The Ultimate Guide to Teaching in Italian Schools (Requirements, Pathways, and Reforms)

Teaching in Italy is more than just a profession; it’s a calling that shapes the nation’s future. Whether you’re a young graduate dreaming of standing at the head of the class, a professional seeking a new career, or a teacher wanting to stay up-to-date, navigating the complex Italian school system can seem like a daunting task. Recent reforms, digitalization, and new pedagogical challenges have reshaped the profile of a teacher, requiring a mix of traditional and innovative skills. Have you heard about the 60 CFU and feel confused? Are you worried about the cost and complexity of the path to becoming a teacher? This ultimate guide is the most comprehensive resource you’ll find online, designed to resolve all your doubts and guide you step-by-step on your journey into teaching.

Is Teaching Truly Your Path? The Unmistakable Signs to Recognize

Before embarking on a long and demanding journey, it’s crucial to understand if teaching is the right choice for you. It’s not a decision to be taken lightly. Many are attracted by the idea of a stable job and contact with young people, but the daily reality of a teacher is made up of complex challenges that require deep inner motivation. Recognizing the “symptoms” of a true calling in yourself is the first step to avoiding mistakes. If you find yourself in many of the following points, then you are probably on the right track.

• A Genuine Passion for Knowledge: It’s not enough to know your subject; you have to love it. A good teacher is an “eternal student,” driven by an insatiable curiosity that pushes them to explore, delve deeper, and, above all, enthusiastically share what they know. If you feel joy in explaining a complex concept to a friend, if you find yourself devouring books and documentaries in your field of study, then you possess the essential fuel for this profession. Passion is contagious, and a passionate teacher is the primary source of inspiration for their students.
• Empathy and Enjoyment of Human Relationships: Teaching is a profoundly relational job. Every day, you will confront the complexity of the human soul, the insecurities of adolescents, their joys, and their fears. If you feel a natural inclination to listen to others, if you can put yourself in their shoes and understand their difficulties without judgment, you possess one of the most precious gifts for an educator. Empathy and the ability to create a serene classroom environment, based on trust and mutual respect, are the foundation of all effective learning.
• Infinite Patience and Resilience: A teacher’s life is not a walk in the park. There will be difficult days, “impossible” classes, moments of frustration, and the feeling of not being understood. Resilience, the ability to face adversity without losing motivation, is fundamental. If you don’t give up when faced with a problem but instead look for new strategies, if you see every mistake as an opportunity for growth, then you have the right mettle. Patience is not just waiting; it’s the ability to maintain a positive and constructive attitude even when results are not immediate.
• Creativity and a Desire to Experiment: Teaching is not an exact science. A lesson that works wonderfully in one class may be a failure in another. A good teacher is an innovator, a craftsman who knows how to adapt their tools to the context. If you enjoy experimenting with new methodologies, if you are fascinated by the potential of new technologies for learning, if you are not afraid to get involved and “get your hands dirty” with unconventional approaches, then you possess the creative drive necessary to make your lessons lively and engaging.
• A Strong Sense of Social Responsibility: Teaching is not just a job; it’s a mission. A teacher helps shape the citizens of tomorrow, transmit values, promote critical thinking, and reduce inequalities. If you feel a strong drive to contribute to the betterment of society, if you believe in the power of education as an engine of progress and social justice, then you have the deepest and noblest motivation to pursue this career. It is the awareness of this impact that sustains your commitment in the most difficult moments.

Recognizing yourself in these traits doesn’t guarantee success, but it indicates a predisposition, a harmony with the essence of this profession. Teaching requires a total investment of oneself, a constant balance between heart and mind, between rigor and flexibility. If this description resonates with who you are, then your journey into the world of education can truly begin.

The Cost of Teaching in Italy: Training vs. Salary

Embarking on a teaching career in Italy requires careful financial evaluation, a balance between the investment needed for training and future earning prospects. Many aspiring teachers wonder about the sustainability of this path. It is essential to have a clear and realistic picture of the costs to be faced and the salaries one can aspire to, in order to make an informed decision and plan for the future with peace of mind. Let’s analyze the two sides of the coin in detail.

How Much Does It Cost to Become a Teacher?

