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Exam Review

Key Facts: Esame Architetto Sezione A Exam

DPR 328/2001

Governing Presidential Decree

Gazzetta Ufficiale della Repubblica Italiana

OM 694/2026

MUR 2026 Examination Ordinance

Ministero dell'Università e della Ricerca

Section A

Register Section in the Ordine degli Architetti

CNAPPC / DPR 328/2001

6/10 per pre-oral test

Minimum for each written, practical, or graphic test; generally 60/100 overall

DM 654/1957 / IUAV 2026 guidance

1 practical + 2 written + 1 oral

Official examination format

DPR 328/2001 Art. 17

DPR 380/2001

Italian Consolidated Building Act (Testo Unico Edilizia)

Normattiva

€49.58 + Local Fee

Statutory state fee plus university registration fee

MUR / Host University Guidelines

English MCQ adaptation

Independent study format, not the official assessment format

OpenExamPrep

The Esame di Stato per Architetto (Section A under DPR 328/2001 and MUR OM 694/2026) is the statutory qualification examination for architects in Italy. Administered in person at Italian universities in July and November sessions, it features a practical design test, two written tests, and an oral examination. This independent English-language MCQ bank supports review of architectural design, structures, planning law, building procedures, and professional practice without simulating the official performance-based format.

Sample Esame Architetto Sezione A Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to review concepts for the Esame Architetto Sezione A exam. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 61+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1Under Italian hygienic-sanitary standards for residential buildings (D.M. 5 luglio 1975 and subsequent updates), what is the standard minimum clear ceiling height (altezza utile interna) required for habitable rooms such as living rooms and bedrooms?
A.2.70 meters (reduced to 2.40 meters for hallways, bathrooms, and utility rooms)
B.2.50 meters (reduced to 2.20 meters for storage areas)
C.3.00 meters across all habitable residential spaces
D.2.60 meters for all rooms in municipalities above 500 meters altitude
Explanation: Article 1 of D.M. 5 luglio 1975 mandates that the minimum internal clear ceiling height for habitable residential spaces (such as bedrooms, living rooms, and dining areas) must be at least 2.70 meters. Hallways, corridors, bathrooms, lavatories, and storage rooms can have their ceiling height reduced to a minimum of 2.40 meters. In mountain municipalities above 1,000 meters above sea level, regional or local regulations may permit a reduction to 2.55 meters for habitable rooms.
2Under D.M. 5 luglio 1975 (prior to the exceptional flexibility thresholds introduced for certified renovations under D.L. 69/2024), what were the statutory minimum net floor areas required for single-occupant and double-occupant studio apartments (alloggi monostanza) in Italy?
A.28 square meters for one person; 38 square meters for two persons
B.20 square meters for one person; 30 square meters for two persons
C.35 square meters for one person; 45 square meters for two persons
D.25 square meters for one person; 35 square meters for two persons
Explanation: Article 3 of D.M. 5 luglio 1975 specifies that for single-room apartments (studio flats / alloggi monostanza), the minimum net habitable area including services must be at least 28 square meters for one person and at least 38 square meters for two persons. While D.L. 69/2024 (Decreto Salva Casa) introduced derogations down to 20 sqm and 28 sqm subject to specific building renovation and sanitary conditions, 28 sqm and 38 sqm represent the foundational national baseline.
3A living room in a newly designed residential apartment has a net usable floor area of 32.0 square meters. According to the statutory aeroilluminating ratio (rapporto aeroilluminante) of D.M. 5 luglio 1975, what is the minimum total openable window surface area (superficie finestrata apribile) required for natural ventilation and daylighting?
A.4.00 square meters
B.3.20 square meters
C.5.33 square meters
D.2.67 square meters
Explanation: Article 5 of D.M. 5 luglio 1975 establishes that for each habitable room, the openable window glass area must not be less than 1/8 of the net floor area (rapporto aeroilluminante >= 1/8). Calculating for 32.0 square meters: 32.0 / 8 = 4.00 square meters. Therefore, the room requires at least 4.00 square meters of glazed openable area.
4Under D.M. 14 giugno 1989, n. 236 (Technical regulations for overcoming architectural barriers), what are the three distinct legal levels of accessibility compliance defined for private residential and public buildings?
A.Accessibilità (Accessibility), Visitabilità (Visitability), and Adattabilità (Adaptability)
B.Transitabilità, Fruibilità, and Convertibilità
C.Agibilità, Abitabilità, and Idoneità tecnica
D.Accessibilità totale, Accessibilità parziale, and Accessibilità assistita
Explanation: Article 2 of D.M. 236/1989 defines three distinct levels: (1) Accessibilità, the highest level, allowing persons with reduced mobility to enter the building, reach common and private spaces, and use equipment autonomously; (2) Visitabilità, allowing access to living and social spaces plus at least one restroom; and (3) Adattabilità, the possibility of modifying spaces over time at minimal cost to make them fully accessible.
