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Key Facts: Esame di Stato Fisico Exam

Oral Exam

Official examination format (prova orale)

MUR Ordinanza n. 693/2026

60 / 100

Minimum score required to pass and qualify

MUR D.I. 609/2025

Law 3/2018

Reform establishing physicist as healthcare profession

Gazzetta Ufficiale n. 18/2018

D.Lgs. 101/2020

Primary Italian ionizing radiation protection decree

Gazzetta Ufficiale n. 201/2020

FNCF

National Federation of Orders of Chemists and Physicists

FNCF Portal (chimicifisici.it)

LM-17

Qualifying degree class (Laurea Magistrale in Fisica)

MUR Degree Classification

2 Sessions

Annual exam sessions (Summer & Autumn)

MUR Annual Ordinance

Section A

D.P.R. 328/2001

The 2026 Esame di Stato per Fisico (Sezione A) is Italy's mandatory state licensing examination for professional registration with the Ordine dei Chimici e dei Fisici under MUR Ordinanza n. 693/2026 and D.I. 609/2025. Delivered as a comprehensive in-person oral exam scored out of 100 (minimum 60/100 required to pass), it tests core physics, metrology, medical physics/radiation protection (D.Lgs. 101/2020), and professional ethics (Law 3/2018). This practice bank provides an independent English-language MCQ study adaptation.

Sample Esame di Stato Fisico Practice Questions

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1A bead of mass $m$ slides without friction on a circular wire hoop of radius $R$. The hoop rotates about its vertical diameter with constant angular velocity $\omega$. Using the polar angle $\theta$ measured from the downward vertical as the generalized coordinate, what is the Lagrangian $L$ and the condition for the existence of a stable equilibrium at $\theta_0 > 0$?

A.$L = \frac{1}{2}mR^2\dot{\theta}^2 + \frac{1}{2}mR^2\omega^2\sin^2\theta + mgR\cos\theta$; a stable non-zero equilibrium exists only if $\omega^2 > \frac{g}{R}$.

B.$L = \frac{1}{2}mR^2\dot{\theta}^2 - \frac{1}{2}mR^2\omega^2\sin^2\theta - mgR\cos\theta$; a stable non-zero equilibrium exists only if $\omega^2 < \frac{g}{R}$.

C.$L = \frac{1}{2}mR^2\dot{\theta}^2 + \frac{1}{2}mR^2\omega^2\cos^2\theta + mgR\sin\theta$; a stable non-zero equilibrium exists for any non-zero $\omega$.

D.$L = mR^2\dot{\theta}^2 + mR^2\omega^2\sin\theta - mgR(1-\cos\theta)$; no stable equilibrium exists away from the bottom position $\theta=0$.

Explanation: The kinetic energy is $T = \frac{1}{2}m(v_\theta^2 + v_\phi^2) = \frac{1}{2}m(R^2\dot{\theta}^2 + R^2\omega^2\sin^2\theta)$, and the gravitational potential energy is $V = -mgR\cos\theta$ relative to the hoop center. Thus $L = T - V = \frac{1}{2}mR^2\dot{\theta}^2 + \frac{1}{2}mR^2\omega^2\sin^2\theta + mgR\cos\theta$. The effective potential is $V_{eff}(\theta) = -mgR\cos\theta - \frac{1}{2}mR^2\omega^2\sin^2\theta$. Setting $V_{eff}'(\theta) = mgR\sin\theta - mR^2\omega^2\sin\theta\cos\theta = 0$ yields non-zero equilibria at $\cos\theta_0 = g/(R\omega^2)$, which is real and stable only when $\omega^2 > g/R$.

2A particle of mass $m$ moves in a central potential $V(r) = -\frac{k}{r^n}$, where $k > 0$ and $n > 0$. According to Bertrand's theorem and the stability analysis of circular orbits in central force motion, for which values of the power exponent $n$ are stable circular orbits possible?

A.$n < 2$

B.$n > 2$

C.$n = 3$ only

D.For all $n > 0$

Explanation: The effective potential is $V_{eff}(r) = \frac{L^2}{2mr^2} - \frac{k}{r^n}$. A circular orbit occurs at $V_{eff}'(r_0) = 0$, giving $\frac{L^2}{mr_0^3} = \frac{nk}{r_0^{n+1}}$, or $L^2 = n m k r_0^{2-n}$. Stability requires $V_{eff}''(r_0) > 0$, which evaluates to $\frac{3L^2}{mr_0^4} - \frac{n(n+1)k}{r_0^{n+2}} = \frac{n k}{r_0^{n+2}}(2 - n) > 0$. Because $k > 0$ and $n > 0$, this holds if and only if $n < 2$.

