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Key Facts: Esame di Stato Ingegnere Exam

DPR 328/2001

Governing Presidential Decree (Artt. 45-48)

Gazzetta Ufficiale della Repubblica Italiana

OM 694/2026

MUR 2026 Examination Ordinance

Ministero dell'Università e della Ricerca

Section A

Consiglio Nazionale degli Ingegneri

6/10 per test

Minimum passing threshold for written/practical tests

D.M. 9 settembre 1957, Articles 13–14

2 written + 1 practical + 1 oral

Official examination format

DPR 328/2001 Art. 47

NTC 2018

Italian Technical Construction Standards

D.M. 17 gennaio 2018

€49.58 + Local Fee

National government tax plus host university contribution

MUR / University Notices

English MCQ adaptation

Independent study format, not the official assessment format

OpenExamPrep

The Esame di Stato per Ingegnere (Section A under DPR 328/2001 and MUR OM 694/2026) is the national statutory licensing examination for engineers in Italy. Administered at Italian universities in July and November sessions, it features two written tests, a practical project/calculation test, and an oral examination. This independent English-language MCQ bank provides rigorous conceptual and quantitative review of structural mechanics, thermodynamics, electrical systems, public contracts, and professional deontology.

Sample Esame di Stato Ingegnere Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to review concepts for the Esame di Stato Ingegnere exam. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1Under Italian Technical Construction Standards (NTC 2018, par. 4.1.2.1.1.1), what is the formula for the design compressive strength (fcd) of concrete at the Ultimate Limit State (SLU)?

A.fcd = 0.85 · fck / γc, where γc = 1.50

B.fcd = fck / γc, where γc = 1.15

C.fcd = 0.50 · fck / γc, where γc = 2.00

D.fcd = 1.15 · fck / γc, where γc = 1.00

Explanation: Under NTC 2018 par. 4.1.2.1.1.1 (consistent with Eurocode 2), the design compressive strength of concrete fcd is calculated as fcd = αcc · fck / γc, where fck is the characteristic cylindrical compressive strength, γc = 1.50 is the partial safety factor for concrete, and αcc = 0.85 is the coefficient accounting for long-term sustained load effects and unfavorable load application conditions.

2Under NTC 2018 (par. 4.1.2.1.1.2), what is the partial material safety factor (γs) applied to the characteristic yield strength of reinforcing steel (fyk = 450 MPa for B450C) at the Ultimate Limit State (SLU)?

A.γs = 1.15

B.γs = 1.50

C.γs = 1.00

D.γs = 1.30

Explanation: Under NTC 2018, the partial safety factor for reinforcing steel at the Ultimate Limit State is γs = 1.15. For standard Italian B450C reinforcing bars with characteristic yield strength fyk = 450 MPa, the design yield strength is fyd = fyk / γs = 450 / 1.15 ≈ 391.3 MPa.

3What is the theoretical Euler critical buckling load (Ncr) for an ideal pin-ended slender column of length L, modulus of elasticity E, and minimum second moment of area I?

A.Ncr = π² · E · I / L²

B.Ncr = 4 · π² · E · I / L²

C.Ncr = π · E · I / (2 · L)

D.Ncr = E · I / (π² · L²)

Explanation: Euler's fundamental formula for elastic buckling of an ideal pin-ended column (effective length L0 = 1.0 · L) is Ncr = π² · E · I / L0² = π² · E · I / L². If both ends are clamped, L0 = 0.5 L and Ncr = 4 π² E I / L²; if one end is clamped and the other free (cantilever), L0 = 2.0 L and Ncr = π² E I / (4 L²).

4Under NTC 2018 (par. 7.2.2), what is the capacity design principle (gerarchia delle resistenze) in seismic structural design?

