiana Tiro a Segno (TSN/UITS), the assessment validates essential knowledge of Italian firearms statutes (TULPS R.D. 773/1931, Legge 110/1975), firearm mechanics and ballistics, range commands, safe gun handling, and legitimate defense principles under art. 52 c.p.

Exam sponsor: Unione Italiana Tiro a Segno (UITS) via local Sezioni di Tiro a Segno Nazionale (TSN). The requirements and fees below concern the certification or admission exam, separate from our free practice resources.

Assessment

The DIMA course consists of two distinct phases: a theoretical instruction session concluding with a written multiple-choice examination, followed by a live-fire practical qualification at the TSN range. Practical firing includes 50 rounds with a semi-automatic handgun (at 7 m, 12 m, and 25 m), 50 rounds with a rifled carbine (.22 LR at 25 m or 50 m), and 10 rounds with a smoothbore shotgun (cal. 12 at 25 m).

Time Limit

Not fixed nationally: the Manifesto UITS requires only that the theory and practical phases be held at two distinct moments, possibly on the same day; sections that publish a limit allow about 30 minutes for the written test, and published timetables run from one half-day to two

Passing Score

Theory: no national threshold in the Manifesto; sections commonly require 13/15 (or 15/20) correct. Practical, fixed nationally: handgun 60% of rounds on target at 25 m, 80% at 12 m, all rounds in the a-c-d zone at 7 m; rifled long gun 90% at 25 m and 50 m; smoothbore 80% at 25 m — plus demonstrated safe handling

Exam / Certification Fees

Inderogable national minimum of €150.00 under Manifesto UITS 2026 (both arms, ammunition included), plus the €14.83 annual iscritti d'obbligo quota; sections may charge above the minimum, with €170.00 to €200.00 observed in 2026, and repeat lessons at €20.00 or more each

Exam sponsor website

Fees, eligibility, and exam policies can change. Confirm them with the exam sponsor before applying or paying.

Official sources

Our practice resources: topics covered

We aim to reflect publicly available exam outlines and topic information in our study resources. Coverage, format, and difficulty may differ from the actual exam, and we cannot guarantee that every detail is accurate or current. Confirm exam requirements, fees, and policies with the official exam sponsor.

35%

Firearms Legislation & Custody Obligations

Statutory framework under TULPS (R.D. 773/1931) and Law 110/1975; 72-hour reporting of firearm acquisition (denuncia di detenzione, art. 38 TULPS); ammunition ceilings held without a Prefect's licence (200 handgun rounds, 1,500 hunting cartridges, 5 kg propellant — art. 97 Reg. TULPS); the magazine declaration thresholds of more than 20 rounds for short and more than 10 rounds for long firearms; strict distinction between porto (carrying ready-for-use) and trasporto (transporting unloaded in a locked case); and mandatory safe custody to prevent unauthorized access (artt. 20 and 20-bis L. 110/1975).

25%

Firearm Mechanics, Nomenclature & Ballistics

Anatomy and operating cycles of semi-automatic pistols, revolvers, break-action shotguns, and carbines; single vs. double action triggers; internal, external, and terminal ballistics; cartridge anatomy (casing, primer, propellant, bullet); and caliber classifications.

25%

Safe Handling, Range Protocol & Stoppage Drills

The universal safety rules; step-by-step clearing and safe-state verification (always removing the magazine before cycling the slide); range commands ('Fuoco', 'Cessare il fuoco'); handling misfires (hangfire wait period) and squib loads (stopping immediately to clear barrel obstructions).

15%

Legitimate Defense & Medical Standards

Codice Penale art. 52 (legittima difesa, current danger, necessity, and dwelling presumption under L. 36/2019); medical fitness criteria under D.M. 28 aprile 1998; 5-year medical certificate renewals for firearm holders; and statutory disqualifications under artt. 11 and 43 TULPS.

