As the calendar turns to January 30, 2026, a wave of anticipation ripples across Italy’s aspiring public servants and educators. For thousands, the next 24 hours mark a critical deadline: the last opportunity to submit applications for a broad array of public competitions, known locally as "concorsi pubblici." According to Concorsando.it, these competitions offer coveted positions in ministries, local authorities, health services, and the armed forces—an annual ritual that shapes Italy’s public sector workforce and, for many, a life-changing career move.
Every day, dozens of public job postings reach their final hours for applications. The stakes are high: missing the deadline means waiting months, sometimes years, for another chance. To help applicants stay ahead, Concorsando.it has created a dynamic resource that updates automatically after midnight, showing only those competitions expiring the same day. Whether you hold a university degree, a high school diploma, or a middle school certificate, there are opportunities tailored to your qualifications—and a clear warning: "Last day to apply!"
But what does it take to submit a last-minute application? The process is digital and, at times, daunting. Applicants must possess a SPID (Public Digital Identity System) or CIE/CNS for secure access to the InPA portal, an active PEC (certified email) for official communications, a digital identity document, their fiscal code, and proof of educational attainment. As Concorsando.it cautions, "If you don’t already have SPID or PEC, you may not make it in time!" Activation of SPID, for instance, can take anywhere from a few minutes to several hours—a race against the clock for procrastinators.
Once the application is in, the real challenge begins. The selection process typically unfolds in several stages: a preselection test (often a multiple-choice quiz on logic, general knowledge, and specific subjects), a written exam, an oral interview, and, for some roles, an evaluation of professional titles and certifications. Preparation is crucial, and Concorsando.it offers a suite of tools—quiz simulators, online courses, and updated manuals—to help candidates get ready from the moment they hit "submit." The site’s Simulatore Quiz allows users to practice with thousands of official questions, track their progress, and pinpoint weak spots, while the Academy provides video courses from expert instructors on topics ranging from administrative law to computer science.
For those who miss today’s deadlines, all is not lost. There are still hundreds of other open competitions with later deadlines, and Concorsando.it maintains a comprehensive, constantly updated list. The site also offers a guide to help newcomers understand how public competitions work and how to participate. However, they advise, "Always check the official announcement for the most accurate information." Their page serves as a daily reminder, urging visitors to bookmark it so they never miss another opportunity.
Meanwhile, another major front in the world of Italian public competitions is opening: the secondary school teacher competition, formally known as DDG n. 2939/2025. As reported by OrizzonteScuola, oral exams for this highly anticipated contest begin in February 2026 across a patchwork of Italian regions, each with its own detailed schedule.
In Lazio, for example, oral exams for ADSS Sostegno secondaria secondo II grado are set to run from February 10 to April 9, 2026. In Puglia and Sardegna, the process kicks off on February 9 and 10, respectively, with sessions continuing until April 10. Sicily’s first round of oral exams starts on February 19 at 3:00 PM and concludes on April 8 at the same hour. Emilia-Romagna, Friuli Venezia Giulia, Lombardia, Calabria, Abruzzo, Marche, Molise, Umbria, and other regions all have their own schedules, reflecting the immense logistical effort required to assess thousands of candidates in dozens of disciplines.
The structure of these exams is rigorous. Candidates face up to 45 minutes of oral evaluation, which includes answering randomly drawn questions to test subject knowledge, delivering a simulated lesson, demonstrating English proficiency at least at the B2 level, and showcasing their ability to design educational activities using digital and multimedia tools. For those applying for support teaching positions, particular emphasis is placed on strategies for inclusive education. In some subject areas, such as A-22 and B-02, the entire oral exam is conducted in English.
Practical exams are also a key component for certain disciplines, scheduled on specific dates throughout February and March 2026. The process begins with the extraction of oral exam topics—essentially drawing lots to determine the subject matter—on dates like February 4, 9, 10, 11, and 12. Candidates are notified of their convocations at least 15 days in advance, with details posted in their personal area of the official competition portal and on the website of the responsible Regional School Office (USR).
For those who passed the written exam with reservations (for example, pending the recognition of certain qualifications), there is a tight deadline: they must resolve their status by February 2, 2026. The oral exam content is based on the programs outlined in Annex A of Ministerial Decree No. 206 of October 26, 2023, and always includes a segment on relevant legislation. As OrizzonteScuola notes, "Legislation is always part of the program and may be the subject of the interview."
The competition calendar is dense. In Lombardia, oral exams for A009 (graphic, pictorial, and scenographic disciplines) run from February 19 to March 5, while in Lazio, oral and practical exams for A010 (graphic-advertising disciplines) are scheduled for late February and March. Other disciplines—ranging from philosophy and history to natural sciences, economics, and foreign languages—have their own timelines, sometimes stretching into mid-April. For laboratory-based subjects, practical exams are often held in early to mid-February, with oral exams following closely behind.
The scale and complexity of these competitions underscore their significance. For Italy’s public sector and education system, they are the primary means of recruiting new talent, ensuring both transparency and meritocracy. For candidates, they represent not just a job opportunity but a potential career—and, by extension, a stake in the nation’s future.
With deadlines looming and exams on the horizon, the message from both Concorsando.it and OrizzonteScuola is clear: be prepared, stay informed, and act quickly. The window of opportunity is brief, but for those who seize it, the rewards can be lasting.