The path to obtaining a teaching qualification has a cost that can vary significantly based on individual choices. With the recent reform, the key step is acquiring 60 CFU (University Training Credits) through specific qualifying pathways.

Type of Expense	Estimated Cost (Gross)	Description
60 CFU Qualifying Pathway	Up to €2,500	Maximum cost set by law for the complete pathway, offered by universities. Many universities offer lower fees or reductions based on ISEE (Equivalent Economic Situation Indicator).
Reduced Qualifying Pathways (30/36 CFU)	Up to €2,000	For specific categories (e.g., those who already have 24 CFU or 3 years of service).
Final Qualifying Exam	Up to €150	Cost to take the final exam that confers the qualification.
Integration of Missing CFU	Variable (€300 – €2,000+)	If your degree does not provide direct access to the competition class, you must take individual exams. The cost varies by university and number of credits.
Master’s and Specialization Courses	€500 – €3,000+	Optional but strategic qualifications to increase your score in the rankings. A one-year, 60 CFU Master’s is worth 1 point.
Certifications (Language/IT)	€200 – €1,000+	Useful for increasing your score. Language (up to 6 points) and IT (up to 2 points) certifications are an effective investment.
Manuals and Study Materials	€200 – €500+	Cost for preparing for competitive exams, which requires purchasing specific manuals and accessing simulation platforms.
ESTIMATED TOTAL (Basic Path)	€2,850 – €5,000+	Estimate for a path that includes 60 CFU and preparation for the competitive exam.

How Much Does a Teacher Earn?

Once you have completed the training path and the competitive exam, what are the salary prospects? The salary of teachers in Italy is a debated topic, often perceived as inadequate for the level of responsibility and commitment required. Salaries are defined by the National Collective Labor Agreement (CCNL) and vary based on the school level and, above all, seniority.

Annual Gross Salary Table (CCNL 2019-21)

Years of Service	Kindergarten/Primary School	Middle School (Lower Secondary)	High School (Upper Secondary)
0-8 years	€24,297.11	€26,049.59	€27,935.90
9-14 years	€26,228.87	€28,250.91	€30,407.50
15-20 years	€28,250.91	€30,501.83	€32,880.18
21-27 years	€30,222.47	€32,701.43	€35,378.74
28-34 years	€32,298.92	€35,041.85	€37,997.09
35+ years	€34,053.71	€37,050.44	€40,505.79

Source: Official salary tables. The amounts are gross and do not include the Professional Teacher’s Remuneration (RPD) or other accessory payments.

Cost/Benefit Comparison

It is clear that the initial investment in training, although significant, is amortized over the years of a career. However, comparison with European averages shows that Italian salaries remain among the lowest, especially at the beginning of a career. The choice to become a teacher, therefore, cannot be primarily motivated by economic reasons but must be based on a solid vocation. Nevertheless, the stability of a public sector job and the possibility of career progression, albeit slow, represent important elements of security in the current job market. In this light, the decision to invest in master’s and courses to increase your score becomes not only a strategy to enter the world of education sooner but also a way to indirectly accelerate one’s professional path and aspire to ask for a salary increase.

Can You Do It Alone? Honestly Assess the Difficulty (Risk Index)

The path to becoming a teacher in Italy has been profoundly reformed, making it more structured but also more complex. Before deciding, it is essential to honestly assess your skills, resources, and attitudes. It is not a path for everyone. It requires a combination of academic rigor, personal resilience, and long-term planning.

Path Difficulty Index: 8/10

This assessment is based on several factors:

1. Academic Commitment (High): The path requires not only a master’s degree with excellent grades but also passing a 60 CFU qualifying pathway, which is effectively a year of intense study, with mandatory attendance and a complex final exam. Added to this is the preparation for a highly competitive national public exam.
2. Uncertainty and Long Timelines (High): The timelines are not short. Between obtaining a degree, waiting for the qualifying pathways to be activated, attending them, waiting for the exam announcement, and completing the tests, several years can pass. Furthermore, regulations are subject to continuous changes, which adds an element of uncertainty.
3. Financial Cost (Medium-High): As analyzed, the investment in training (qualifying pathways, any CFU integrations, courses for points, exam preparation) is significant and must be borne before receiving a salary.
4. Skills Required (Broad): It’s not enough to be an expert in your subject. The path requires the development of pedagogical, psychological, didactic, and digital skills. The oral part of the exam, with its simulated lesson, tests the ability to be a “director” of learning, not just a transmitter of notions.
5. Emotional Stress (High): The entire process, with its deadlines, selections, and uncertainty, can be psychologically taxing. The period of temporary employment, with annual substitute positions while waiting for a permanent role, requires great flexibility and adaptability.

