Secondary education has divided into two different levels.
The lower secondary level (scuola secondaria di primo grado), lasting 3 years (from 11 to 14 years of
age). Together with the primary school, it makes up the first cycle of education, which lasts 8 years.
Although they are part of the same cycle of education, they maintain their own peculiarities.
The upper secondary level is called 'second cycle of education' (secondo ciclo di istruzione) and it is
made up of the upper secondary education, under the responsibility of the central administration, and
the Initial Vocational Training (Formazione professionale iniziale, FPI), under the responsibility of the
Regions.
Upper secondary education is offered by the licei, in the technical institutes and in the vocational
institutes. Both in the licei and in the technical institutes, the overall length of study is 5 years (from 14
to 19 years of age), except for the liceo specialising in arts subjects which offers a course of study of 4
years plus an additional year. Vocational institutes offer courses lasting either 3 or 5 years.
Initial Vocational Training (FPI), is offered by the recognised formative agencies ( 5.5.5.) operating
nationwide. The FPI provides for:
First-level (or basic) training pathways, addressed to those who have completed the first cycle of
education (2.4.). These paths have a three-year length and lead to the obtainment of a regional
qualification certificate or to the qualification diploma;
Second-level training pathways addressed to those who have completed the upper secondary
level of education or who have obtained a first-level vocational qualification;