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Key Facts: TOLC-F Exam

50 questions

Core exam questions (72 minutes)

CISIA TOLC-F Structure and Syllabus

72 minutes

Core exam duration (+ 15 min English)

CISIA Official Regulations

30 of 50

Biology and Chemistry questions (60% of core)

CISIA TOLC-F Content Outline

+1 / -0.25

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

CISIA Scoring Rules

€35

Standard CISIA test registration fee

CISIA Official Portal

IT & EN

Official test languages offered

CISIA Regulations

The TOLC-F is CISIA's official entrance examination for Pharmacy, CTF, and related life/sports science degrees in Italy. Delivered via computer (TOLC@UNI or TOLC@CASA), the core exam consists of 50 questions across 72 minutes (15 biology, 15 chemistry, 7 mathematics, 7 physics, 6 logic), followed by 30 English assessment questions in 15 minutes. Scoring awards +1 point for correct, -0.25 for incorrect, and 0 for blank, with university-specific cutoffs and OFA rules.

Sample TOLC-F Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to review concepts for the TOLC-F exam. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 97+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1Which organelle is bounded by a double membrane with deep inner foldings called cristae and contains the enzyme complexes responsible for ATP synthesis via oxidative phosphorylation?

A.Golgi apparatus

B.Mitochondrion

C.Lysosome

D.Peroxisome

Explanation: Mitochondria possess a smooth outer membrane and an extensively folded inner membrane forming cristae, which maximizes surface area for the electron transport chain and ATP synthase. They contain their own circular DNA and 70S ribosomes, supporting the endosymbiotic theory. Most of the ATP generated in aerobic cellular respiration is synthesized across this inner mitochondrial membrane.

2Which of the following functions is primarily associated with the smooth endoplasmic reticulum (SER) rather than the rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER)?

A.Synthesis of secretory and transmembrane proteins

B.Lipid biosynthesis and detoxification of xenobiotics

C.Initiation of N-linked protein glycosylation

D.Translation of cytoplasmic ribosomal subunits

Explanation: The smooth endoplasmic reticulum lacks bound ribosomes and specializes in the synthesis of lipids (including phospholipids and steroid hormones), carbohydrate metabolism, calcium ion storage in muscle cells, and the enzymatic detoxification of drugs and poisons. In contrast, the rough endoplasmic reticulum is studded with ribosomes and specializes in protein synthesis and initial post-translational modification.

3A cellular pathology involving deficient beta-hexosaminidase A leads to the toxic accumulation of GM2 gangliosides inside which organelle, characteristic of Tay-Sachs disease?

A.Lysosome

B.Mitochondrion

C.Nucleus

D.Endoplasmic reticulum

Explanation: Tay-Sachs disease is a prototypical lysosomal storage disease caused by autosomal recessive mutations in the HEXA gene, resulting in deficiency of the hydrolytic enzyme beta-hexosaminidase A. Without this enzyme, lysosomes are unable to degrade GM2 gangliosides, leading to their progressive, toxic accumulation within neuronal lysosomes, causing swelling, cellular dysfunction, and progressive neurodegeneration.

4According to the fluid mosaic model of biological membranes, what is the primary role of cholesterol in mammalian plasma membranes at physiological temperatures?

A.To catalyze the active transport of ions across the bilayer

B.To act as a bidirectional fluidity buffer that stabilizes membrane viscosity across temperature changes

C.To form hydrophilic pores that allow the passive diffusion of glucose

D.To permanently cross-link adjacent phospholipid tails and make the membrane completely rigid

Explanation: Cholesterol acts as a membrane fluidity buffer due to its amphipathic sterol structure intercalated between phospholipid molecules. At high physiological temperatures, it restrains phospholipid hydrocarbon tail movement, preventing excessive membrane fluidity and permeability. At lower temperatures, it prevents close packing and crystallization of phospholipid acyl chains, hindering solidification.

5In each complete catalytic cycle powered by the hydrolysis of one molecule of ATP, what ions and stoichiometry does the primary active transport Na+/K+-ATPase pump move across the plasma membrane?

A.3 Na+ ions out of the cell and 2 K+ ions into the cell

B.2 Na+ ions out of the cell and 3 K+ ions into the cell

C.3 Na+ ions into the cell and 2 K+ ions out of the cell

D.1 Na+ ion out of the cell and 1 K+ ion into the cell

Explanation: The electrogenic Na+/K+-ATPase pump hydrolyzes one ATP molecule to actively export three Na+ ions out of the cytoplasm and import two K+ ions into the cytoplasm against their respective electrochemical gradients. This unequal charge transfer (3 positive charges out vs 2 positive charges in) generates a net outward current, establishing the negative resting membrane potential and maintaining cell volume.

6During which phase of mitosis do sister chromatids reach the equatorial plane of the cell and become aligned along the central plate under tension from bipolar spindle microtubules?

