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Key Facts: Esame di Stato Farmacista Exam

1 oral exam

Exam format: single comprehensive oral examination

D.I. 570/2022, Art. 4

60/100

Minimum passing score required on the oral examination

D.I. 570/2022, Art. 4

2 sessions/yr

2026 sessions commence 27 July and 16 November 2026

MUR O.M. 693/2026

LM-13

Master's degree qualifying for examination: Farmacia / CTF

D.I. 570/2022 & MUR O.M. 693/2026

FOFI

Federazione Ordini Farmacisti Italiani professional registry

D.Lgs. C.P.S. 233/1946 & Legge 3/2018

€49.58 + univ.

Statutory state fee plus designated university contribution

MUR O.M. 693/2026

The Italian Pharmacist State Exam (Esame di Stato Farmacista) is the post-graduate professional licensing assessment administered by designated Italian universities under MUR O.M. 693/2026 and D.I. 570/2022 (scheduled sessions: 27 July and 16 November 2026). Designed for candidates on the transitional pre-reform degree pathway, it consists of a single comprehensive oral examination scored out of 100 (pass threshold: 60/100). Fees consist of the €49.58 state tax plus an individual university fee. Independent Farmacista State Exam practice by OpenExamPrep provides an English-language MCQ study adaptation.

Sample Esame di Stato Farmacista Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to review concepts for the Esame di Stato Farmacista exam. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 91+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1According to Table 2 (Tabella n. 2) of the Italian Official Pharmacopoeia (Farmacopea Ufficiale della Repubblica Italiana, FU XII ed.), which of the following substances must EVERY open retail pharmacy MANDATORILY stock at all times?

A.Injectable adrenaline (epinephrine)

B.Injectable naloxone hydrochloride

C.Injectable insulin glargine

D.Liquid oral methadone

Explanation: Table 2 of the FU XII ed. lists substances and medicinal products that all open pharmacies must be mandatorily provided with to handle clinical emergencies. Injectable adrenaline (epinephrine) is an explicit statutory requirement in Table 2, alongside medicinal oxygen, activated charcoal, and injectable corticosteroids. Naloxone and insulin, while common in emergency kits, are not listed as mandatory stock in Table 2.

2Under Table 3 (Tabella n. 3) of the Italian Official Pharmacopoeia (FU XII ed.), what statutory storage protocol is strictly mandated for listed toxic substances (veleni)?

A.They must be kept in a locked cupboard (armadio chiuso a chiave) distinct from other active pharmaceutical ingredients

B.They must be refrigerated at 2°C to 8°C under daily electronic temperature monitoring

C.They may be stored on open compounding shelves provided they display a red GHS skull hazard pictogram

D.They must be stored in an explosion-proof bunker approved by the local fire department

Explanation: Table 3 of the FU XII ed. mandates that highly toxic substances ('veleni' such as arsenic trioxide, mercury salts, and strychnine) must be kept in a locked cupboard (armadio chiuso a chiave) accessible exclusively to licensed pharmacists. Furthermore, the key must remain under the direct personal custody of the pharmacist in charge.

3How does Table 4 differ fundamentally from Table 5 in the Italian Official Pharmacopoeia (FU XII ed.) regarding prescription dispensing rules?

A.Table 4 lists substances subject to renewable prescription (ricetta ripetibile), whereas Table 5 lists substances subject to non-renewable prescription (ricetta non ripetibile)

B.Table 4 lists veterinary substances, whereas Table 5 lists human narcotic medicines

C.Table 4 lists over-the-counter (OTC) substances, whereas Table 5 lists hospital-only medicinal products

D.Table 4 lists banned doping agents, whereas Table 5 lists homeopathic starting materials

Explanation: In the FU XII ed., Table 4 (Tabella n. 4) designates substances whose sale is subject to a medical prescription with ordinary renewable validity (ricetta medica ripetibile), whereas Table 5 (Tabella n. 5) designates toxic, teratogenic, or habit-forming substances that strictly require a non-renewable medical prescription (ricetta medica non ripetibile).