A.Ensuring that brittle failure mechanisms (such as shear) are prevented by sizing them to resist the maximum capacity developed by ductile mechanisms (such as flexural yielding)

B.Designing all building elements to remain completely elastic without any plastic deformation during the maximum credible earthquake

C.Ensuring that beams are designed stronger than columns so that plastic hinges form exclusively in columns

D.Applying identical safety factors to all structural members regardless of their failure mode

Explanation: Capacity design (gerarchia delle resistenze) guarantees global ductile behavior under severe earthquake actions by intentionally selecting ductile zones (plastic hinges in beams) and overdesigning brittle mechanisms (shear in beams and columns, beam-column joints, and foundations) so that brittle failure can never occur before ductile plastic deformation dissipates seismic energy.

5In structural cross-section analysis, what does the first moment of area (static moment, S or Q) about the neutral axis quantify, and what is its primary use in beam design?

A.It represents the integral of y · dA and is used in Jourawski's formula (τ = V · S / (I · b)) to calculate transverse shear stress

B.It represents the integral of y² · dA and is used to calculate flexural stiffness

C.It measures the torsional warping resistance of open thin-walled steel profiles

D.It defines the plastic hinge length of reinforced concrete members

Explanation: The first moment of area (static moment) of a cross-sectional area above a given line about the centroidal neutral axis is S = ∫ y dA. It is the key term in Jourawski's shear stress equation: τ(y) = [V · S(y)] / [I · b(y)], where V is shear force, I is the second moment of area, and b is the width at that height.

6Under NTC 2018 (par. 4.2.4.1) and Eurocode 3, how are structural steel cross-sections classified into Classes 1 to 4?

A.Based on the width-to-thickness ratios of their compression plate elements to evaluate local buckling susceptibility

B.Based on the carbon content percentage and chemical alloying elements

C.Based on the fire resistance rating in minutes (R30, R60, R120)

D.Based on the paint coating thickness in micrometers

Explanation: Cross-section classification in structural steel (Classes 1, 2, 3, 4) characterizes the extent to which the resistance and rotation capacity are limited by local plate buckling. Class 1 sections can form a plastic hinge with full rotation capacity; Class 2 can develop plastic resistance with limited rotation; Class 3 can reach yield stress in extreme fibers but local buckling prevents plastic design; Class 4 sections suffer local buckling before yield is reached, requiring effective cross-sectional properties.

7What is the natural angular frequency (ω) and natural period (T) of an undamped single-degree-of-freedom (SDOF) structural system with mass m and lateral stiffness k?

A.ω = √(k / m) and T = 2 · π · √(m / k)

B.ω = √(m / k) and T = 2 · π · √(k / m)

C.ω = k / m and T = 1 / (2 · π · k · m)

D.ω = 2 · π · k · m and T = √(k · m)

Explanation: The equation of motion for an undamped free SDOF system is m · x''(t) + k · x(t) = 0. The natural angular frequency is ω = √(k / m) (in rad/s). The natural cyclical frequency is f = ω / (2π) = (1 / 2π) · √(k / m) (in Hz). The natural period of vibration is T = 1 / f = 2π / ω = 2π · √(m / k) (in seconds).

8Under NTC 2018 (par. 2.5.3), what are the fundamental load combinations evaluated for structural safety at the Ultimate Limit State (SLU)?

A.Fundamental (persistent and transient) combination, Seismic combination, and Accidental combination

B.Characteristic, Frequent, and Quasi-permanent combinations

C.Tensile, Compressive, and Torsional combinations

D.Dynamic wind combination exclusively

Explanation: NTC 2018 par. 2.5.3 defines three main types of Ultimate Limit State (SLU) combinations: (1) Fundamental combination for persistent and transient design situations; (2) Seismic combination for seismic design situations; and (3) Accidental combination for exceptional events (fire, explosion, impact). In contrast, Characteristic, Frequent, and Quasi-permanent combinations belong to Serviceability Limit States (SLE).

9In geotechnical foundation engineering, what distinguishes a deep foundation (pile foundation) from a shallow foundation (spread footing/mat)?