Who Should Attempt This Path:

• The Mission-Driven Individual: Those who feel a deep educational calling and see teaching as a social mission, not just a job. Passion is the fuel that helps overcome obstacles.
• The Strategic Planner: Those with an organized mindset, capable of long-term planning, constantly staying informed about regulations, and methodically preparing for each phase of the selection process.
• The Excellent Student: Those with a solid academic background, a high GPA, and a deep knowledge of their discipline. A good starting point facilitates the entire journey.
• The Resilient and Flexible Person: Those who are not discouraged by difficulties, can manage stress, and adapt to changes, even at the cost of relocating to get a teaching position.

Who Should Think Carefully:

• Those Seeking Quick Earnings: A teaching career does not offer immediate financial returns. The starting salary is modest, and progression is slow.
• Those Looking for a “Quiet” Job: Teaching is a profession that is high in emotional and mental energy expenditure. Classroom management, bureaucracy, and relationships with families require constant commitment.
• Those with Little Patience or Empathy: Working with adolescents requires a great capacity for listening, patience, and understanding. It is a human job before it is a technical one.
• Those Resistant to Continuing Education: The school system is constantly evolving. A teacher must be willing to study and update their skills throughout their life, constantly questioning themselves. Delving into digital teaching or methodologies for inclusion is not optional.

In conclusion, the path to becoming a teacher is a marathon, not a sprint. It requires head, heart, and great determination. Honestly assessing whether you possess these qualities is the first, fundamental step to turning a dream into a wonderful reality.

The Shopping List: Degrees, CFUs, and Certifications for a Teaching Position

To embark on the teaching path, it is essential to have a clear and precise “shopping list” of the necessary qualifications and requirements. This section is crucial to avoid wasting time and resources on invalid paths. Let’s see in detail what is needed to access the most common competition classes.

1. The Academic Title: The Master’s Degree

The basic requirement is a Master’s Degree (LM), Specialist Degree (LS), or Single-Cycle Degree (LMCU). The type of degree determines access to one or more Competition Classes (CdC), which are the codes that identify the subjects you can teach.

How to check your Competition Class:

• Consult the Ministerial Tables: The official reference is D.P.R. 19/2016 and D.M. 259/2017. There are specialized websites (like classidiconcorso.it) that allow you to enter your degree and see the accessible CdCs.
• Example: An LM-14 degree (Modern Philology) gives access, among others, to CdC A-12 (Literary Disciplines) and A-22 (Italian, History, Geography in middle school).

2. The University Training Credits (CFU)

Often, the degree alone is not enough. For many Competition Classes, it is necessary to have taken a certain number of exams (and therefore CFUs) in specific Scientific-Disciplinary Sectors (SSD).

• The Problem of “Credit Deficits“: If your study plan does not include all the required CFUs, you have a credit deficit.
• How to Fill the Gaps: You need to take the missing exams by enrolling in single university courses. Many universities, including online ones, offer this option.
• Example (Class A-19 – Philosophy and History): To access with a degree in Philosophy (LM-78), you need, among others, at least 36 CFUs in the historical and anthropological fields (L-ANT/02 or 03, M-STO/01, 02 or 04, M-DEA/01). If you have fewer, you will need to supplement them. A guide on how to fill deficits in history and philosophy can be very useful.

3. The Qualifying Pathway: 60 CFU

This is the major change from the reform. To participate in competitive exams and obtain the qualification, you must attend a specific university pathway of 60 CFU.

• Structure: The pathway includes psycho-pedagogical disciplines, teaching methodologies (including the use of innovative technologies), direct and indirect internships.
• Where to find them: The pathways are offered by universities and AFAM institutions accredited by the Ministry. The calls for applications are published on the websites of the individual universities.
• Cost: Maximum €2,500 (reduced to €2,000 for 30/36 CFU pathways).