A.Prophase

B.Metaphase

C.Anaphase

D.Telophase

Explanation: During metaphase, condensed duplicated chromosomes align along the equatorial metaphase plate midway between the spindle poles. Each chromosome's kinetochores are attached to kinetochore microtubules originating from opposite poles, satisfying the spindle assembly checkpoint (SAC) before anaphase onset.

7Crossing over (homologous recombination) occurs during which specific substage of meiotic Prophase I, resulting in exchange of non-sister chromatid genetic segments?

A.Leptotene

B.Zygotene

C.Pachytene

D.Diakinesis

Explanation: Meiotic prophase I proceeds through five distinct stages: leptotene (chromatin condensation), zygotene (synapsis begins with synaptonemal complex formation), pachytene (crossing over takes place between non-sister chromatids of homologous chromosomes), diplotene (synaptonemal complex dissolves, chiasmata become visible), and diakinesis (terminalization of chiasmata and nuclear envelope breakdown). Thus, genetic recombination occurs during pachytene.

8What type of chemical reaction links two amino acids together to form a peptide bond, and what molecule is released in the process?

A.Hydrolysis reaction releasing carbon dioxide

B.Condensation (dehydration synthesis) reaction releasing a molecule of water

C.Redox reaction releasing molecular hydrogen

D.Decarboxylation reaction releasing ammonia

Explanation: A peptide bond forms through a condensation (dehydration) reaction between the alpha-carboxyl group (-COOH) of one amino acid and the alpha-amino group (-NH2) of an adjacent amino acid. In this process, a hydroxyl group (-OH) from the carboxyl group and a proton (-H) from the amino group combine to release one molecule of water (H2O), forming a planar covalent amide linkage.

9In a double-stranded DNA molecule, what type of covalent linkage connects adjacent nucleotides along a single strand, and in what direction does DNA synthesis proceed?

A.Phosphodiester bond; synthesized 5' to 3'

B.Glycosidic bond; synthesized 3' to 5'

C.Peptide bond; synthesized N-terminus to C-terminus

D.Hydrogen bond; synthesized 3' to 5'

Explanation: Adjacent nucleotides along a DNA polynucleotide strand are covalently joined by 3',5'-phosphodiester bonds linking the 3'-OH group of one deoxyribose to the 5'-phosphate group of the next. DNA polymerases require a free 3'-OH group to attack the incoming deoxynucleoside triphosphate, dictating that DNA synthesis proceeds strictly in the 5' to 3' direction.

10How do the glycosidic linkages in cellulose differ from those in amylose (starch), and why cannot human digestive enzymes break down cellulose?

A.Cellulose contains alpha-1,4 linkages that human amylase cannot reach due to lipid encapsulation

B.Cellulose contains beta-1,4 glycosidic linkages which human amylases cannot hydrolyze

C.Cellulose contains alpha-1,6 branch points that require lactase for digestion

D.Cellulose is composed of fructose monomers instead of glucose monomers

Explanation: Amylose consists of unbranched chains of D-glucose connected by alpha-1,4 glycosidic bonds, which human salivary and pancreatic alpha-amylases readily cleave. In contrast, cellulose consists of linear beta-D-glucose chains linked by beta-1,4 glycosidic bonds. Humans lack the enzyme cellulase needed to hydrolyze beta-1,4 bonds, making cellulose an indigestible dietary fiber that passes intact through the upper digestive tract.

About the TOLC-F Exam

The TOLC-F is the standardized computer-based entrance examination administered by CISIA (Consorzio Interuniversitario Sistemi Integrati per l'Accesso) across Italian universities for admission to undergraduate and single-cycle master's degree programs in Pharmacy (Farmacia, LM-13), Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Technology (CTF — Chimica e Tecnologia Farmaceutiche, LM-13), Applied Pharmaceutical Sciences (Scienze Farmaceutiche Applicate, L-29), and Sports/Exercise Sciences (Scienze Motorie, L-22). The official core examination comprises 50 multiple-choice questions with five options, strictly timed over 72 minutes divided into five distinct sequential sections: Biology (15 questions in 20 minutes), Chemistry (15 questions in 20 minutes), Mathematics (7 questions in 12 minutes), Physics (7 questions in 12 minutes), and Logic (6 questions in 8 minutes). This is followed by an additional 30-question English language section (15 minutes) used to assess language proficiency. Scoring awards +1 point for each correct answer, penalizes -0.25 points for each incorrect answer, and awards 0 points for unanswered questions. Each participating university degree program independently establishes its admission rankings, merit lists, or minimum thresholds to satisfy Additional Educational Obligations (OFA — Obblighi Formativi Aggiuntivi). This OpenExamPrep question bank provides an independent collection of 100 practice questions designed around the official CISIA syllabus domains to build conceptual mastery and speed.

