The English TOLC Era is Over in Italy! What is the New Exam "CEnT-S"? (2025-2026 Guide)

The cards are being reshuffled for those wishing to study at a university in Italy. CISIA, the body that administers Italian university entrance exams, has completely abolished the English TOLC-I, TOLC-E, and TOLC-F systems that have been in place for years.

This guide compiles everything you need to know about the new centralized testing system CEnT-S (Center for English Testing - Standard) , which will come into effect in November 2025, including the changing exam schedule and strategic risks.

📌 What is CEnT-S? (The only exam replacing English TOLC)

Previously, you needed to take the TOLC-I for engineering, the TOLC-E for business, and the TOLC-F for pharmacy/science. This distinction no longer exists.

CEnT-S is a standardized, centralized English entrance exam designed for all English-language undergraduate programs (except Medicine/IMAT), regardless of field of study.

• In summary: Those wishing to study Engineering and those wishing to study International Relations will be subject to the same examination system (CEnT-S).

🗓️ CEnT-S Exam Schedule and "One Attempt" Rule ⚠️

This is the most crucial point of the new system. Previously, you could take the exam once a month. Now, CEnT-S divides the year into 4 main terms (quarters) , and the rules are much stricter.

Critical Rule: "One Attempt Per Term"

You can only take the exam once per main term. For example, if you tried in November, you cannot take it again in December or January. Your next chance will open in February.

Period	Months	Exam Rights
1. Main Period	November - December - January	Only Once
2nd Main Period	February - March	Only Once
3rd Main Period	April - May - June	Only Once
4th Main Period	September - October	Only Once

💡 Expert Warning: You don't have the luxury of "trying it out" in this system. Using your access in the wrong month may cause you to miss the university application deadline.

🎯 Scoring System Changed: When Will the Results Be Released?

In the old TOLC system, you could see your score on the screen as soon as the exam was over. This has changed with CenT-S.

1. No Instant Results: You won't find out your score immediately after finishing the exam.

2. End-of-Term Announcement: Results are announced collectively at the end of the main term you are enrolled in.

3. Detailed Report Card: At the end of the term, you will be provided with the following data:

   • True/False/Null numbers.

   • Total Score.

   • Area-based success analysis.

👉 Objective: To make competition among candidates fairer and to balance the standard deviation.

🧠 CEnT-S Exam Content: Are You a Rote Learner or an Analytical Thinker?

CISIA's new approach is based on selecting students who "understand what they read and use logic," not those who "memorize formulas."

• Academic English: Not everyday language, but university-level text analysis.

• Logic and Analytical Thinking: This will be the key to the exam.

• Reading Comprehension: The ability to read quickly and make inferences will be tested.

Who is it critical for?

• 🇮🇹 For those who want to study Engineering, Architecture, Psychology, or Business Administration in English in Italy.

• Those targeting health sciences programs other than medicine (IMAT).

⚠️ The Most Common Strategic Mistakes

80% of students are at risk of making the following mistakes:

1. Working with Outdated Resources: TOLC books are now outdated. You need to prepare yourself for the new approach.

2. Calendar Error: Using the exam opportunity in the wrong period without knowing the "Early Application" date of the school you are applying to.

3. Score Expectation: Forgetting that the exam results will be announced at the end of the semester and therefore not being able to submit the application documents on time.

✅ Conclusion: Don't leave your future to chance.

CEnT-S is not just a knowledge test, it's also a time management and strategy test.

Taking the exam in the wrong period can mean losing a year . You should plan which university accepts which semester's results and the visa process as a whole.

🚀 To flawlessly manage your CEnT-S preparation, university selection, and application schedule:

👉 You can receive one-on-one consultation and create your strategy immediately via www.anilgoktas.org .