A.A deep foundation transmits loads to deeper, stiffer strata via skin friction and end bearing (typically depth-to-width ratio D/B > 4 to 5), whereas a shallow foundation transmits loads directly to near-surface soil (D/B ≤ 2 to 3)

B.Shallow foundations are constructed exclusively of steel, whereas deep foundations are made of timber

C.Deep foundations can only sustain horizontal loads, whereas shallow foundations sustain only vertical loads

D.Shallow foundations require deep slurry-wall excavations exceeding 20 meters

Explanation: Foundations are classified geometrically and mechanically: shallow foundations (plinti, travi rovesce, platee) have an embedment depth D comparable to their width B (D/B ≤ 2 to 3) and transfer loads directly to surficial ground. Deep foundations (pali trivellati, pali infissi, micropali) have large embedment ratios (D/B > 4 to 5) and transfer loads to deeper competent strata through a combination of shaft resistance (skin friction) and base resistance (end bearing).

10What does Hooke's Law state for an isotropic, linearly elastic material under one-dimensional uniaxial tensile stress σ?

A.σ = E · ε, where E is Young's modulus and ε is axial strain

B.σ = G · γ, where G is shear modulus and γ is shear strain

C.σ = ν · ε, where ν is Poisson's ratio

D.σ = k · x², where k is spring constant and x is displacement

Explanation: In one-dimensional linear elasticity, Hooke's Law states that normal stress σ is directly proportional to normal axial strain ε: σ = E · ε, where the constant of proportionality E is the Young's modulus (modulus of elasticity, in Pa or MPa).

About the Esame di Stato Ingegnere Exam

The Italian State Examination for the Profession of Engineer (Section A) is Italy's statutory qualification examination governed by Presidential Decree DPR 328/2001 (Articles 45–48) and annual ministerial ordinances issued by MUR, including Ordinanza Ministeriale n. 694 del 27 maggio 2026. Successfully passing this examination grants the legally protected title of Ingegnere and permits enrollment in Section A of the Ordine degli Ingegneri across the Civil and Environmental, Industrial, and Information sectors. Conducted in person at designated Italian state universities across two annual sessions (July and November), the examination structure under DPR 328/2001 comprises: (1) a first written test on topics characteristic of the selected sector; (2) a second written test on subjects characteristic of the candidate's degree class; (3) a practical design test in the selected sector; and (4) an oral examination on the written work, professional legislation, and deontology. Italian is the ordinary assessment language; under OM 694/2026, EU citizens resident in Italy who request German may apply at Trento. This practice bank is an independent English-language MCQ study adaptation developed by OpenExamPrep; it is not an official translation or a substitute for written, graphic, or oral performance 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 Ingegnere (Sezione A) under DPR 328/2001 and MUR OM 694/2026 comprises: (1) a first written test on the candidate's chosen engineering sector (Civil/Environmental, Industrial, or Information); (2) a second written test on subjects characteristic of the candidate's degree class; (3) a practical design test in the selected sector; and (4) an oral examination covering the written work, professional legislation, and deontology. Italian is the ordinary assessment language; under OM 694/2026, EU citizens resident in Italy who request German may apply at the University of Trento. This practice bank is an independent English-language MCQ study adaptation, not an official translation or format simulation.

Time Limit

Set by the host examination commission; there is no uniform national duration

Passing Score

At least 6/10 in each written and practical test to qualify for the oral, and at least 6/10 in the oral examination

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.

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.

Unweighted; civil/environmental sector

Structural, Civil & Geotechnical Engineering

NTC 2018 structural standards (D.M. 17/01/2018), limit state design (SLU and SLE), reinforced concrete and structural steel, seismic engineering and capacity design, foundation systems, and geotechnical verifications.

Unweighted; industrial sector

Industrial, Mechanical & Energy Systems

Thermodynamics and heat transfer, thermal cycles (Rankine, Brayton, refrigeration), fluid mechanics and piping networks, hydraulic machines (pumps, turbines), industrial plant safety, and materials science.