3Two identical masses $m$ are connected in series along a line by three identical springs of spring constant $k$, with the outer ends of the outer springs fixed to rigid walls. What are the two normal mode frequencies $\omega_1$ and $\omega_2$ of longitudinal oscillations of this system?

A.$\omega_1 = \sqrt{\frac{k}{m}}$ and $\omega_2 = \sqrt{\frac{3k}{m}}$

B.$\omega_1 = \sqrt{\frac{k}{2m}}$ and $\omega_2 = \sqrt{\frac{2k}{m}}$

C.$\omega_1 = \sqrt{\frac{2k}{m}}$ and $\omega_2 = \sqrt{\frac{4k}{m}}$

D.$\omega_1 = \frac{1}{2}\sqrt{\frac{k}{m}}$ and $\omega_2 = \frac{\sqrt{3}}{2}\sqrt{\frac{k}{m}}$

Explanation: The equations of motion for displacements $x_1$ and $x_2$ are $m\ddot{x}_1 = -kx_1 + k(x_2 - x_1) = -2kx_1 + kx_2$ and $m\ddot{x}_2 = -k(x_2 - x_1) - kx_2 = kx_1 - 2kx_2$. Substituting normal mode solutions $x_j = A_j e^{i\omega t}$ yields the secular equation $\det\begin{pmatrix} 2k - m\omega^2 & -k \\ -k & 2k - m\omega^2 \end{pmatrix} = 0$. This gives $(2k - m\omega^2)^2 - k^2 = 0$, so $2k - m\omega^2 = \pm k$. The two roots are $\omega^2 = k/m$ (symmetric mode $x_1 = x_2$) and $\omega^2 = 3k/m$ (antisymmetric mode $x_1 = -x_2$).

4An asymmetric rigid body has principal moments of inertia $I_1 < I_2 < I_3$ about its principal axes. Under torque-free rotation governed by Euler's equations, which statement regarding the stability of steady rotation about the principal axes is correct?

A.Rotations about the principal axes with moments $I_1$ and $I_3$ are stable, whereas rotation about the intermediate principal axis $I_2$ is unstable.

B.Rotations about all three principal axes are unconditionally stable because total angular momentum and kinetic energy are conserved.

C.Only rotation about the axis of maximum moment of inertia $I_3$ is stable; rotations about $I_1$ and $I_2$ are unstable.

D.Rotation about the intermediate axis $I_2$ is stable, while rotations about the extremal axes $I_1$ and $I_3$ exhibit chaotic divergence.

Explanation: This is the classical intermediate axis theorem (or tennis racket theorem / Dzhanibekov effect). Linearizing Euler's equations $I_1\dot{\omega}_1 = (I_2 - I_3)\omega_2\omega_3$, $I_2\dot{\omega}_2 = (I_3 - I_1)\omega_3\omega_1$, and $I_3\dot{\omega}_3 = (I_1 - I_2)\omega_1\omega_2$ reveals that small perturbations about $\omega_1$ and $\omega_3$ lead to bounded oscillatory solutions, while perturbations about the intermediate axis $\omega_2$ satisfy $\ddot{\eta} \propto +\eta$ with a positive coefficient, causing exponential divergence.

5In Hamiltonian mechanics, Liouville's theorem states that the phase-space distribution function $\rho(q, p, t)$ along the trajectory of any system evolves such that $\frac{d\rho}{dt} = 0$. What is the direct geometric consequence of this theorem for an arbitrary ensemble of system states in phase space?

A.The volume of any given region of phase space is strictly conserved over time as the system evolves under Hamiltonian flow.

B.The total energy of the ensemble must decay monotonically due to dissipative volume contraction.

C.The shape of any phase space domain remains invariant and cannot undergo shearing or distortion.

D.The phase space trajectory must be periodic and closed for all bounded Hamiltonian systems.

Explanation: Liouville's theorem states that the Hamiltonian flow in phase space behaves as an incompressible fluid, meaning $\nabla \cdot \mathbf{v}_{phase} = \sum_i (\frac{\partial \dot{q}_i}{\partial q_i} + \frac{\partial \dot{p}_i}{\partial p_i}) = \sum_i (\frac{\partial^2 H}{\partial q_i \partial p_i} - \frac{\partial^2 H}{\partial p_i \partial q_i}) = 0$. Consequently, the phase-space volume $\int \prod dq_i dp_i$ occupied by an ensemble of states is strictly invariant under canonical time evolution.

