Introduction of CEnT_S exam as replacement for Toltec
CEnT_S test will replace the famous TOLEC-F, TOLEC-I, and TOLEC-E exams starting November 2025, according to the official CISIA website. This unified exam, mandatory for applicants seeking to study in Italy, covers all fields including pharmacy, economics, and engineering, and will serve as the new standard for university admission.
Important: Each university can decide which sections to take into account in the admission of the desired courses. For example, for the Economics course, Biology and Chemistry will probably have lower scores.
CEnT_S Test Structure
| Section | Questions |
| Biology | 10 |
| Chemistry | 10 |
| Physics | 5 |
| Mathematics | 15 |
| Reading Comprehension | 15 |
Important note: Each university can decide which sections to consider in their admissions to the desired majors. For example, for economics, biology and chemistry will probably have lower scores.
Italy CEnT_S Exam Schedule and Periods
Unlike the TOLC exam which was held monthly, the new CEnT_S exam will be held only in four specific time periods (Macro-Periods):
- November – December – January
- February – March
- April – May – June
- September
Note: Each candidate can only take this test once per time period.
Validity of test results at all Italian universities
Like the TOLEC test, the CEnT_S test results will be valid at all Italian universities. This means that if a student takes the test at one university, they can use the same result to apply to other universities.
Normalization of scores and educational equity
One of the important features of the new test is that scores are normalized at the end of each term based on the difficulty or ease of the tests. This will ensure greater fairness among participants.
How the CEnT_S Test is administered
The CEnT_S test is administered in two ways:
- Face-to-face at Italian universities
- Online, similar to previous TOLC exams
CEnT_S test registration fee
The registration fee is currently set at 55 euros, but may change in future years.
Status of Previous TOLC Test Scores
One of the most frequently asked questions by candidates is whether TOLC-F, TOLC-I and TOLC-E scores are still acceptable or not?
At present, no definitive announcement has been made by Italian universities regarding the acceptance or rejection of these scores. Therefore, students are advised to follow the official CISIA news and the website of the destination university.
Conclusion
The elimination of the TOEFL 2025 test and its replacement with the CEnT_S test is a major change in the application process to Italy. With a unified structure, tighter timing, and the possibility of normalizing scores, this test will make the admission process for international students fairer and more transparent. If you plan to apply to Italian universities in fields such as pharmacy, economics, engineering or basic sciences, you will only need to take the CEnT_S exam from 2025 onwards.
