What is the TOLC test?
The TOLC (CISIA Online Test) is an entrance test that assesses prospective international students' educational background and readiness for university.
TOLC is administered by CISIA (Consortium of Interuniversity Integrated Access Systems). It comprises several tests universities require international students to take before admitting them to an Italian university.
How to Take the TOLC Test
- Check the TOLC calendar for the dates you are interested in.
- You can take no more than one TOLC test of the same type per calendar month.
- Students can sit the TOLC test at any university and use the TOLC score for all the degree programmes for which it is required.
The best score obtained in the TOLC tests will be considered when establishing the ranking list or assigning Additional Educational Obligations (OFA).
Read: TOEFL for Beginners: What You Need to Know
What is the TOLC used for?
- To assess applicants’ initial knowledge and skills
- CISIA Online Test helps students select university programs
How does the TOLC work?
Students select TOLC based on their degree programmes. It consists of questions selected from the CISIA TOLC database.
Types of TOLC Exams
English TOLC – I
The English TOLC – I exam consists of:
Subject: Mathematics, Physics, Logical Reasoning, Chemistry, and Reading Comprehension.
Test Points: A correct answer carries 1 point, while a wrong answer carries 0.25 points. However, questions left blank have no point.
English TOLC – E Exam
The TOLC-E exam consists of:
Subject: Mathematics, Logical Reasoning and Reading Comprehension.
Test Points: A correct answer carries 1 point, while a wrong answer carries 0.25 points. However, any question left blank has no point.
Structure: Based on logic and reading comprehension, it does not fit the curriculum of general international education.
The English TOLC-F
The English TOLC-F consists of:
- Mathematics
- Logic
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
What are the TOLC test topics and duration?
TOLC B
50 questions: 20 Basic Mathematics, 10 Biology, 10 Physics, 10 Chemistry and 1 English section.
Exam Time: 125 minutes
Degree programmes:
- Biological science
- Geological sciences (TOLC-S and TOLC-I are also accepted)
- Cultural Heritage: technology and diagnostics science (TOLC-S is also accepted)
TOLC E
36 questions: 13 logic, 10 reading comprehension, 13 mathematics and 1 English section.
Exam Time: 105 minutes.
Degree programmes:
- Management of organization and labour
- Political Sciences
- Economics and Management
- Social Sciences for Globalisation
- International studies and European institutions
- Environmental Science and Policy for Sustainability (TOLC-S is also accepted)
- Management and Policies of Public Administration
English TOLC E
36 questions: 13 logic, 10 reading comprehension, 13 mathematics
Exam Time: 90 minutes.
Degree programmes
- Economics, behaviour, data and policy
- International Politics, Law and Economics (IPLE)
TOLC F
50 questions: 15 Biology, 15 Chemistry, 7 Mathematics, 7 Physics, 6 Logic and 1 English section.
Exam Time: 87 minutes.
- Degree programmes:
- Exercise and Sports Sciences
- Pharmacy
- Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Technology
TOLC S
55 questions: 20 Basic Mathematics; 15 Reasoning, Problem Solving and Text Comprehension; 5 Biology; 5 Chemistry; 5 Physics; 5 Earth Sciences and 1 English section.
Exam Time: 135 minutes.
Degree programmes:
- Physics (TOLC-I is also accepted)
- Mathematics (TOLC-I is also accepted)
- Computer Science area
- Chemistry
- Industrial Chemistry
- Toxicology for the human and environmental safety
- Biotechnology
- Medical Biotechnology
- Natural sciences
- Environmental Science and Policy for Sustainability (TOLC-E is also accepted)
- Geological sciences (TOLC-B and TOLC-I are also accepted)
- Cultural Heritage: technology and diagnostics science (TOLC-B is also accepted)
TOLC SU
50 questions: 30 Reading Comprehension and Knowledge of the Italian Language, 10 Knowledge and Skills Acquired During Studies, 10 Logical Reasoning and 1 English section.
Exam Time: 115 minutes.
Degree programmes:
- History
- Law
- Liberal Studies in Communication
- Philosophy
- Modern Languages and Literature
- Science of Cultural Property
- Language Mediation and Intercultural Communication
- Sciences of Legal Services
- Humanities Geography, environment and territory
TOLC AV
50 questions: 8 Biology, 8 Chemistry, 8 Physics, 8 Mathematics, 8 Logic, 10 Reading Comprehension and 1 English section.
Exam Time: 115 minutes
Degree programmes:
- Foodservice science and technology
- Viticulture and enology
- Production and protection of plants and green areas
- Sustainable agriculture
- Development and Protection of Mountain Environment
- Breeding and welfare of companion animals
- Animal production
- Natural health products science
- Sustainable food science and technology
TOLC-LP
30 questions: 10 Reading comprehension, 10 logic, 10 Mathematics and 1 English section.
Exam Time: 105 minutes.
Degree programmes: Digital systems in agriculture
TOLC-PSI
50 questions: 10 Numerical Reasoning,10 Basic Mathematics, 10 Reading Comprehension, 10 Verbal Reasoning, 10 Biology and 1 English section.
Exam Time: 115 minutes
Degree programmes: Psychological sciences for prevention and treatment
TOLC SPS
40 questions: 10 Reading Comprehension, 15 Knowledge Acquired at School, 15 Reasoning and Mathematical Language and 1 English section.
Exam Time: 105 minutes
Degree programmes: Communication and Society (CES)
For Which Programs Is the TOLC Exam Valid?
The TOLC exam is valid in Italian universities, and different exams are offered based on the student’s programme. Italy has no central examination system.
What are the types of TOLC exams?
Many TOLC exams include TOLC-I, TOLC-E, TOLC-F, TOLC-S, and TOLC-SU.
How to Pay TOLC in Naira
- Download the Pay4Me App from your App or Play Store. Create an account and log in.
- Click on Payments and then on Test & Exams
- Scroll to TOLC and Enter the Amount
- Follow Prompt and complete payment in under 10 minutes. Pay4Me will complete your TOLC payment within 1 -6 hours or less.
Read: Pay for CGFNS Exam & CES Evaluation in Naira – Nurses' Guide
Conclusion
Students have 11 different TOLC tests to select the one that suits their programmes. You should confirm the specific test required for your admission before taking the test.
The CISIA Online Test can be taken in person at the university or remotely from home (TOLC@Home). Students taking the exams remotely need a quiet room with a computer, tablet, or smartphone. Finally, many Italian universities host the test in class or remotely.