6A monochromatic plane electromagnetic wave in vacuum has cycle-averaged intensity $I = 1500\text{ W/m}^2$. It is normally incident upon a flat surface that completely absorbs the radiation. Given the speed of light $c = 3.0 \times 10^8\text{ m/s}$, what is the radiation pressure exerted on this surface?

A.$5.0 \times 10^{-6}\text{ N/m}^2$

B.$1.0 \times 10^{-5}\text{ N/m}^2$

C.$2.5 \times 10^{-6}\text{ N/m}^2$

D.$4.5 \times 10^{11}\text{ N/m}^2$

Explanation: For an electromagnetic wave normally incident on a perfectly absorbing surface, the radiation pressure is equal to the time-averaged energy density: $P_{rad} = \frac{I}{c}$. Substituting $I = 1500\text{ W/m}^2$ and $c = 3.0 \times 10^8\text{ m/s}$ gives $P_{rad} = \frac{1500}{3.0 \times 10^8} = 5.0 \times 10^{-6}\text{ N/m}^2$ (or Pa).

7At a planar interface separating two linear, isotropic, homogeneous dielectric media with permittivities $\epsilon_1$ and $\epsilon_2$ in the absence of free surface charges and currents, which electromagnetic boundary conditions must hold?

A.The tangential component of $\mathbf{E}$ and the normal component of $\mathbf{D}$ are continuous across the interface.

B.The normal component of $\mathbf{E}$ and the tangential component of $\mathbf{D}$ are continuous across the interface.

C.Both the normal and tangential components of $\mathbf{E}$ are continuous across the interface.

D.The tangential component of $\mathbf{D}$ is continuous, while the normal component of $\mathbf{D}$ undergoes a jump equal to $\epsilon_1/\epsilon_2$.

Explanation: From Faraday's law in electrostatics ($\nabla \times \mathbf{E} = 0$), integrating around an infinitesimal Stokes loop across the boundary shows that the tangential electric field is continuous: $E_{1\parallel} = E_{2\parallel}$. From Gauss's law ($\nabla \cdot \mathbf{D} = \rho_f$), integrating over a Gaussian pillbox with zero free surface charge ($\sigma_f = 0$) demonstrates that the normal displacement field is continuous: $D_{1\perp} = D_{2\perp}$.

8A long cylindrical conductor of radius $a$, length $L$, and resistance $R$ carries a steady, uniform current $I$ distributed evenly throughout its cross-section. What is the direction and total flux of the Poynting vector $\mathbf{S} = \frac{1}{\mu_0}(\mathbf{E} \times \mathbf{B})$ across the outer cylindrical surface of the conductor?

A.$\mathbf{S}$ points radially inward toward the wire axis, and the total flux into the wire equals $-I^2 R$, representing the electromagnetic energy dissipated as Joule heat.

B.$\mathbf{S}$ points radially outward from the wire axis, and the total flux equals $+I^2 R$, representing electromagnetic energy radiated into free space.

C.$\mathbf{S}$ points parallel to the current flow along the length of the wire, transporting energy purely along the conductor.

D.$\mathbf{S}$ is identically zero everywhere on the surface because the electric and magnetic fields are parallel.

Explanation: Inside and on the surface of the wire, the electric field is directed axially: $\mathbf{E} = \frac{V}{L}\hat{z} = \frac{IR}{L}\hat{z}$. By Ampère's law, the magnetic field at the surface is azimuthal: $\mathbf{B} = \frac{\mu_0 I}{2\pi a}\hat{\phi}$. The Poynting vector is $\mathbf{S} = \frac{1}{\mu_0}(\mathbf{E} \times \mathbf{B}) = \frac{1}{\mu_0}\left(\frac{IR}{L}\hat{z}\right) \times \left(\frac{\mu_0 I}{2\pi a}\hat{\phi}\right) = -\frac{I^2 R}{2\pi a L}\hat{r}$, pointing radially inward. Integrating over the surface area $2\pi a L$ gives a total inward energy flux of $I^2 R$, which exactly accounts for the resistive Joule dissipation.

9A rectangular hollow metallic waveguide filled with air has interior cross-sectional dimensions $a = 3.0\text{ cm}$ (broad wall) and $b = 1.5\text{ cm}$ (narrow wall). What is the cutoff frequency for the dominant $TE_{10}$ propagation mode?