4Which of the following pieces of compounding equipment is explicitly listed as MANDATORY in Table 6 (Tabella n. 6) of the FU XII ed. for every community pharmacy laboratory?

A.A precision balance sensitive to at least 1 mg, accompanied by a valid periodic calibration/verification certificate

B.An automated tablet dissolution testing apparatus with USP paddle rotation

C.A High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) analytical workstation

D.A laminar airflow biosafety cabinet Class II Type B2

Explanation: Table 6 of FU XII mandates essential apparatus, utensils, and reference texts that every pharmacy must maintain, including a precision balance sensitive to at least 1 mg (with periodic metrological certification), a hot plate or water bath, calibrated glassware, a refrigerator (2-8°C), and a pH meter or pH indicator strips. HPLC and automated dissolution baths are industrial testing equipment not required for retail galenic labs.

5A physician prescribes a magistral preparation containing an active ingredient listed in Table 8 (Tabella n. 8) of the FU XII ed. at a dosage exceeding the statutory single maximum dose. The prescription contains no other special notation. What is the pharmacist's statutory obligation?

A.The pharmacist must refuse to dispense the preparation until the physician confirms the overdose in words or explicitly states full responsibility (e.g., 'dico bene')

B.The pharmacist may dispense the preparation provided the patient signs an informed consent form acknowledging the elevated dose

C.The pharmacist must unilaterally reduce the dose to the maximum allowable limit in Table 8 and dispense it immediately

D.The pharmacist must immediately report the prescribing physician to the local judicial authorities (Procura della Repubblica)

Explanation: Under Table 8 of FU XII and Article 34 of the R.D. 1706/1938, when a prescribed dose exceeds the statutory maximum therapeutic dose for an adult (single or 24-hour dose), the pharmacist cannot dispense the preparation unless the prescriber explicitly confirms that the elevated dosage was intended by writing the dose in words, adding a confirmation note like 'dico bene' ('sic'), or explicitly declaring their medical responsibility.

6What is the primary statutory distinction between a magistral formula (formula magistrale) and an officinal formula (formula officinale) under Italian pharmaceutical law?

A.A magistral formula is prepared for a specific individual patient based on a medical prescription, whereas an officinal formula is prepared according to a pharmacopoeial monograph

B.A magistral formula is prepared in an industrial manufacturing plant, whereas an officinal formula is prepared exclusively in community pharmacies

C.A magistral formula contains only herbal active ingredients, whereas an officinal formula contains only synthetic chemical substances

D.A magistral formula does not require any documentation, whereas an officinal formula requires European Medicines Agency (EMA) authorization

Explanation: Under Article 3 of D.Lgs. 219/2006, a formula magistrale (magistral formula) is a medicinal product compounded in a pharmacy for an individual patient pursuant to a medical prescription. A formula officinale (officinal formula) is compounded directly in a pharmacy in accordance with monographs of the FU or other official European pharmacopoeias, intended to be supplied directly to patients served by that pharmacy.

7Under the simplified Good Preparation Practices (Norme di Buona Preparazione - NBP) in the FU XII ed., which document is mandatory for every magistral formulation prepared in a retail pharmacy?

A.A compounding log / preparation sheet (foglio di lavorazione) detailing raw materials, batch numbers, quantities, and quality checks

B.A formal certificate of marketing authorization (AIC) issued by AIFA

C.A full clinical study report documenting bioequivalence in human volunteers

D.A declaration of conformity issued by the Italian National Institute of Health (ISS)

Explanation: Under the NBP (FU XII ed.), every magistral compounding process requires a preparation sheet (foglio di lavorazione / scheda di preparazione). This document records the progressive number, preparation date, patient name, prescribing doctor, qualitative and quantitative composition, raw material lot/batch numbers and expiry dates, calculations, assigned beyond-use date, quality checks performed, and the signature of the compounding pharmacist.