5When designing an external pedestrian access ramp under D.M. 236/1989, what is the maximum permissible continuous longitudinal slope (pendenza longitudinale) for standard ramps, and at what maximum intervals must flat resting platforms (pianerottoli di riposo) be placed?
A.Maximum slope of 8.0%, with flat resting platforms at least every 10.0 meters of ramp length
B.Maximum slope of 12.0%, with flat resting platforms at least every 15.0 meters of ramp length
C.Maximum slope of 5.0%, with flat resting platforms at least every 20.0 meters of ramp length
D.Maximum slope of 10.0%, with flat resting platforms at least every 6.0 meters of ramp length
Explanation: Section 8.1.11 of D.M. 236/1989 sets an 8% maximum slope for a standard ramp and requires a level landing at least every 10 meters and at direction changes. A slope up to 12% is an exceptional adaptation rule for an existing building where the standard requirement cannot be met, not a general short-ramp allowance for new work.
6In multi-family residential building typology, which term identifies a multi-story block where individual apartment units are entered from an open external continuous walkway running along the facade?
A.Edificio a ballatoio (or a ringhiera)
B.Edificio in linea
C.Edificio a torre
D.Edificio a corte chiusa
Explanation: The 'edificio a ballatoio' (also historically known as casa di ringhiera in northern Italy) is a linear multi-story residential typology characterized by an external continuous open corridor or balcony (ballatoio) that provides horizontal circulation and individual entrance access to a row of single-aspect or dual-aspect apartments.
7Under European fire protection standards and the Italian Fire Prevention Code (Codice di Prevenzione Incendi - D.M. 3 agosto 2015), what do the letters in the structural fire resistance classification 'REI 120' specifically signify?
A.R = Mechanical resistance; E = Integrity against flames and hot gases; I = Thermal insulation; 120 = duration in minutes
B.R = Reaction to fire; E = Energy absorption; I = Ignition delay; 120 = heat release in kilowatts
C.R = Radiation shielding; E = Emergency containment; I = Incombustibility; 120 = seconds to evacuation
D.R = Radial stiffness; E = Elastic stability; I = Impact resistance; 120 = test temperature in Celsius
Explanation: In European and Italian fire safety classifications, REI indicates the performance of a building element exposed to fire: 'R' (Résistance) is load-bearing capacity and mechanical stability; 'E' (Étanchéité) is integrity, preventing the passage of flames, vapors, and hot gases; 'I' (Isolation) is thermal insulation, limiting heat transmission to the unexposed face. '120' specifies that these three performance criteria are maintained for at least 120 minutes during standard fire testing.
8Using Blondel's classic empirical ergonomic formula (2a + p = 62–64 cm) for comfortable and safe interior stairs, what is the ideal tread depth (pedata, p) if the architect selects a riser height (alzata, a) of 17.0 cm?
A.28.0 to 30.0 cm (ideal value 29.0 cm)
B.24.0 to 25.0 cm
C.34.0 to 36.0 cm
D.20.0 to 22.0 cm
Explanation: François Blondel's formula states that twice the riser plus the tread should equal the average human walking pace: 2a + p = 62 to 64 cm. For an alzata a = 17.0 cm: 2(17.0) + p = 34 + p = 62 to 64 cm, which yields p = 62 - 34 = 28.0 cm to p = 64 - 34 = 30.0 cm, with the exact median at 29.0 cm.
9In the context of the Italian energy performance legislation for buildings (D.M. 26 giugno 2015 - Decreto Requisiti Minimi) implementing the European NZEB (Edifici a Energia Quasi Zero) standard, how is the global non-renewable primary energy performance index designated?
A.EPgl,nren (expressed in kWh/sqm·year)
B.H'T (expressed in W/K)
C.YIE (expressed in W/sqm·K)
D.Asol,est (expressed in square meters)
Explanation: D.M. 26 giugno 2015 establishes EPgl,nren (Indice di prestazione energetica globale non rinnovabile) as the benchmark parameter for building energy classification (from Class A4 to G) and NZEB verification. It aggregates the non-renewable primary energy consumption for heating, cooling, domestic hot water, ventilation, lighting (in non-residential), and vertical transport.
10Calculate the steady-state thermal transmittance (U-value, in W/m²K) of an exterior wall consisting of: internal surface resistance Rsi = 0.13 m²K/W, external surface resistance Rse = 0.04 m²K/W, 2 cm internal plaster (lambda = 0.70 W/mK), 25 cm perforated clay block masonry (R_block = 0.65 m²K/W), 12 cm mineral wool insulation (lambda = 0.035 W/mK), and 1 cm external render (lambda = 0.80 W/mK).
A.Approximately 0.234 W/m²K
B.Approximately 0.455 W/m²K
C.Approximately 0.125 W/m²K
D.Approximately 0.680 W/m²K
Explanation: Total thermal resistance R_tot = Rsi + R_plaster + R_block + R_insulation + R_render + Rse. Calculating components: R_plaster = 0.02 / 0.70 = 0.0286; R_block = 0.65; R_insulation = 0.12 / 0.035 = 3.4286; R_render = 0.01 / 0.80 = 0.0125. Adding all resistances: R_tot = 0.13 + 0.0286 + 0.65 + 3.4286 + 0.0125 + 0.04 = 4.2897 m²K/W. Thermal transmittance U = 1 / R_tot = 1 / 4.2897 = 0.2331 W/m²K, which rounds to 0.234 W/m²K.