A.$5.0\text{ GHz}$

B.$10.0\text{ GHz}$

C.$2.5\text{ GHz}$

D.$15.0\text{ GHz}$

Explanation: The cutoff frequency for $TE_{mn}$ and $TM_{mn}$ modes in a rectangular waveguide of dimensions $a \times b$ is given by $f_{c,mn} = \frac{c}{2}\sqrt{\left(\frac{m}{a}\right)^2 + \left(\frac{n}{b}\right)^2}$. For the dominant $TE_{10}$ mode, $m=1$ and $n=0$, so $f_{c,10} = \frac{c}{2a}$. With $a = 0.03\text{ m}$ and $c = 3.0 \times 10^8\text{ m/s}$, $f_{c,10} = \frac{3.0 \times 10^8}{2 \times 0.03} = 5.0 \times 10^9\text{ Hz} = 5.0\text{ GHz}$.

10According to the classical Larmor formula, what is the total electromagnetic power $P$ radiated by a non-relativistic point particle of electric charge $q$ undergoing acceleration $a$ in vacuum?

A.$P = \frac{q^2 a^2}{6\pi \epsilon_0 c^3}$

B.$P = \frac{q^2 a}{4\pi \epsilon_0 c^2}$

C.$P = \frac{q a^2}{6\pi \epsilon_0 c^2}$

D.$P = \frac{q^2 a^2}{12\pi \epsilon_0 c}$

Explanation: The Larmor formula describes the total power radiated by an accelerating non-relativistic charged particle. By integrating the Poynting vector of the radiation field over a sphere at infinity, one obtains $P = \frac{\mu_0 q^2 a^2}{6\pi c} = \frac{q^2 a^2}{6\pi \epsilon_0 c^3}$, where $\mu_0 = 1/(\epsilon_0 c^2)$.

About the Esame di Stato Fisico Exam

The Esame di Stato per l'Abilitazione all'Esercizio della Professione di Fisico (Sezione A) is the official qualifying state examination in Italy governed by the Ministero dell'Università e della Ricerca (MUR) pursuant to Ordinanza Ministeriale n. 693/2026 and Decreto Interministeriale 609/2025. Successful completion of the examination is legally mandatory for registration in Section A (Fisico) of the Ordine dei Chimici e dei Fisici, coordinated nationally by the Federazione Nazionale degli Ordini dei Chimici e dei Fisici (FNCF). Since the landmark reform enacted by Law no. 3/2018 (Legge Lorenzin), the profession of physicist in Italy is classified as a regulated healthcare profession (professione sanitaria), granting certified practitioners legal competence in medical physics, radiation protection (D.Lgs. 101/2020), environmental acoustics and electromagnetic field monitoring (D.Lgs. 81/2008), sensor calibration, forensic physics, and advanced scientific consultancy. The examination is organized locally by authorized state universities and conducted as an in-depth oral colloquium before a commission of academic professors and professional physicists designated by the Order. This 100-question practice bank is an independent educational prep resource created by OpenExamPrep. It adapts the core competencies of the official syllabus into English-language four-option multiple-choice questions with detailed teaching rationales. It is not an official examination paper or authorized simulation, and OpenExamPrep is not affiliated with or endorsed by MUR, the FNCF, or any Italian university.

Exam sponsor: Ministero dell'Università e della Ricerca (MUR) / Federazione Nazionale degli Ordini dei Chimici e dei Fisici (FNCF). The requirements and fees below concern the certification or admission exam, separate from our free practice resources.

Assessment

The official Italian Physicist State Examination (Esame di Stato per l'Abilitazione alla Professione di Fisico - Sezione A) is conducted under MUR Ordinanza n. 693/2026 and Decreto Interministeriale 609/2025 as a single comprehensive oral examination (prova orale) administered at accredited Italian state universities. The exam covers four core curricular areas: theoretical and statistical physics, measurement systems and data processing, medical and radiation physics (including D.Lgs. 101/2020), and professional ethics, deontology, and healthcare legislation (Law 3/2018). Candidates are evaluated on a 100-point scale and must score at least 60/100 to obtain state licensing. This 100-question practice test provides an independent English-language MCQ study adaptation.