4. Additional Qualifications to Increase Your Score (Optional but Strategic)

To climb the Provincial Rankings for Substitutes (GPS) and have a better chance in competitive exams, it is crucial to acquire additional qualifications.

• First or Second Level Master’s (1 point): A one-year, 60 CFU master’s is worth 1 point. You can include up to 3.
• Specialization Courses (1 point): Similar to master’s degrees (one-year, 60 CFU), they are also worth 1 point.
• IT Certifications (up to 2 points): Each certification (EIPASS, ICDL, etc.) is worth 0.5 points, for a maximum of 4 qualifications.
• Language Certifications (up to 6 points): A B2 is worth 3 points, a C1 is worth 4 points, and a C2 is worth 6 points.
• CLIL Course (up to 3 points): The specialization course for teaching a subject in a foreign language, when combined with a language certification, provides a significant bonus.

Example of a Strategic “Shopping Cart”:

Qualification Obtained	Points Earned	Notes
C1 English Certification	4 points	Essential for CLIL and for the competence required in competitive exams.
CLIL Specialization Course	3 points	Combined with a C1, it offers a significant bonus.
4 IT Certifications	2 points	EIPASS 7 Modules, LIM, Tablet, Coding.
First Level Master’s	1 point	e.g., “Teaching Methodologies for Inclusion.”
Total Additional Score	10 points	An increase that can move you up hundreds of positions in the GPS.

This “shopping list” is not an obligation, but an investment. Each qualification not only increases your score but also enriches your professional profile, preparing a more competent teacher ready for the challenges of the school of the future.

A Step-by-Step Guide to Teaching: From University to the Classroom

The path to becoming a tenured teacher is a marathon that requires planning, study, and perseverance. Here is a detailed guide that illustrates each stage, from university choice to passing the trial year.

Phase 1: The University Path (Duration: 5 years)

1. Choose the Right Master’s Degree: Your career starts here. Choose a master’s degree program (3+2 or single-cycle) that gives access to the Competition Class (CdC) for the subject you want to teach.
   • Action: Consult the ministerial tables (DPR 19/2016 and DM 259/2017) to check the correspondence between degrees and CdCs.
2. Plan Your Exams Strategically: During your studies, check the University Training Credits (CFU) required for your CdC. Choose elective exams that allow you to fill any “credit deficits.”
   • Action: Keep a spreadsheet with the required SSDs (Scientific-Disciplinary Sectors) and CFUs, updating it after each exam.
3. Supplement Missing CFUs: If you are missing credits after graduation, enroll in single courses at a university to take the necessary exams.
   • Action: Contact student secretariats for information on single courses.

Phase 2: The Qualifying Pathway (Duration: approx. 1 year)

4. Enroll in the 60 CFU Pathway: Once you have the necessary qualifications and CFUs, enroll in the 60 CFU qualifying pathway for your competition class at an accredited university.
   • Action: Monitor university websites for admission announcements. Attendance is mandatory.
5. Complete the Internship: During the pathway, you will complete a 20 CFU internship (about 600 hours) in a school, mentored by a tutor. This is your first real immersion into the world of teaching.
   • Action: Be proactive, observe, ask questions, and experiment with your first teaching activities.
6. Pass the Final Exam: At the end of the pathway, you will take the final exam, which consists of a written test and a simulated lesson.
   • Action: Prepare thoroughly on designing Learning Units (UDA) and using innovative methodologies.

Phase 3: The Public Competitive Exam (Duration: variable)

7. Prepare for the Competitive Exam: The qualification gives you access to the national competitive exam. Preparation requires months of intense study on the ministerial programs, which include the subject matter, pedagogy, school legislation, and digital skills.
   • Action: Purchase specific manuals, enroll in preparation courses, and use online simulators for quizzes.
8. Pass the Exam Tests: Face the written test (usually multiple-choice) and the oral test (which includes another simulated lesson).
   • Action: Practice time management for the written test and speak clearly and confidently during the oral exam.

Phase 4: Entering the School System (Duration: 1-2 years or more)

9. Get into the Rankings (GPS): While waiting for the competitive exam or if you don’t pass it right away, get into the Provincial Rankings for Substitutes (GPS). They are updated every two years.
   • Action: Accurately declare all your qualifications (degree, qualification, master’s, certifications) to maximize your score.
10. Work as a Substitute Teacher: Through the GPS, you can get annual substitute assignments (until 08/31) or until the end of teaching activities (06/30). It’s an excellent opportunity to gain experience and accumulate service points (up to 12 points per year).
    • Action: Be flexible and willing to move if necessary.

