TOLC and CEnT-S tests for admission to degree programmes

What are the TOLC and CEnT-S tests

They are computer-based tests used by the University as tools for orientation and assessment of initial abilities. 

They are individual tests, one in Italian (TOLC) and one in English (CEnT-S), different for each participant, consisting of questions automatically and randomly selected from the CISIA database through software developed and managed by CISIA - Consorzio Interuniversitario Sistemi Integrati per l'Accesso (Consortium of Inter-University Integrated Access Systems).

For degree programmes at the University of Bologna, one of the following tests may be required. They differ in number of questions, content and duration:

• TOLC-I: 50 questions (20 on mathematics,10 on logic, 10 on science, 10 on verbal comprehension) with a duration of 1 hour 50 minutes; 
• TOLC-E: 36 questions (13 on logic, 10 on the verbal comprehension, 13 on mathematics) with a duration of 1 hour 30 minutes; 
• TOLC-F: 50 questions (15 on biology, 15 on chemistry, 7 on mathematics, 7 on physics, 6 on logic) with a duration of 1 hour 12 minutes;
• TOLC-SU: 50 questions (30 on reading comprehension and knowledge of Italian, 10 on knowledge acquired through secondary education, and 10 on logical reasoning) with a duration of 1 hour 40 minutes;
• TOLC-PSI: 50 questions (10 on reading comprehension, 10 on basic mathematics, 10 on verbal reasoning, 10 numerical reasoning, 10 on biology) with a duration of 1 hour 40 minutes;
• CEnT-S: 55 questions (15 Mathematics, 15 Reasoning on texts and data, 10 Biology, 10 Chemistry, 5 Physics) with a duration of 1 hour 50 minutes.

Check the type of test required for the degree programme you are interested in: it is specified in the call for applications or admission notice.

Which test delivery modes are valid for enrolment at the University of Bologna

For the  2026/27 intake, the following delivery modes apply (@UNI, @CASA), as specified in the calls for applications and admission notices.

For restricted access degree programmes, the following tests are valid:

• TOLC@UNI and CEnT@UNI taken in person in 2025 or 2026
• TOLC@home and CEnT@home taken remotely in 2025 or 2026 only for students belonging to the “non-EU residents abroad” quota (check which quota you belong to)

For open access degree programmes, the following tests are valid:

• TOLC/CEnT-S taken either in person (TOLC@UNI and CEnT@UNI) or remotely (TOLC@home and CEnT@home) in 2025 or 2026

Where to take the tests

You can take the tests at any university, even if it is different from the one where you intend to enrol. You can find dates and venues for the tests on the CISIA website

The University of Bologna organises the tests only in person at all its campuses (Bologna, Cesena, Forlì, Ravenna and Rimini).

Registering for the test

To take the tests, you must register in advance, according to the deadlines set byCISIA. Registration takes place online on the CISIA website. The payment of €35 is required.

Check the CISIA website:

• Dates and venues available for registration
• Deadline for registration
• Places available.

What to do after taking the tests

You can access all the information required to participate in the selection and enrolment process by visiting the website of the degree programme you are interested in. Be sure to carefully review the call for application and information about the degree programme you are interested in and verify the deadlines for both application and enrolment.

Generally, only the result of the most recent test taken within the deadlines and according to the procedures indicated in the call is considered valid. In some cases, degree programmes may consider the best result rather than the most recent one: always check the call for applications or admission notice.

For restricted-access degree programmes, the call for applications also specifies: the minimum score required to apply, and the threshold below which, if you are admitted, you may enrol with an Additional Learning Requirement Additional Learning Requirements (OFA).

Selections do not include additional tests, and the ranking is based on the test score weighted according to the criteria defined in the call.

 If your test score is below the required thresholds, you will be assigned an Additional Learning Requirements (OFA).

Information for students with disabilities or specific learning disorders

If you are a student with a disability or a specific learning disorder (SLD) and wish to request accommodations for the CISIA test, you must select the relevant option when registering in the CISIA website.