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Exam Review

Key Facts: TOLC-B Exam

50 questions

Core questions on the official TOLC-B

CISIA TOLC-B Syllabus

110 minutes

Core exam duration (+ 15 min English)

CISIA Regolamento TOLC

€35

Official CISIA registration fee per attempt

CISIA Official Fee Schedule

+1 / -0.25

Scoring: +1 correct, -0.25 wrong, 0 blank

CISIA Regolamento TOLC

20 of 50

Basic Mathematics questions (40% of core)

CISIA TOLC-B Structure

10 each

Biology, Physics, and Chemistry questions

CISIA TOLC-B Structure

Monthly

Allowed retake frequency (once per calendar month)

CISIA Regolamento TOLC

The 2026 TOLC-B is CISIA's 50-question, 110-minute computer-based admission test for Italian biology and life-sciences degree courses, covering mathematics (20 questions, 50 min), biology (10 questions, 20 min), physics (10 questions, 20 min), and chemistry (10 questions, 20 min), scored +1 for correct, -0.25 for wrong, and 0 for blank.

Sample TOLC-B Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to review concepts for the TOLC-B exam. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 98+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1What is the simplified numerical value of the expression (27^(2/3) * 4^(-1/2)) / 3?
A.3/2
B.9/2
C.2/3
D.3
Explanation: Evaluating the fractional powers gives 27^(2/3) = (3^3)^(2/3) = 3^2 = 9 and 4^(-1/2) = 1 / sqrt(4) = 1/2. The numerator becomes 9 * (1/2) = 9/2. Dividing this product by 3 yields (9/2) / 3 = 3/2.
2What is the exact value of the logarithmic expression log_2(32) - log_3(81) + ln(e^2)?
A.1
B.3
C.2
D.5
Explanation: Using standard logarithm definition and properties: log_2(32) = 5 because 2^5 = 32; log_3(81) = 4 because 3^4 = 81; and ln(e^2) = 2 because ln is base e. Combining these gives 5 - 4 + 2 = 3.
3Which real value of x satisfies the linear equation 3(2x - 5) - 4(x - 2) = 7?
A.x = 4
B.x = 5
C.x = 7
D.x = 8
Explanation: Expanding parentheses gives 6x - 15 - 4x + 8 = 7. Combining like terms yields 2x - 7 = 7. Adding 7 to both sides gives 2x = 14, which solves to x = 7.
4A cell culture volume of 80 mL is increased by 25%, and the resulting mixture is subsequently reduced by 20%. What is the final volume of the culture?
A.80 mL
B.84 mL
C.76 mL
D.85 mL
Explanation: Increasing 80 mL by 25% gives 80 * (1 + 0.25) = 80 * 1.25 = 100 mL. Reducing this intermediate volume by 20% gives 100 * (1 - 0.20) = 100 * 0.80 = 80 mL. Because 1.25 * 0.80 = 1.00, the final volume equals the original volume.
5What is the set of all real solutions to the inequality |2x - 3| <= 5?
A.x <= -1 or x >= 4
B.-1 <= x <= 4
C.-4 <= x <= 1
D.1 <= x <= 4
Explanation: The absolute value inequality |2x - 3| <= 5 is equivalent to the double inequality -5 <= 2x - 3 <= 5. Adding 3 across all parts gives -2 <= 2x <= 8. Dividing by 2 yields -1 <= x <= 4.
6In the Cartesian plane, what is the equation of the line passing through the points A(1, 2) and B(3, 8)?
A.y = 2x + 1
B.y = 3x + 1
C.y = 3x - 1
D.y = (1/3)x + 5/3
Explanation: The slope m is calculated as (y2 - y1) / (x2 - x1) = (8 - 2) / (3 - 1) = 6 / 2 = 3. Using point-slope form with A(1, 2): y - 2 = 3(x - 1) => y = 3x - 3 + 2 => y = 3x - 1.
7What is the slope of any straight line perpendicular to the line 4x - 2y + 7 = 0?
A.2
B.1/2
C.-2
D.-1/2
Explanation: Rewriting the given line in slope-intercept form gives 2y = 4x + 7 => y = 2x + 7/2, so its slope is m1 = 2. Any line perpendicular to it must have a slope m2 satisfying m1 * m2 = -1, which means m2 = -1/2.
8What is the natural domain of the real-valued function f(x) = sqrt(x - 4) / (x - 7)?
A.[4, 7) U (7, +infinity)
B.(4, +infinity)
C.[4, +infinity)
D.(-infinity, 7) U (7, +infinity)
Explanation: The square root requires the radicand to be non-negative: x - 4 >= 0 => x >= 4. Additionally, the denominator cannot equal zero: x - 7 != 0 => x != 7. Combining these conditions gives [4, 7) U (7, +infinity).
9Let f(x) = 2x^2 - 1 and g(x) = 3x + 2. What is the value of the composite function (f ∘ g)(1)?
A.17
B.49
C.25
D.51
Explanation: By definition of composite functions, (f ∘ g)(1) = f(g(1)). Evaluating g(1) gives g(1) = 3(1) + 2 = 5. Substituting this into f yields f(5) = 2(5^2) - 1 = 2(25) - 1 = 49.
10What is the exact trigonometric value of cos(2π/3)?
A.1/2
B.-sqrt(3)/2
C.-1/2
D.sqrt(3)/2
Explanation: The angle 2π/3 lies in the second quadrant where cosine is negative. Its reference angle is π - 2π/3 = π/3. Therefore, cos(2π/3) = -cos(π/3) = -1/2.