8According to the NBP guidelines in the FU XII ed., what is the maximum beyond-use date (data limite di utilizzazione) for an oral aqueous solution compounded WITHOUT added preservatives?

A.14 days, stored in a refrigerator at 2°C to 8°C

B.6 months, stored at room temperature (15°C to 25°C)

C.90 days, protected from sunlight

D.24 hours, stored in an incubator at 37°C

Explanation: In accordance with the general stability rules of the NBP (FU XII ed.), non-sterile aqueous liquid preparations for oral administration formulated without antimicrobial preservatives have a maximum beyond-use date (BUD) of 14 days when stored under controlled refrigerated conditions at 2°C to 8°C, due to the high risk of microbial proliferation.

9For a non-aqueous solid oral magistral formulation (e.g., hard gelatin capsules prepared from stable chemical powders), how is the beyond-use date determined under FU XII NBP rules in the absence of explicit stability literature?

A.A maximum of 6 months, or 25% of the shortest remaining shelf-life of any raw material used (whichever is shorter)

B.A maximum of 5 years from the date of capsule filling, identical to industrial tablets

C.Exactly 30 days regardless of the chemical nature of the components

D.Until the next calendar year's annual inventory inspection

Explanation: Under the NBP (FU XII ed.), for solid, anhydrous, or non-aqueous formulations where specific literature stability data are lacking, the beyond-use date (BUD) cannot exceed 6 months, or 25% of the remaining shelf-life of the raw material that expires earliest, whichever time period is shorter.

10Which of the following data elements is MANDATORY on the external label of an extemporaneous magistral preparation dispensed by an Italian community pharmacy?

A.Detailed breakdown of the total price according to the National Medicine Tariff (Tariffa Nazionale dei Medicinali)

B.The pharmacy's corporate tax identification code (codice fiscale e partita IVA)

C.The full names of all pharmacy laboratory technicians and interns present during compounding

D.The wholesale acquisition invoice number for the bulk excipients

Explanation: Under Italian pharmaceutical legislation (R.D. 1706/1938 and D.M. 22 settembre 2017 - Tariffa Nazionale dei Medicinali), the label of a magistral preparation must clearly display the detailed price breakdown (or total price calculated strictly per tariff), alongside the pharmacy name and address, preparation date, progressive number, qualitative/quantitative active ingredients, patient and doctor names, posology, BUD, and special warnings.

About the Esame di Stato Farmacista Exam

The Esame di Stato per l'abilitazione all'esercizio della professione di Farmacista is the statutory professional licensing examination in Italy mandated by national legislation (R.D. 1265/1934, Legge 163/2021, and D.I. 570/2022) and scheduled via MUR Ordinanza Ministeriale n. 693/2026 for the 2026 sessions (27 July and 16 November 2026). Successful completion enables graduates in Pharmacy and Industrial Pharmacy (LM-13) covered by the transitional regime to register with the provincial Ordine dei Farmacisti under the FOFI (Federazione Ordini Farmacisti Italiani) and legally practice as retail, hospital, or clinical pharmacists throughout Italy and the European Union. In compliance with D.I. 570/2022, the examination comprises a single oral examination scored out of 100 with a passing threshold of 60/100, testing competencies across galenics and Farmacopea Ufficiale (FU XII), pharmacology and pharmacovigilance, prescription classification and SSN regulations, professional deontology, and Farmacia dei Servizi. Independent Farmacista State Exam practice by OpenExamPrep provides an English-language multiple-choice question (MCQ) adaptation designed to solidify theoretical knowledge, regulatory compliance, and clinical judgment.