Phase 5: The Teaching Position and the Trial Year (Duration: 1 year)

11. Get a Permanent Appointment: If you win the competitive exam, you are placed on the merit list and, based on your score and available positions, you get a permanent appointment.
    • Action: Express your preferences for the province and school during the online hiring procedures.
12. Pass the Trial Year: Your first year as a tenured teacher is a period of training and probation, supported by a mentor teacher. You will have to carry out training activities and prepare a final portfolio.
    • Action: Approach this year with humility and curiosity. It’s the time to consolidate your professionalism.
13. Confirmation of Tenure: After passing the final interview with the Evaluation Committee, you are finally a fully tenured teacher.
    • Action: Congratulations, your marathon is over! Now the most beautiful journey begins.

This path requires patience and dedication, but each completed stage is a step toward realizing a dream: shaping the minds of the future.

Mistakes to Absolutely Avoid (That Could Cost You Your Career)

The path to becoming a teacher is littered with potential mistakes that can slow down, or even compromise, your career before it even begins. Being aware of them is the first form of prevention. Here are the 5 most common and disastrous mistakes.

• Mistake #1: Underestimating CFUs and Competition Classes.
  • The Consequence: Reaching graduation and discovering you don’t have the necessary credits to access your desired competition class. This means wasting time (and money) to take single exams, delaying access to qualifying pathways and competitive exams. In some cases, you find yourself excluded from selection procedures.
  • How to Avoid It: From your first year of university, download the ministerial tables and map out your study plan. Talk to the didactic secretariat and strategically plan your elective exams to meet all requirements. Don’t take anything for granted.
• Mistake #2: Neglecting Training for Points.
  • The Consequence: Finding yourself at the bottom of the Provincial Rankings for Substitutes (GPS) with a low score, being surpassed by colleagues with less experience but more qualifications. This translates into fewer job opportunities, short and sporadic substitute positions, and a longer wait for a permanent position.
  • How to Avoid It: As soon as you graduate, or even during your studies, plan to acquire additional qualifications. Focus on the most effective combination: language certifications and a CLIL course offer the most points. Add 4 IT certifications. It’s an investment that pays off quickly in terms of opportunities.
• Mistake #3: Preparing for the Exam Based Purely on Rote Learning.
  • The Consequence: Passing the multiple-choice written test brilliantly, but failing the oral exam miserably. Today’s committee is not looking for a walking encyclopedia, but a professional who knows how to teach. A purely transmissive simulated lesson, without interaction, active methodologies, or use of technology, is evaluated negatively.
  • How to Avoid It: Study your subject, but dedicate at least 50% of your time to methodological-didactic preparation. Design Learning Units (UDA), learn to use digital tools, practice public speaking and managing lesson times. Simulate lessons with friends or colleagues and ask for feedback.
• Mistake #4: Having a Poor or Non-Existent Online Profile.
  • The Consequence: Missing out on “hidden” job opportunities. Many schools, especially private ones, and even public school principals for short-term substitutions, use LinkedIn to find candidates. A sparse, unprofessional, or inactive profile makes you invisible. Even worse, unkempt personal social media profiles can give a negative impression.
  • How to Avoid It: Create an impeccable and optimized LinkedIn profile. Use it for professional networking, sharing relevant content, and positioning yourself as an expert in your field. Manage your privacy on personal social media and ensure your public image is consistent with the profession you aspire to.
• Mistake #5: Handling Your First Substitute Gigs with Naivety.
  • The Consequence: Burning your reputation at a school. The first assignments, even for just a few days, are a test. A substitute who proves to be unprofessional, unprepared, unable to manage the class, or argumentative with colleagues will not be called back. Word of mouth among principals is fast.
  • How to Avoid It: Prepare every lesson with the utmost care, even for a single day of substitution. Introduce yourself to colleagues, the principal, and the administrative staff with humility and a collaborative spirit. Study the PTOF (Three-Year Educational Plan) and the school’s regulations. Show from the start that you are a reliable professional. This will guarantee future calls and a good reputation.

