The examination commission for the second national Italian tourist guide exam 2026 has been appointed. Registration closed yesterday (May 19, 2026). The first 2025 exam certificates are being issued right now. And this year, Formez PA manages the entire operation — a major change from 2025.
Here’s what we know for certain, what we don’t, and what to do while waiting.
The 2026 tourist guide exam commission has been appointed
On May 7, 2026, the Ministry of Tourism published a call for interest for commission members. Deadline: May 18, 2026 at 12:00. On May 20, Simone Concorsi confirmed the commission has been officially appointed.
- Composition: 5 members including the President
- Requirements: proven expertise in exam subjects, no conflicts of interest
- Additional members can be added for oral and practical exams (language experts, technical specialists)
- Source: MiTur announcement
Formez PA: the 2026 organizational change
Formez PA now manages the operational side: applications, fees, exam logistics, digital platform. In 2025, they didn’t. This means you cannot predict 2026 dates from the 2025 timeline. All official communications on the InPA portal only.
What happens next (no dates confirmed)
- Commission publishes the exam program on InPA and MiTur
- Commission sets evaluation criteria
- Written exam date announced at least 15 days before on InPA
- Oral + practical date announced at least 15 days before
- Site list for practical exam published at least 15 days before orals
No dates have been communicated for any of these steps.
Historic moment: first ENGT certificates from 2025
On May 13 and 18, 2026, the Ministry authorized the first qualification certificates. The very first tourist guides certified under the new national system are entering the ENGT. Historic: first national certifications since 2013.
2025 vs 2026 exam differences
- Written: 40 questions in 40 min (2025: 80 in 90)
- Scoring: +1 correct, 0 wrong (2025: +0.50, −0.25)
- Zero penalty for wrong answers
- Practical: destination drawn by lot, also in foreign language
- Organizer: Formez PA (new for 2026)
What to do NOW
- Start from the 2025 program (Allegato A on InPA) — 2026 may differ
- Anki flashcards: 20 min/day
- Quizzes: Mininterno (8,058) + Concorsando (12,025)
- Legislation: L. 190/2023, D.Lgs. 42/2004, D.Lgs. 79/2011
- Read our complete exam preparation guide
Q&A
Q: Has the 2026 tourist guide exam commission been appointed?
A: Yes. Confirmed May 20, 2026.
Q: When is the written exam?
A: No date announced. Check InPA regularly. Formez PA manages the 2026 exam, so 2025 timelines don’t apply.
Q: When will the program be published?
A: No date. The commission will publish it on InPA before the exams.
Q: Can I still register?
A: No. Registration closed May 19, 2026. Next exam expected annually per L. 190/2023.
Q: Have 2025 certificates been issued?
A: Yes. First authorizations on May 13 and 18, 2026.
Q: Is the 2026 exam easier?
A: Different conditions: half the questions, no penalty, double points per correct answer. But the program is still vast.
Deepen your legal knowledge
The Tour Leader Guide 2026 covers the legal/regulatory section of the exam: L. 190/2023, Cultural Heritage Code, Tourism Code. Not an art history manual — for that use Simone/Maggioli/EdiSES.
Sources: Decree Prot. 63838 (29/04/2026) • MiTur Commission Call • Formez PA • InPA
Based on verified official sources as of May 20, 2026. No exam dates have been announced. Follow InPA for updates.