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

Assessment

The 2026 transitional State Examination for Pharmacists is governed by MUR Ordinanza Ministeriale n. 693/2026 and Decreto Interministeriale n. 570/2022 for candidates completing the non-qualifying degree curriculum (Laurea Magistrale in Farmacia o Chimica e Tecnologia Farmaceutiche - LM-13 under the pre-reform system). In accordance with D.I. 570/2022, the examination consists of a single comprehensive oral test (prova orale) scored out of 100 points, with a minimum passing threshold of 60/100. The oral interview evaluates: (1) professional ethics and deontology; (2) management and operation of pharmaceutical services; (3) dispensing, conservation, and preparation of medicinal products; (4) National Health Service (SSN) services and conventions; and (5) health education and clinical counseling. The exam is administered in Italian, with a German-language track authorized at the University of Bologna for eligible candidates from the Autonomous Province of Bolzano. Independent Farmacista State Exam practice by OpenExamPrep provides an English-language MCQ study adaptation.

Time Limit

Single comprehensive oral examination

Passing Score

60/100 on the oral examination

Exam / Certification Fees

€49.58 state tax plus a contribution set by the chosen university

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.

30 local questions (not an official percentage)

Dispensing, Storage, Galenic Formulation & Farmacopea Ufficiale

Magistral and officinal formulations, Good Preparation Practices (NBP - Norme di Buona Preparazione), Farmacopea Ufficiale XII ed. (Tables I-VIII), stability, beyond-use dating, packaging, and controlled storage of medicinal products

24 local questions (not an official percentage)

Pharmacology, Pharmacotherapy, Pharmacovigilance & Clinical Counseling

Mechanism of action, therapeutic indications, adverse drug reactions (ADR), drug-drug interactions, clinical pharmacokinetics, AIFA safety communications, and the National Pharmacovigilance Network (RNF)

18 local questions (not an official percentage)

Pharmaceutical Legislation, SSN Conventions & Prescription Types

D.Lgs. 219/2006 (Codice del Farmaco), D.P.R. 309/1990 (Testo Unico Stupefacenti), prescription regimes (ricetta ripetibile, non ripetibile, ministeriale a ricalco, dematerializzata), SSN reimbursement rules, and DPC distribution

11 local questions (not an official percentage)

Deontology (Codice Deontologico del Farmacista, FOFI) & Professional Ethics

Federazione Ordini Farmacisti Italiani (FOFI) ethical code, professional secrecy, duty of dispensing, conscientious objection boundaries, professional independence, advertising regulations, and interprofessional relations

8 local questions (not an official percentage)

Health Education, Pharmacy Management & Farmacia dei Servizi

Farmacia dei Servizi statutory framework (D.Lgs. 153/2009), point-of-care testing, telecardiology, vaccination protocols, therapeutic adherence monitoring, pharmaceutical waste handling, and stock management

Preparing for the Esame di Stato Farmacista Exam

What You Need to Know

Passing score: 60/100 on the oral examination
Assessment: The 2026 transitional State Examination for Pharmacists is governed by MUR Ordinanza Ministeriale n. 693/2026 and Decreto Interministeriale n. 570/2022 for candidates completing the non-qualifying degree curriculum (Laurea Magistrale in Farmacia o Chimica e Tecnologia Farmaceutiche - LM-13 under the pre-reform system). In accordance with D.I. 570/2022, the examination consists of a single comprehensive oral test (prova orale) scored out of 100 points, with a minimum passing threshold of 60/100. The oral interview evaluates: (1) professional ethics and deontology; (2) management and operation of pharmaceutical services; (3) dispensing, conservation, and preparation of medicinal products; (4) National Health Service (SSN) services and conventions; and (5) health education and clinical counseling. The exam is administered in Italian, with a German-language track authorized at the University of Bologna for eligible candidates from the Autonomous Province of Bolzano. Independent Farmacista State Exam practice by OpenExamPrep provides an English-language MCQ study adaptation.
Time limit: Single comprehensive oral examination
Exam / certification fees: €49.58 state tax plus a contribution set by the chosen university Official sources

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Esame di Stato Farmacista: Suggested Study Strategy

1Master the Farmacopea Ufficiale (FU XII ed.) tables, particularly Table 2 (mandatory pharmacy substances), Table 3 (poisons / armadio chiuso a chiave), Table 4 and 5 (prescription regimes), Table 6 (mandatory laboratory apparatus), and Table 8 (maximum dosages for adults).