Avoiding these mistakes is not difficult, but it requires awareness and a strategic vision of the profession. Teaching is a career that is built one step at a time, starting from the first day of university.

Maintenance and Prevention: How to Remain an Effective Teacher Over Time

A teacher’s career does not end with a permanent appointment. On the contrary, that is just the beginning of a lifelong journey of professional development. The world changes, students change, technologies evolve: a teacher who stops learning is a teacher who stops being effective. The “maintenance” of one’s professionalism is an ethical duty and a practical necessity to prevent burnout and keep the passion for teaching alive.

1. Mandatory and Voluntary Continuing Education:

• Regulatory Obligation: The National Collective Labor Agreement provides for in-service training as mandatory, permanent, and structural. Schools, within their PTOF, define an annual Training Plan for staff.
• Going Beyond the Obligation: Don’t limit yourself to the courses offered by the school. Invest independently in your growth. Choose paths that you are passionate about and that meet your teaching needs. Take a new Master’s on inclusion, delve into the CLIL methodology, learn a new educational software. Self-training is the engine of true innovation.

2. Burnout Prevention:

• Recognize the Symptoms: Apathy, emotional exhaustion, cynicism towards work and students. These are warning signs not to be ignored.
• Stress Management Strategies: Learn to “disconnect.” Dedicate time to hobbies and interests outside of school. Practice mindfulness or sports. Establish clear boundaries between private and work life (e.g., don’t answer parents’ emails late at night). A practical guide to avoiding burnout can offer valuable tools.
• Seek Support: Talk to colleagues, create a mutual support network. If necessary, do not hesitate to seek professional help. Taking care of your mental health is fundamental.

3. Continuous Pedagogical Innovation:

• Experiment in the Classroom: Don’t get stuck on the same teaching method for twenty years. Every year, try something new: an active methodology like debate or the flipped classroom, a new digital tool, an interdisciplinary project.
• Read and Stay Informed: Follow industry blogs, pedagogy journals, participate in webinars and conferences. Stay updated on research in the field of education and neuroscience. Innovation is born from knowledge.
• Observe and Be Observed: Promote peer observation practices with colleagues. Watching how another teacher works and receiving feedback on your own performance is one of the most powerful forms of professional growth.

4. Nurturing Professional Relationships:

• Collaborate with Colleagues: School is a team effort. Actively participate in class councils, departments, and working groups. Collaboration among teachers is the first step to creating a true educational community.
• Build an Alliance with Families: Maintain open, transparent, and constructive communication with parents. A solid educational alliance is fundamental to students’ academic success.
• Network Externally: Participate in the activities of professional associations (e.g., ANIEF, CISL Scuola), connect with teachers from other schools, participate in European projects. Getting out of your own institution broadens horizons and prevents isolation.

Being an effective teacher is not a status to be achieved, but a dynamic process. It requires the same curiosity, humility, and desire to learn that we try to instill in our students. Maintaining your professionalism is the secret to a long, serene, and, above all, meaningful career.

Conclusions

Embarking on a teaching career in the Italian school system is a complex journey, a true marathon that requires a rare combination of passion, strategic planning, and resilience. As we have seen, the path has been profoundly redesigned by recent reforms, which aim to create a more prepared and professionalized teaching body, in line with European standards. The transition to the 60 CFU system, the centrality of methodological-didactic skills, and the importance of continuing education are not mere bureaucratic fulfillments, but the pillars of a new vision of the profession.

This guide was intended to be a detailed map to navigate this territory: from diagnosing your own calling to evaluating costs and benefits, from the “shopping list” of essential requirements to the step-by-step guide for each phase of the journey, up to advice for constant “maintenance” of your professionalism. We have emphasized the importance of avoiding costly mistakes and the need for continuous updating to prevent burnout and remain effective teachers over time.

The road to a teaching position is long and full of challenges, but it is also a path of immense personal and professional growth. It requires combining the rigor of study with the creativity of teaching, the solidity of Italian cultural tradition with an openness to innovation. You now have all the information to make an informed decision and to face each stage with the right preparation. The future of the Italian school system depends on professionals like you, ready to invest with seriousness and passion in the education of new generations.

Frequently Asked Questions