On February 24, 2025, the Italian Ministry of Education and Research (MUR) issued decrees n. 156 and n. 148, officially launching the Teacher Certification Program for secondary education. This initiative marks the beginning of the second phase of training pathways for aspiring teachers, offering multiple qualification routes of 30, 36, and 60 CFU (University Credits) for the 2024-2025 academic year.
These programs were enacted following the DPCM (Presidential Decree) of August 4, 2023, part of reforms aimed at improving initial teacher training and recruitment. The program seeks to qualify teaching staff and is part of the stabilization process for teachers previously hired through the PNRR1 competition.
The new teacher training pathways are structured to accommodate different professional backgrounds and needs. Universities and AFAM (Higher Artistic and Musical Education) institutions are authorized to offer these programs, with 44,283 spots available as per the rich offerings outlined in the decrees. Key pathways include:
- University and academic qualifying pathway, corresponding to no less than 60 CFU.
- Pathway reserved for educators with at least three years of service, primarily involving 30 CFU.
- Completion pathways for competition winners to fulfill the necessary CFU requirements.
For the 2024-2025 academic year, these qualification paths will incorporate up to 50% remote learning. Nonetheless, practical training and laboratory sessions must be conducted face-to-face, adhering to existing regulatory standards to provide effective hands-on experience.
Applicants can enroll for training related to their specific competition class at only one institution. If applications exceed available spots, access will be determined through selection criteria based on qualifications and prior experience.
A significant feature of this new program is the 45% reservation of spots for candidates who possess at least three years of teaching service within the past five years, with at least one year dedicated to the specific competition class for which they are seeking qualification. An additional 5% reservation is allocated for those involved in vocational education paths overseen by regional authorities.
The cost structure for the new qualifying paths varies by credit weight: the 60 CFU program has a maximum tuition fee of 2,500 euros, whereas the 30 CFU pathway costs 2,000 euros. The final qualification test incurs an additional fee of 150 euros. Attendance of at least 70% across all training activities is mandatory to qualify for the final assessment.
Completion training pathways, separate from general pathways, are also being provided exclusively for successful competition candidates. Universities are currently publishing access calls detailing application processes and specific deadlines.
By implementing these changes, the Italian government aims to streamline the teacher training process and address the need for qualified educators across the secondary education system, thereby enhancing educational effectiveness nationwide.
The introduction of these structured training options not only satisfies regulatory requirements but also ensures the availability of skilled teaching professionals who can meet the educational needs of students.