About the TOLC-B Exam

TOLC-B is CISIA's computer-based admission and orientation test used by participating universities for biology and related programs. The core has 50 five-option questions in 110 minutes: Mathematics 20/50 minutes, Biology 10/20, Physics 10/20, and Chemistry 10/20, followed by English 30/15. Core scoring is +1, -0.25, or 0; universities set their own eligibility, ranking, and OFA rules. This independent four-option bank practices the published subject domains and is not an official or equivalent test.

Exam sponsor: CISIA — Consorzio Interuniversitario Sistemi Integrati per l'Accesso. The requirements and fees below concern the certification or admission exam, separate from our free practice resources.

Assessment

50 multiple-choice questions delivered in 110 minutes across 4 sections: Basic Mathematics (20 questions, 50 min), Biology (10 questions, 20 min), Physics (10 questions, 20 min), and Chemistry (10 questions, 20 min), followed by an English placement section (30 questions, 15 min). Core scoring: +1 for correct, -0.25 for incorrect, 0 for unanswered.

Time Limit

110 minutes (+ 15 minutes for English section)

Passing Score

Scored +1 for correct, -0.25 for wrong, 0 for blank. Ranking thresholds and OFA requirements set by university life science faculties.

Exam / Certification Fees

€35

Exam sponsor website

Fees, eligibility, and exam policies can change. Confirm them with the exam sponsor before applying or paying.

Our practice resources: topics covered

We aim to reflect publicly available exam outlines and topic information in our study resources. Coverage, format, and difficulty may differ from the actual exam, and we cannot guarantee that every detail is accurate or current. Confirm exam requirements, fees, and policies with the official exam sponsor.

40%

Basic Mathematics

Arithmetic, algebra, powers, radicals, logarithms, linear and quadratic equations and inequalities, analytic geometry, functions, trigonometry, and elementary probability and statistics

20%

Biology

Cell chemistry, cell biology and organelles, bioenergetics, cell cycle and reproduction, Mendelian inheritance, molecular genetics, anatomy and physiology, evolution, and ecology

20%

Physics

Kinematics, dynamics and Newton's laws, work and energy, fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, wave mechanics, optics, and electrostatics and electric circuits

20%

Chemistry

Structure of matter, atomic structure, periodic table and periodic trends, chemical bonding, stoichiometry, solutions and concentration, chemical equilibrium, acids and bases, and thermochemistry

Preparing for the TOLC-B Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: Scored +1 for correct, -0.25 for wrong, 0 for blank. Ranking thresholds and OFA requirements set by university life science faculties.
  • Assessment: 50 multiple-choice questions delivered in 110 minutes across 4 sections: Basic Mathematics (20 questions, 50 min), Biology (10 questions, 20 min), Physics (10 questions, 20 min), and Chemistry (10 questions, 20 min), followed by an English placement section (30 questions, 15 min). Core scoring: +1 for correct, -0.25 for incorrect, 0 for unanswered.
  • Time limit: 110 minutes (+ 15 minutes for English section)
  • Exam / certification fees: €35 Official sources

Using Our Practice Resources

  • Work through all 98 available questions
  • Review every answer and explanation
  • Track weak areas and revisit them
  • Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

TOLC-B: Suggested Study Strategy

1Mathematics carries the largest single weight on the TOLC-B (20 out of 50 questions, 50 minutes) — prioritize algebraic manipulations, quadratic inequalities, analytic geometry, and logarithmic equations.
2Manage the negative marking penalty (-0.25 vs +1.0): blind guessing carries a negative expected value if completely clueless, so only make an educated guess when you can eliminate at least one or two distractors.
3Practice mental math and hand calculations daily, because calculators and reference tables are strictly prohibited during the official TOLC-B session.
4Respect the section time limits: unlike single-block exams, each section has a strict countdown (50 min for math, 20 min each for biology, physics, and chemistry), and time cannot be transferred between sections.
5Review core high-school biological concepts thoroughly, especially cell respiration, photosynthesis, DNA transcription and translation, Mendelian crosses, and enzyme kinetics.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the TOLC-B and which degree programs require it?

The TOLC-B is a standardized computer-based entrance examination administered by CISIA for admission to undergraduate degree programs (Laurea Triennale) in Biological Sciences (L-13), Biotechnology (L-2), Natural Sciences (L-32), and Environmental Sciences across participating Italian universities.

How is the core TOLC-B structured and timed?

The core TOLC-B consists of 50 questions to be solved in 110 minutes, divided into four strictly timed sections: Basic Mathematics (20 questions, 50 minutes), Biology (10 questions, 20 minutes), Physics (10 questions, 20 minutes), and Chemistry (10 questions, 20 minutes). An additional 30-question English placement section (15 minutes) is administered at the end.

How does scoring and negative marking work on the TOLC-B?

Each correct answer in the core sections awards +1.0 point, each incorrect answer deducts -0.25 points, and unanswered questions receive 0 points. The maximum possible core score is 50 points. The English section is evaluated separately without penalties for wrong answers.

What are Additional Educational Obligations (OFA)?

Universities determine their own minimum passing thresholds for individual sections, most frequently in Basic Mathematics. If an admitted candidate's score falls below the university's threshold in a section, they are assigned OFA (Obblighi Formativi Aggiuntivi), which must be resolved during the first academic year through dedicated remedial courses or tests.

Are these practice questions official CISIA exam items?

No. This question bank is an independent educational practice resource developed by OpenExamPrep. It is not endorsed, sponsored, or affiliated with CISIA (Consorzio Interuniversitario Sistemi Integrati per l'Accesso). The questions are modeled on the publicly available official TOLC-B syllabus to help candidates prepare effectively.