Concorsi Pubblici in Italy: How to Find Open Competitions and Apply, Even Without a Degree
You want a stable job in the public sector, but you assume it is only for people with a university degree.
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In Italy that is not true: many concorsi pubblici are open to people with a middle school certificate or a high school diploma, and new calls are published every week.
In this independent guide you will see how public competitions work, which ones you can apply for without a degree, where to find the official calls, how to apply on the inPA portal step by step, how to read a bando, how school staff rankings work and how to avoid scams.
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See the Open Calls on the Official Portal
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What Is a Concorso Pubblico?
In Italy, public bodies hire mainly through public competitions. Instead of choosing people directly, they publish a call for applications, the bando, and select candidates through tests and, in some cases, an evaluation of qualifications.
The bodies that hire this way include ministries, regions, municipalities, health authorities and agencies such as INPS and the Agenzia delle Entrate, as well as the Armed Forces and the police.
Because each body opens new competitions several times a year, there is always something new to look at.
Concorsi Without a Degree
Many people never look at public jobs because they think a laurea is required. In reality, there are competitions for people with a licenza media (middle school certificate) or a diploma (high school diploma).
The bando always states the exact education level and any other requirement.
| Education level | Types of competitions to look for | Where to check |
|---|---|---|
| Licenza media | Operational and support roles, some Armed Forces calls | inPA and the websites of the bodies that hire |
| Diploma | Administrative and technical roles, local police and many office jobs | inPA, websites of regions, municipalities and agencies |
| Laurea | Specialist and higher administrative roles | inPA, ministries and specialised bodies |
Where to Find Official Calls
Since 2022 the official recruitment portal of the Italian public administration is inPA. Calls are published there, and you can search them by keyword, public body, region, education level and deadline.
Some bodies, for example the Armed Forces or local authorities, may also publish calls and collect applications on their own websites, usually in a section called “Concorsi” or “Lavora con noi”.
The bando always tells you where and how to apply.
New calls appear every week and deadlines are often short, so it pays to check regularly.
How to Apply on inPA Step by Step
- Log in to inPA with your digital identity: SPID, CIE (electronic identity card) or CNS.
- Complete your profile with your personal details, education and experience.
- Find the bando using the search filters.
- Read the whole bando before applying: requirements, deadline, tests and documents.
- Fill in the application and upload the documents requested, in the format indicated.
- Submit before the deadline. Late applications are not accepted.
- Keep the receipt of your application.
If the bando says the application is made on the body’s own website, follow those instructions instead.
See the Open Calls on the Official Portal
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How to Read a Bando
- General requirements: for example citizenship and civil rights.
- Specific requirements: education level, experience, licences or other qualifications.
- Deadline and how to apply: the exact date and the channel to use.
- Tests: written, oral or practical, and the subjects covered.
- Documents: what to attach and in which format.
- Where results are published: calendars, results and final rankings.
Working in Schools: ATA Graduatorie
Administrative, technical and support staff in schools (personale ATA) are hired through ranking lists, the graduatorie, based on points for qualifications and experience. When schools need staff, they call candidates from these lists.
The lists are renewed periodically. The Ministry of Education and Merit announces when applications open and the rules to follow, so keep an eye on its official communications.
How to Prepare for the Tests
- Start from the bando: it lists the subjects you will be tested on.
- Use reliable materials and, when available, previous tests published by the body.
- Practise with a timer to get used to the format.
- Make a weekly study plan you can actually keep.
How to Avoid Scams
- Apply only through official channels: inPA or the official website of the body.
- Nobody can guarantee a place. Selection depends on the tests.
- Never pay intermediaries. If a bando requires a participation fee, it is stated in the bando and paid to the public body.
- Never share your SPID credentials with anyone.
- Be wary of messages offering “reserved” places or shortcuts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a degree to work in the public sector?No. Many competitions accept a licenza media or a diploma. The bando states the requirements.
Where are official calls published?On the inPA portal and, in some cases, on the official website of the body.
How do I apply on inPA?Log in with SPID, CIE or CNS, complete your profile, find the bando and submit the application before the deadline.
Is it free to apply?Applying through official channels is generally free. Some bandi set a small participation fee, which is always stated in the call.
Can I apply in another region?In general yes, as long as you meet the requirements of the bando.
How do ATA graduatorie work?They are ranking lists based on points. The Ministry announces when applications open.
How long does a competition take?It varies from a few months to longer, depending on the body and the number of candidates.
Conclusion
A public job in Italy is more accessible than many people think, even without a degree. Check inPA regularly, filter by your education level and region, read each bando carefully and apply only through official channels before the deadline.
Information verified in October 2026.
Sources: Dipartimento della Funzione Pubblica, inPA portal (inpa.gov.it); official calls of the public bodies mentioned.
This is an independent information site. It is not a public body and is not affiliated with INPS, inPA or any ministry. Requirements, deadlines and procedures are set by each bando and may change. Apply only through official channels. No job or place is guaranteed.