About the Esame Architetto Sezione A Exam

The Italian State Examination for the Profession of Architect (Section A) is Italy's statutory qualification examination for architects, governed by Presidential Decree DPR 328/2001 and annual ministerial ordinances issued by MUR, including Ordinanza Ministeriale n. 694 del 27-05-2026. Successfully passing this examination grants the professional title of Architetto and permits enrollment in Section A (Sector: Architettura) of the Ordine degli Architetti, Pianificatori, Paesaggisti e Conservatori. The examination is conducted in person at designated Italian universities across two annual sessions (July and November). Under DPR 328/2001, the exam comprises: (1) a practical architectural or urban design test; (2) a first written test explaining the structural or settlement sizing used in the practical work; (3) a second written test on architectural and cultural knowledge; and (4) an oral examination covering the candidate's work, professional legislation, and deontology. Italian is the ordinary assessment language; MUR OM 694/2026 also permits eligible EU citizens resident in Italy to apply to sit the architect examination in German at the Venice venue. Host universities set the detailed calendar, durations, contribution, and evaluation procedures. This practice bank is an independent English-language MCQ study adaptation; it is not an official translation, format simulation, or substitute for graphic design, written, or oral practice.

Exam sponsor: Ministero dell'Università e della Ricerca (MUR) via the designated host university. The requirements and fees below concern the certification or admission exam, separate from our free practice resources.

Assessment

The official Esame di Stato per Architetto (Sezione A) comprises a practical design project, a connected written sizing justification, a second written test on architectural and cultural knowledge, and an oral examination on the submitted work, professional legislation, and deontology. Local university notices determine durations, administrative details, and scheduling. Italian is the ordinary assessment language; eligible EU citizens resident in Italy may apply to sit the architect examination in German at Venice under MUR OM 694/2026. This bank is an independent English-language MCQ study adaptation, not an official translation or a substitute for graphic, written, or oral practice.

Time Limit

Administered across multiple days; the commission publishes written-test durations (2026 IUAV guidance specifies 8 hours for a graphic test and 30 minutes for an oral)

Passing Score

At least 6/10 in each written, practical, or graphic test to reach the oral; generally at least 60/100 overall, subject to the commission's published scoring procedure

Exam / Certification Fees

€49.58 state tax plus a registration contribution set by the host university

Exam sponsor website

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

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.

No national percentage published

Architectural Design, Building Typology & Spatial Planning

Building typologies, residential distribution, hygienic-sanitary standards (DM 5/7/1975, DL 69/2024), accessibility and barrier-free design (DM 236/1989), fire safety (Codice Prevenzione Incendi), and building energy performance (NZEB, DM 26/6/2015).

No national percentage published

Structural Design, Technology & Building Systems

Technical construction standards (NTC 2018), structural materials (reinforced concrete, steel, timber, masonry), limit state design (SLU and SLE), seismic design concepts, foundation types, and building envelope details.

No national percentage published

Urban Planning, Heritage Protection & Environmental Regulation

Italian urban planning hierarchy (PTR, PRG/PGT, implementation plans), urban standards (DI 1444/1968, zoning, residential standards 18 sqm/inhabitant, building distances), cultural heritage and landscape protection (D.Lgs. 42/2004), and environmental assessments (VIA, VAS, VINCA).