Preparing for the Italian DIMA Firearms Competency Exam Exam

What You Need to Know

Passing score: Theory: no national threshold in the Manifesto; sections commonly require 13/15 (or 15/20) correct. Practical, fixed nationally: handgun 60% of rounds on target at 25 m, 80% at 12 m, all rounds in the a-c-d zone at 7 m; rifled long gun 90% at 25 m and 50 m; smoothbore 80% at 25 m — plus demonstrated safe handling
Assessment: The DIMA course consists of two distinct phases: a theoretical instruction session concluding with a written multiple-choice examination, followed by a live-fire practical qualification at the TSN range. Practical firing includes 50 rounds with a semi-automatic handgun (at 7 m, 12 m, and 25 m), 50 rounds with a rifled carbine (.22 LR at 25 m or 50 m), and 10 rounds with a smoothbore shotgun (cal. 12 at 25 m).
Time limit: Not fixed nationally: the Manifesto UITS requires only that the theory and practical phases be held at two distinct moments, possibly on the same day; sections that publish a limit allow about 30 minutes for the written test, and published timetables run from one half-day to two
Exam / certification fees: Inderogable national minimum of €150.00 under Manifesto UITS 2026 (both arms, ammunition included), plus the €14.83 annual iscritti d'obbligo quota; sections may charge above the minimum, with €170.00 to €200.00 observed in 2026, and repeat lessons at €20.00 or more each Official sources

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Italian DIMA Firearms Competency Exam: Suggested Study Strategy

1Memorize statutory quantities and deadlines: 72 hours to report firearm acquisition (denuncia di detenzione, art. 38 TULPS); max 200 handgun cartridges, 1,500 hunting cartridges, and 5 kg gunpowder without a depot licence.

2Understand the strict legal distinction between porto (carrying a loaded, ready-for-use firearm, requiring a personal defence licence) and trasporto (transporting an unloaded, cased firearm, with ammunition stored separately, for sport or maintenance).

3Always follow the universal unloading sequence: keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction, drop/remove the magazine FIRST, then cycle the slide to extract any chambered round, lock the action open, and visually/physically inspect the chamber.

4Review the legal elements of Legittima Difesa under art. 52 c.p.: current danger, unlawful aggression, lack of lawful alternatives, and the legal presumption of proportionality inside domicile or business premises under Law 36/2019.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Diploma di Idoneità al Maneggio delle Armi (DIMA)?

The DIMA is the official certificate of technical competence in firearms handling required by Italian law (art. 8 of Law 110/1975 and art. 251 of D.Lgs. 66/2010). It is issued exclusively by the Sezioni of the Tiro a Segno Nazionale (TSN) under the aegis of the Unione Italiana Tiro a Segno (UITS) to confirm that an applicant has mastered firearm safety, legal obligations, mechanics, and marksmanship.

Who is required to obtain the DIMA in Italy?

Under art. 8, comma 6 of Law 110/1975, anyone applying for any Italian firearms licence (porto di pistola per difesa personale, porto di fucile per uso caccia, or porto di fucile per tiro a volo) or for an acquisition permit (nulla osta per l'acquisto di armi) must obtain the DIMA, unless they have performed active military or police service within the preceding 10 years.

What does the theoretical examination cover?

The theoretical test assesses essential Italian firearms statutes (TULPS R.D. 773/1931, Legge 110/1975), firearm classifications, safe storage duties (artt. 20 and 20-bis L. 110/1975), acquisition reporting within 72 hours, ammunition limits, safe handling procedures, firearm components and mechanics, ballistics, and legitimate defense principles under art. 52 c.p.

What are the practical live-fire shooting requirements?

Per the national UITS Manifesto, candidates fire 50 rounds with a semi-automatic handgun (.22 LR or 9x21) at distances of 7, 12, and 25 meters; 50 rounds with a rifled long gun (.22 LR carbine) at 25 or 50 meters; and 10 rounds with a smoothbore shotgun (cal. 12) at 25 meters. Passing requires achieving minimum target hit percentages (60% for handgun at 25 m, 90% for carbine, 80% for shotgun) with zero safety violations.

Does the DIMA qualification expire?

Neither Legge 110/1975 nor the Manifesto UITS fixes an expiry date for the DIMA, and the Ministry of the Interior circular of 24 June 2011 reads the ten-year window in art. 8 of Legge 110/1975 as attaching to military or armed-corps service rather than to the TSN certificate. In practice the point is contested: some Prefetture ask for a DIMA issued no more than 10 years earlier when a personal-defence licence is granted or renewed, so check with the competent office. The licences themselves do expire — 5 years for hunting and tiro a volo, annual renewal for personal defence — and carry their own medical re-certification duties.

How is this practice question bank structured compared to the real test?

The official DIMA evaluation consists of an Italian-language multiple-choice written test followed by a mandatory live-fire practical examination. This 100-question English-language MCQ practice bank is an independent study aid adapting the official UITS curriculum, terminology, and legal rules to help candidates master the tested concepts; it cannot substitute for the mandatory supervised range test.