Time Limit

Single in-person oral; duration set by the host commission

Passing Score

Minimum 60/100 points in the oral examination

Exam / Certification Fees

State tax and host-university contribution; verify locally

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%

Applied & Medical Physics / Radiation Protection

Ionizing radiation interactions, radiation dosimetry, medical imaging physics (CT, MRI, PET, ultrasound), health physics, Italian radiation safety legislation (D.Lgs. 101/2020), and nuclear physics applications

25%

Core Physics & Thermodynamics

Classical mechanics, electromagnetism, Maxwell's equations, thermodynamics, statistical mechanics, quantum mechanics, and operator algebra with calculations

25%

Measurement, Metrology, Instrumentation & Data Analysis

Metrological standards, uncertainty propagation (GUM / ISO/IEC Guide 98-3), sensor physics, electronic instrumentation, signal acquisition, Fourier analysis, and statistical data analysis

20%

Professional Law, Ethics & Deontology

Italian health professions reform (Law 3/2018), FNCF Code of Deontology, statutory professional responsibilities, workplace safety (D.Lgs. 81/2008), and technical expert witness testimony (CTU/CTP)

Preparing for the Esame di Stato Fisico Exam

What You Need to Know

Passing score: Minimum 60/100 points in the oral examination
Assessment: The official Italian Physicist State Examination (Esame di Stato per l'Abilitazione alla Professione di Fisico - Sezione A) is conducted under MUR Ordinanza n. 693/2026 and Decreto Interministeriale 609/2025 as a single comprehensive oral examination (prova orale) administered at accredited Italian state universities. The exam covers four core curricular areas: theoretical and statistical physics, measurement systems and data processing, medical and radiation physics (including D.Lgs. 101/2020), and professional ethics, deontology, and healthcare legislation (Law 3/2018). Candidates are evaluated on a 100-point scale and must score at least 60/100 to obtain state licensing. This 100-question practice test provides an independent English-language MCQ study adaptation.
Time limit: Single in-person oral; duration set by the host commission
Exam / certification fees: State tax and host-university contribution; verify locally Official sources

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Esame di Stato Fisico: Suggested Study Strategy

1Master radiation protection legislation: D.Lgs. 101/2020 is heavily emphasized in the state examination, particularly dose limits, the three radiation protection principles (justification, optimization, dose limitation), and the duties of the Esperto di Radioprotezione.

2Understand the legal architecture of Italian healthcare professions: Study Law 3/2018 (Legge Lorenzin), the FNCF Codice Deontologico, and the legal obligations regarding professional secrecy, informed consent, and ECM credits.

3Practice quantitative metrology: Review the Guide to the Expression of Uncertainty in Measurement (GUM), Type A and Type B uncertainty evaluations, error propagation formulas, and sensor transduction mechanisms.

4Revisit core physics foundations: Be prepared to derive key results in classical electrodynamics, quantum mechanics (operator commutation, perturbation theory), and statistical mechanics (ensembles, partition functions).

5Prepare for viva-style explanations: While practicing multiple-choice questions helps reinforce facts and formulas, practice articulating explanations out loud in clear, structured technical terminology to succeed in the oral colloquio.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Esame di Stato per la Professione di Fisico and who is required to take it?

The Esame di Stato per la Professione di Fisico is the statutory state licensing examination in Italy established under MUR regulations. Graduates holding a Laurea Magistrale in Physics (LM-17) or equivalent pre-reform degree must pass this examination to obtain the legal title of 'Fisico Abilitato' and enroll in Section A of the Albo dei Chimici e dei Fisici, which is legally required to sign professional reports, serve as a Qualified Expert in radiation protection, or practice as a Medical Physicist.

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

Under MUR Ordinanza Ministeriale n. 693/2026 and Decreto Interministeriale 609/2025, the state examination is conducted in person as a single comprehensive oral colloquium (prova orale unica) before a designated commission. Candidates are evaluated across core theoretical physics, measurement techniques and metrology, applied/medical physics, and professional deontology. The examination is graded out of 100 points, with a minimum passing score of 60/100.

How did Law 3/2018 (Legge Lorenzin) impact the physicist profession in Italy?

Law no. 3/2018 transformed the Orders of Chemists into the Order of Chemists and Physicists (Ordini dei Chimici e dei Fisici) and officially established the physicist as a regulated healthcare profession (professione sanitaria). This reform consolidated professional self-governance under the Ministry of Health and the FNCF, mandated continuing medical education (ECM) for healthcare-related physics activities, and instituted strict ethical and legal accountability.

What fees are associated with the Physicist State Exam?

Candidates pay the applicable state tax and a contribution set by the host university. The amount and payment method must be verified in the selected university's 2026 examination notice.

How does this practice question bank relate to the official oral examination?

The official examination is an in-person Italian-language oral interview. This question bank is an independent educational prep resource created by OpenExamPrep that translates the core scientific, technical, and regulatory competencies into an English-language 100-question multiple-choice format. It is designed to assist candidates in self-testing theoretical concepts, analytical problem solving, and regulatory knowledge.

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