Unweighted; information sector

Electrical, Information & Control Systems

Circuit analysis, AC and three-phase power systems, electric machines and transformers, grounding and electrical safety (CEI 64-8), control systems and stability, and computer architectures and networking.

Unweighted cross-sector scope

Public Procurement, Construction Safety & Deontology

Public Procurement Code (D.Lgs. 36/2023, PFTE, BIM, RUP, OEPV), workplace and construction site safety (D.Lgs. 81/2008 Titolo IV, PSC, POS), building code (D.P.R. 380/2001), and CNI Code of Deontology and compulsory professional liability insurance.

Preparing for the Esame di Stato Ingegnere Exam

What You Need to Know

Passing score: At least 6/10 in each written and practical test to qualify for the oral, and at least 6/10 in the oral examination
Assessment: The official Esame di Stato per Ingegnere (Sezione A) under DPR 328/2001 and MUR OM 694/2026 comprises: (1) a first written test on the candidate's chosen engineering sector (Civil/Environmental, Industrial, or Information); (2) a second written test on subjects characteristic of the candidate's degree class; (3) a practical design test in the selected sector; and (4) an oral examination covering the written work, professional legislation, and deontology. Italian is the ordinary assessment language; under OM 694/2026, EU citizens resident in Italy who request German may apply at the University of Trento. This practice bank is an independent English-language MCQ study adaptation, not an official translation or format simulation.
Time limit: Set by the host examination commission; there is no uniform national duration
Exam / certification fees: €49.58 state tax plus a registration contribution set by the host university Official sources

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Esame di Stato Ingegnere: Suggested Study Strategy

1Master the provisions of NTC 2018 (D.M. 17 gennaio 2018) for reinforced concrete and steel structures, focusing on design material strengths (fcd, fyd), limit states (SLU and SLE), and capacity design principles.

2Practice worked calculations in thermodynamics and fluid mechanics: Carnot and Rankine cycle efficiencies, Fourier heat conduction through composite walls, pipe head losses using Darcy-Weisbach, and pump power.

3Review electrical power systems: three-phase power formulas, power factor correction calculations, transformer ratios, and CEI 64-8 protection criteria against direct and indirect contact.

4Thoroughly study the 2023 Public Procurement Code (D.Lgs. 36/2023), especially the simplified two-level design process (PFTE and Executive Project), BIM requirements, and tender award criteria.

5Familiarize yourself with construction site safety under D.Lgs. 81/2008 Titolo IV, the mandatory roles of CSP and CSE, the contents of the PSC and POS, and the CNI Codice Deontologico.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

The Esame di Stato per Ingegnere 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 title of Ingegnere, and register in Section A of the Ordine degli Ingegneri, which is necessary to sign technical designs, structural calculations under NTC 2018, safety plans, public works documentation, and official technical appraisals.

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

Section A is reserved for holders of 5-year Master's degrees (Laurea Magistrale) and confers full professional competency across all design, analytical, and management activities in civil, industrial, or information engineering. Section B is for holders of 3-year Bachelor's degrees (Laurea) and confers the title of Ingegnere Iunior, with professional competencies restricted to standard, non-complex applications 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 in July 2026 and the second in November 2026. Under DPR 328/2001, the exam consists of two written tests, one practical design or operational test, and an oral examination.

Can the examination be taken in languages other than Italian?

Italian is the ordinary national examination language. However, under MUR OM 694/2026, EU citizens resident in Italy who request German may apply to sit the engineer state examination at the University of Trento.

Does this OpenExamPrep question bank simulate the official examination?

No. This practice bank is an independent study aid developed by OpenExamPrep. The real examination consists of written technical papers, practical engineering projects, and an oral discussion in Italian or German. This bank offers an English-language MCQ study adaptation designed for self-assessment of fundamental engineering principles, worked calculations, Italian building standards, and deontological rules.

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