English-language Health Professions Test 2025: complete guide

The information in this guide comes directly from the official decree published by the Italian Ministry of Universities and Research (available here) and from the most recent university notices across Italy.

Today we’ll cover everything you need to know about the 2025 English-language Health Professions admission test: what it is for, who can take it, when it takes place, how much it costs, how it’s structured, how scoring works, what previous cut-off marks looked like, what’s new compared to 2024, and how to prepare properly to arrive confident on exam day.

What the English-language Health Professions Test is and what it’s for

The English-language Health Professions Test is the entrance examination for bachelor’s degree programmes in the healthcare area taught entirely in English at Italian universities.

It is required to access courses such as Nursing, Physiotherapy, Medical Radiology Techniques, Biomedical Laboratory Techniques, and other allied health professions available in English.

The test is organised by each university but follows common national rules set out in the ministerial decree. Each university manages the exam independently, assigns places, and publishes its own ranking list. This means there is no single national ranking, but rather a local one for each institution.

Participation in the test is compulsory for all applicants, including those with international qualifications, as it ensures that all admitted students meet the same academic standards before beginning their studies.

Who can take part and entry requirements

Applicants must hold a secondary school diploma or obtain it in the same academic year. Both Italian and EU students as well as non-EU candidates may apply, though non-EU candidates are placed in separate ranking lists.

For English-taught programmes, a minimum B2 level of English proficiency (according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages) is normally required. Some universities accept recognised certificates such as IELTS or Cambridge, while others may verify language ability through internal assessments.

Each university may also impose its own conditions, such as documentation to upload or reserved places. It’s essential to read carefully the official call for applications published by your chosen university.

Official 2025 test date

The 2025 test for English-taught Health Professions programmes took place on Wednesday, 10 September 2025 at 11:00 a.m., as set by the national decree.

Each university then published its own official notice of convocation, specifying the venue, registration time, and assigned classroom. Usually, candidates are asked to arrive around 8:30 a.m. for identification and administrative checks before the test begins.

Other tests in the healthcare field, such as the Italian-language version and the postgraduate Health Professions exams, were held on different dates in the same month.

Test fee and payment methods

The registration fee varies depending on the university, generally between €30 and €60. Payment must be made through the Italian pagoPA system or a generated IUV payment slip.

Fees must be paid by the deadline indicated in the university notice and are non-refundable. Some institutions allow online payment by card, while others accept payment at authorised bank counters.

Registration is only valid after payment has been successfully completed, so candidates should always keep a copy of the payment receipt.

Test structure: subjects and number of questions

The exam consists of 60 multiple-choice questions, each with five possible answers and only one correct option. The duration of the test is 100 minutes.

The distribution of questions is as follows:

• 4 on reading comprehension and general knowledge
• 5 on logic and problem solving
• 23 on biology
• 15 on chemistry
• 13 on physics and mathematics

The structure is identical to the Italian-language version, but all questions are written in English. This means that reading and understanding scientific English is essential to perform well.

Duration and time management

Candidates have 100 minutes to complete the test, which gives about one minute and forty seconds per question.

It’s advisable to start with the easiest questions and return later to those that require more time. This approach helps avoid wasting too many minutes on a single question.

During the test, the use of calculators, notes, or electronic devices is strictly forbidden. Candidates must bring only a valid ID and the payment receipt.

Scoring criteria and penalties

The maximum possible score is 90 points.

• Each correct answer earns 1.5 points.
• Each wrong answer subtracts 0.4 points.
• Unanswered questions score 0 points.

To be considered eligible, candidates must obtain a score greater than zero. Those with a negative score or no answers at all are excluded from the ranking.

Because of the penalty for incorrect answers, it’s better to skip a question if unsure rather than guess at random.

Minimum scores from previous years

There is no national cut-off score, as each university publishes its own local ranking list.

In recent years, admission scores have varied widely. In some universities, successful candidates scored above 30 points, while in others the last admitted students had around 15–20 points.

This variation depends on the number of available places, the overall level of applicants, and whether the ranking concerns EU or non-EU candidates. Looking at past results from your chosen university can help you estimate realistic admission thresholds.

Main differences between 2024 and 2025

The exam format has remained the same: 60 questions, 100 minutes, and identical subject distribution.

The 2025 decree introduced more harmonisation among universities and greater mobility between institutions in case of unfilled places, allowing candidates to be reassigned according to their preferences.

The single national test date in September was also confirmed, ensuring that all English-taught healthcare courses follow the same schedule.

How to prepare effectively

To prepare properly, students should follow a clear plan combining theory, practice, and performance analysis.

It’s best to begin with the official ministerial syllabus, focusing especially on biology and chemistry, which make up most of the test. Because the exam is in English, practice reading scientific and academic texts in English to strengthen your vocabulary and comprehension.

Regular timed simulations are essential. They help improve time management, concentration, and familiarity with the question format.

Using TestBuddy, you can practise on realistic simulations identical to the official test, receive automatic feedback and performance analysis, and follow a personalised study plan that adjusts exercises to your weak areas.

Everything is in one place: digital manuals, quizzes, simulations, and progress tracking, making preparation more organised and far less stressful. TestBuddy helps you study with structure and confidence, guiding you step by step until exam day.

Official sources

All information in this guide comes from the official ministerial decree of 6 August 2025 and from the official university notices for English-language Health Professions programmes in Italy.