What to expect on the English TOLC-F
Honest, no-hype information about the exam — what we know, what we don't, and how to calibrate your preparation.
Overall difficulty
High — over 60% of the total score depends on Chemistry and Biology. Stoichiometry and molecular genetics require rapid mental math and precise conceptual understanding.
Question style
Multiple-choice (5 options, 1 correct). Questions test stoichiometric calculations, organic functional groups, Mendelian genetics, and basic physics equations in English.
Time per question
~1.4 minutes per question overall. Prioritize Chemistry and Biology where the core ranking points are earned.
What this platform covers
- Chemistry: moles, molarity, acid-base, pH, redox, organic functional groups, isomerism
- Biology: cell organelles, DNA replication, transcription/translation, Mendel's laws, X-linked inheritance
- Physics: kinematics, Newton's second law, Stevin's law, Archimedes, Ohm's law
- Mathematics: quadratic equations, parabolas, logarithms, trigonometry, plane geometry
- Logic: categorical syllogisms, logical negations, Venn diagrams, number series
What it does not cover
- Official unreleased live test questions — CISIA does not publish live test papers
- TOLC@CASA proctoring software installation
- Specific university OFA (Additional Educational Obligations) rules
Exam-day tips
- 1In stoichiometry limiting reactant questions, divide available moles by equation coefficients first.
- 2For pH calculations, confirm whether the acid is strong (complete dissociation) or weak (requires Ka).
- 3Do not guess blindly — wrong answers carry a −0.25 point penalty.
- 4Scoring 32+ out of 50 historically secures a competitive rank for English-taught Pharmacy tracks.
Recommended preparation resources
- Official CISIA Public Website: https://www.cisiaonline.it/
- Official Free Sample PDFs & Materials: https://www.cisiaonline.it/area-tematica-tolc-farmacia/struttura-della-prova-e-sillabo/
Community signal
International applicants highlight that Chemistry stoichiometry and Organic functional groups are the main speed bottlenecks. Practicing rapid mole conversions gives a distinct advantage.
Independent preparation material. Not affiliated with or endorsed by CISIA. Question content is authored independently for practice purposes. Official free CISIA sample PDFs can be accessed directly on cisiaonline.it.