Italy grading system: marks and pass threshold
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The Italy grading system uses numerical marks in tenths, from 10/10, the best grade, to 0/10, the worst; 6/10 is the lowest passing mark. There is no percentage key.
This page explains how to read Italian grades and how school grading is administered, including context for teachers working with Italian students online or abroad. It also covers the esame di maturità and points to related grading systems and sources.
Reading the Italian scale
Italian marks range from 0 to 10 and correspond to ten learning levels; 6/10 or higher means sufficient attainment, while a lower mark means learning targets are partly or wholly unmet. A mark of 6/10 is a pass.
| Grade | Meaning | Passing |
|---|---|---|
| 10/10 | Yes | |
| 9/10 | Yes | |
| 8/10 | Yes | |
| 7/10 | Yes | |
| 6/10 | Sufficient attainment; pass: A mark equal to or higher than 6/10 means sufficient attainment; below 6/10, learning-target attainment is partially or totally lacking. | Yes |
| 5/10 | No | |
| 4/10 | No | |
| 3/10 | No | |
| 2/10 | No | |
| 1/10 | No | |
| 0/10 | No |
A mark below 6/10 means learning-target attainment is partially or totally lacking; a below-pass mark in one or more subjects does not necessarily prevent progression or admission to the final state exam, though non-admission can be decided in some cases.
In lower and upper secondary school, marks are expressed in tenths and assess preparation in each subject, taking account of the student’s learning path and progress from their starting point. (Eurydice; MIM)
There is no percent key. For the state exam, students need an overall score of at least 60/100 to pass (Nuffic; Eurydice).
Compared with related systems
Italy
5 of 11 grades pass
Netherlands
5 of 10 grades pass
How Italian school grading is run
Italian grading rules are set nationally by the Ministry of Education, University and Research (MIUR). At each school, the Teachers' Assembly defines assessment methods and criteria.
The Class Council assigns marks for subjects and conduct at the end of each term and school year, and records them on each student's assessment document (Eurydice).
At the end of upper secondary school, students sit the esame di maturità, the final State examination. MIUR issues the documents proving completion of upper secondary education (Nuffic).
If you teach Italian students online or abroad
Documents students from the Italian system may bring include an allegato del diploma, or appendix to the diploma; a Diploma di superamento dell’esame di stato conclusivo, or diploma of completion of the state exam; and a Diploma di licenza conclusivo del primo ciclo di istruzione, or first-cycle leaving certificate.
Check which document the student has and record its grades using a consistent key in your gradebook. Set the scale up once in a gradebook so every report card and transcript you produce uses the same key.
Related grading systems
Sources and verification
- [1]mim.gov.it. Valutazione - MIM. Accessed Sep 24, 2026. Official source
- [2]nuffic.nl. Grades and study results | Nuffic. Accessed Sep 24, 2026. Credential evaluator
- [3]eurydice.eacea.ec.europa.eu. Assessment in general lower secondary education. Accessed Sep 24, 2026. Credential evaluator
- [4]eurydice.eacea.ec.europa.eu. Assessment in general upper secondary education. Accessed Sep 24, 2026. Credential evaluator
The facts on this page were last verified on Sep 27, 2026. Suggest a correction
Frequently asked questions
What is a passing grade in Italy?
In Italian secondary schools, 6/10 is the lowest passing mark. Marks below 6/10 indicate that learning targets are partly or wholly unmet.
How do Italian grades convert to US grades?
There is no stated conversion from Italian grades to US grades. Italian school marks range from 0 to 10, and 6/10 is a pass.
Do schools in Italy use percentages for grades?
No. Italian school marks use a scale from 0 to 10, and there is no percentage key.
Is a 5/10 a good grade in Italy?
No. A 5/10 is below the passing mark of 6/10 and indicates that learning targets are partly or wholly unmet.
