CEnT-S Exam 2027: Format, Sections & Scoring
Official breakdown of CEnT-S (CISIA English Test – Sciences), which unified and replaced all English TOLC variants in November 2025. Exam structure, 4 macro-periods, section timings, scoring rules & university requirements.
If you are an international or EU candidate planning to study an English-taught degree in Italy, your admission pathway underwent a major transformation.
Preparing already? Our CEnT-S preparation course follows the exact six-section structure below, and the first lesson is free.
What Happened in November 2025? The End of English TOLC-E, TOLC-I & TOLC-F
In November 2025, CISIA officially phase-out and unified these three exams under a single, streamlined academic assessment: CEnT-S (CISIA English Test – Sciences).
If a university call for application (*bando di ammissione*) previously required English TOLC-E, English TOLC-I, or English TOLC-F, it now requires CEnT-S.
Master Comparison: Old English TOLCs vs. Unified CEnT-S
| Feature | Retired English TOLCs (Pre-Nov 2025) | Unified CISIA CEnT-S (Current Standard) |
|---|---|---|
| Active Exams | English TOLC-E, English TOLC-I, English TOLC-F | CEnT-S (*CISIA English Test – Sciences*) |
| Status | Discontinued & Retired | Active for the 2026/2027 Intake |
| Total Questions | 50 to 80 questions (varying by track) | 65 questions |
| Total Time | 72 to 125 minutes (varying by track) | 140 minutes |
| Target Fields | Fragmented by subject | Unified across Engineering, Economics, Pharmacy & Sciences |
| Scoring Rules | +1 / 0 / −0.25 raw score | +1 / 0 / −0.25 raw score + Macro-Period Normalization |
| Score Release | Shown at the end of the test | Normalised score published at the end of each of 5 macro-periods |
CEnT-S Structure: 6 Timed Sections & Timing Matrix
The CEnT-S exam is divided into 6 strictly timed sections. Unused time from one section cannot be carried over to another section.
| Section | Number of Questions | Time Allotted | Core Topics & Syllabus Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Reading and Comprehension | 10 questions | 30 minutes | English reading comprehension of short passages |
| 2. Mathematics | 15 questions | 30 minutes | Functions, logarithms, trigonometry, analytic geometry, probability |
| 3. Reasoning on Texts & Data | 15 questions | 30 minutes | Scientific & economic reading comprehension, logical inferences, data interpretation |
| 4. Biology | 10 questions | 20 minutes | Cell biology, bioenergetics, genetics, human organ systems, molecular biology |
| 5. Chemistry | 10 questions | 20 minutes | Stoichiometry, atomic structure, periodic table, pH, organic functional groups |
| 6. Physics | 5 questions | 10 minutes | Kinematics, forces & Newton's laws, work & energy, basic circuits & electricity |
| TOTAL | 65 questions | 140 minutes | Max Raw Score: 65.0 points |
The 5 Macro-Periods & When You Get Your Score
CEnT-S runs in five macro-periods a year. You see a raw score when you finish, but the normalised score, the official result universities use, is published only after your macro-period closes (CISIA structure and scoring page):
| Macro-Period | Official score published by |
|---|---|
| First | 29 January |
| Second | 31 March |
| Third | 31 May |
| Fourth | 30 July |
| Fifth | 17 September |
How CEnT-S Scoring & Normalization Works
- Raw Score Calculation:* Correct Answer: $+1.0$ point* Unanswered Question: $0.0$ points* Incorrect Answer: $-0.25$ points penalty
- Score Normalization:* Because test questions vary in statistical difficulty across different exam sessions, CISIA applies an algorithmic normalization process at the conclusion of each macro-period.* This keeps a score from one sitting comparable with a score from another, even when one paper turned out harder.
Testing Formats: CEnT@UNI vs CEnT@HOME
Both formats require registration via the official CISIA portal (cisiaonline.it); the test fee is shown when you book.
How to Prepare for CEnT-S
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More Guides & Articles
CEnT-S: 65 Questions Instead of 55
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