No national percentage published

Building Law, Public Procurement, Safety & Deontology

Building permits and administrative procedures (DPR 380/2001, CILA, SCIA, Permesso di Costruire, agibilità, building tolerances), Public Procurement Code (D.Lgs. 36/2023, PFTE, BIM, OEPV), site safety (D.Lgs. 81/2008 Titolo IV, PSC, POS), and professional ethics (CNAPPC Deontological Code, compulsory CPD, liability insurance).

Preparing for the Esame Architetto Sezione A Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: At least 6/10 in each written, practical, or graphic test to reach the oral; generally at least 60/100 overall, subject to the commission's published scoring procedure
  • Assessment: The official Esame di Stato per Architetto (Sezione A) comprises a practical design project, a connected written sizing justification, a second written test on architectural and cultural knowledge, and an oral examination on the submitted work, professional legislation, and deontology. Local university notices determine durations, administrative details, and scheduling. Italian is the ordinary assessment language; eligible EU citizens resident in Italy may apply to sit the architect examination in German at Venice under MUR OM 694/2026. This bank is an independent English-language MCQ study adaptation, not an official translation or a substitute for graphic, written, or oral practice.
  • Time limit: Administered across multiple days; the commission publishes written-test durations (2026 IUAV guidance specifies 8 hours for a graphic test and 30 minutes for an oral)
  • Exam / certification fees: €49.58 state tax plus a registration contribution set by the host university Official sources

Using Our Practice Resources

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Esame Architetto Sezione A: Suggested Study Strategy

1Master the provisions of the Testo Unico dell'Edilizia (D.P.R. 380/2001), particularly the distinctions between CILA, SCIA, and Permesso di Costruire, as well as the new building tolerance thresholds under D.L. 69/2024.
2Thoroughly review NTC 2018 (D.M. 17 gennaio 2018) structural safety principles, limit state verifications (SLU and SLE), and seismic design basics for reinforced concrete, masonry, and timber structures.
3Memorize key urban planning metrics from D.I. 1444/1968, including the mandatory 18 sqm/inhabitant public standard allocation and the 10-meter minimum distance between facing windowed walls.
4Familiarize yourself with the new Public Procurement Code (D.Lgs. 36/2023), especially the simplified two-level design process (PFTE and Executive Project), BIM requirements, and the role of the RUP.
5Review site safety obligations under D.Lgs. 81/2008 Titolo IV, including the criteria for appointing a CSP and CSE and the required contents of the PSC and POS.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Esame di Stato per Architetto and why is it required in Italy?

The Esame di Stato per l'Abilitazione alla Professione di Architetto is the Italian national qualification examination regulated by DPR 328/2001 and annual MUR ordinances. Passing it is legally required to obtain professional licensure, hold the protected title of Architetto, and register in Section A (Sector: Architettura) of the provincial Ordine degli Architetti, Pianificatori, Paesaggisti e Conservatori.

What is the difference between Section A (Architetto) and Section B (Architetto Iunior)?

Section A is reserved for holders of 5-year Master's degrees (LM-4 or single-cycle equivalent) and confers full professional competence in architectural, urban, and structural design across all project scales. Section B is for holders of 3-year Bachelor's degrees (L-17) and confers the title of Architetto Iunior, with professional competencies restricted to simpler, non-complex constructions and collaborative project execution.

What is the official format and schedule of the examination in 2026?

Under MUR Ordinanza Ministeriale n. 694 del 27 maggio 2026, the examination is conducted in person at Italian universities across two annual sessions: the first session starts on 27 July 2026 (Section A) and the second on 16 November 2026 (Section A). DPR 328/2001 establishes a practical design test, a connected written sizing justification, a second written test on architectural and cultural knowledge, and an oral examination. The host university publishes the detailed calendar and durations.

What fees are required to sit the examination?

Candidates must pay the national government tax of €49.58 plus the separate examination contribution set and published by the selected host university. The local amount is not uniform nationally.

Is this OpenExamPrep question bank an official examination simulation?

No. This practice bank is an independent study tool developed by OpenExamPrep. The real state exam consists of graphic, written, and oral performance tasks, ordinarily in Italian; eligible EU citizens resident in Italy may apply to take it in German at Venice under MUR OM 694/2026. This English-language MCQ bank is a conceptual study adaptation for reviewing Italian building codes, structural standards, planning law, and professional practice.