2Thoroughly understand the Norme di Buona Preparazione (NBP) for magistral compounding, including documentation requirements, calculation of beyond-use dates (BUD), quality controls, and label formatting according to the Tariffa Nazionale dei Medicinali.

3Review prescription classifications under D.Lgs. 219/2006 and D.P.R. 309/1990: Ricetta Ripetibile (RR), Ricetta Non Ripetibile (RNR), Ricetta Ministeriale a Ricalco (RMR), ricetta SSN dematerializzata (NRE), and regulations governing medicinal cannabis and off-label prescriptions (Legge Di Bella / Legge 94/1998).

4Memorize the schedules of D.P.R. 309/1990 (Testo Unico Stupefacenti), including which sections require recording in the Registro Entrata e Uscita within 48 hours, retention periods for records (2 years), and special rules for opioid pain therapy (Allegato III-bis).

5Familiarize yourself with the Codice Deontologico del Farmacista (FOFI), emphasizing professional independence, the duty to dispense, conscientious objection boundaries, interprofessional relationships, and advertising restrictions.

6Understand the operational scope of the 'Farmacia dei Servizi' under D.Lgs. 153/2009, including first-instance diagnostic self-tests (autoanalisi), telecardiology (ECG, Holter), pharmacist-administered vaccinations, and chronic disease adherence programs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Italian Pharmacist State Exam (Esame di Stato Farmacista) and who must take it in 2026?

The Esame di Stato per l'abilitazione all'esercizio della professione di Farmacista is the statutory post-graduate licensing examination in Italy mandated by national legislation. Following the university reform under Legge 163/2021 and Decreto Interministeriale 570/2022 establishing qualifying degrees (laurea abilitante), the traditional State Exam continues under a transitional regime regulated by MUR Ordinanza Ministeriale n. 693/2026 for candidates who enrolled under the previous degree regulations (LM-13 non abilitante). Passing this examination is required to register with the provincial Ordine dei Farmacisti (FOFI) and legally practice as a pharmacist.

When are the 2026 examination sessions scheduled and what is the testing format?

Under MUR Ordinanza Ministeriale n. 693 del 27 maggio 2026, the two examination sessions for 2026 commence on 27 July 2026 (first session) and 16 November 2026 (second session). Under D.I. 570/2022, the examination consists of a single comprehensive oral examination (prova orale) evaluating professional deontology, operational pharmacy services, pharmaceutical dispensing and compounding (galenics), SSN regulations, and clinical counseling.

What is the grading scale and minimum passing score?

Under Article 4 of Decreto Interministeriale 570/2022, the single oral examination is scored out of 100 points. Candidates must achieve a minimum score of 60/100 to pass and obtain professional qualification (abilitazione professionale).

Is the examination offered in languages other than Italian?

Yes. While the standard examination is conducted in Italian across participating universities nationwide, MUR O.M. 693/2026 explicitly authorizes a German-language examination track at the University of Bologna for eligible candidates residing in the Autonomous Province of Bolzano (South Tyrol).

What costs and fees are required to sit the examination in 2026?

Candidates must pay the statutory national state examination fee of €49.58 (tassa di ammissione erariale) plus the enrollment contribution set by the university where the examination is taken; MUR does not publish one national amount for that local contribution.

Why does OpenExamPrep present these practice materials as English multiple-choice questions?

The official Italian State Exam is administered as an in-depth oral interview before a university examining commission. Independent Farmacista State Exam practice by OpenExamPrep provides an English-language MCQ study adaptation designed to systematically test core conceptual, pharmacological, galenic, and regulatory knowledge, providing clear rationales for each option to reinforce mastering the Italian curriculum.