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 core questions delivered across five timed sections: Biology (15 questions, 20 min), Chemistry (15 questions, 20 min), Mathematics (7 questions, 12 min), Physics (7 questions, 12 min), and Logic (6 questions, 8 min), followed by 30 English assessment questions in 15 min. Core scoring: +1 for correct, -0.25 for incorrect, 0 for unanswered.

Time Limit

72 minutes (+ 15 minutes for English section)

Passing Score

Scored +1 for correct, -0.25 for wrong, 0 for blank. Ranking cutoff or OFA threshold established by university 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.

Official sources

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.

30%

Biology

Cell theory and organelle function, biological macromolecules, bioenergetics (glycolysis, citric acid cycle, ATP synthesis), Mendelian and chromosomal genetics, DNA replication and protein synthesis, human organ systems, and microbiology fundamentals

30%

Chemistry

States of matter, atomic structure and electronic configuration, the periodic table, chemical bonds, stoichiometry and molar calculations, solutions and concentration units, chemical equilibria, acids and bases, oxidation-reduction reactions, and organic chemistry fundamentals

14%

Mathematics

Set theory, numeric operations, powers and radicals, polynomials and algebraic factoring, linear and quadratic equations and inequalities, coordinate geometry (lines, parabolas, circles), basic functions, logarithms, and trigonometry

14%

Physics

Measurement and units, scalar and vector kinematics, Newton's laws of motion, work, mechanical energy, hydrostatic pressure, Pascal's and Archimedes' principles, thermal expansion, heat transfer, ideal gas laws, Coulomb's law, and DC circuit analysis

12%

Logic

Propositional logic, truth values, conditional and biconditional propositions, contrapositives, categorical syllogisms, negation of universal and existential statements, and deductive problem solving

Preparing for the TOLC-F Exam

What You Need to Know

Passing score: Scored +1 for correct, -0.25 for wrong, 0 for blank. Ranking cutoff or OFA threshold established by university faculties.
Assessment: 50 multiple-choice core questions delivered across five timed sections: Biology (15 questions, 20 min), Chemistry (15 questions, 20 min), Mathematics (7 questions, 12 min), Physics (7 questions, 12 min), and Logic (6 questions, 8 min), followed by 30 English assessment questions in 15 min. Core scoring: +1 for correct, -0.25 for incorrect, 0 for unanswered.
Time limit: 72 minutes (+ 15 minutes for English section)
Exam / certification fees: €35 Official sources

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TOLC-F: Suggested Study Strategy

1Prioritize Biology and Chemistry: together they make up 60% of the core exam (30 of 50 questions). A strong performance in these two subjects is essential for competitive ranking in Pharmacy and CTF.

2Manage section-specific timers: unlike open-format exams, each TOLC-F section has its own fixed countdown (e.g., 20 minutes for 15 biology questions). Once a section's time expires, you cannot return to it.

3Respect the negative marking: with a -0.25 point penalty for wrong answers versus +1 for correct answers, do not guess blindly. Only answer if you can eliminate at least two plausible distractors.

4Build mental calculation and algebraic agility: calculators are not allowed during the TOLC-F, so practice multi-step molar mass calculations, stoichiometry, logarithmic pH calculations, and unit conversions entirely by hand.

5Master deductive logic fundamentals: practice identifying contrapositives, formal syllogisms, and negation of quantifiers ('all', 'none', 'at least one') to solve the 6 logic questions quickly within their 8-minute limit.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

The TOLC-F is the standardized university entrance test administered by CISIA for admission to degree programs in Pharmacy (Farmacia — single-cycle master's LM-13), Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Technology (CTF — LM-13), Applied Pharmaceutical Sciences (L-29), and Sports/Exercise Sciences (Scienze Motorie — L-22) at participating universities throughout Italy.

How is the official TOLC-F structured and timed?

The core TOLC-F consists of 50 multiple-choice questions delivered in 72 minutes across five individually timed sections: Biology (15 questions, 20 minutes), Chemistry (15 questions, 20 minutes), Mathematics (7 questions, 12 minutes), Physics (7 questions, 12 minutes), and Logic (6 questions, 8 minutes). It is followed by an optional/placement English section consisting of 30 questions in 15 minutes.

How is the TOLC-F scored and is there negative marking?

Yes. Each correct answer earns +1 point, each incorrect answer incurs a penalty of -0.25 points, and unanswered questions receive 0 points. The maximum core score is 50 points. The English section is scored separately (+1 for correct, 0 for wrong or blank) and does not affect the core 50-point score.

What are OFA (Obblighi Formativi Aggiuntivi) and how are cutoffs set?

Each university and faculty independently determines its admission cutoff, ranking weights, and minimum score thresholds in specific sections (commonly chemistry, biology, or math). Candidates who matriculate with scores below these faculty-defined thresholds are assigned OFA (Additional Educational Obligations), which must be resolved during the first academic year by attending remedial courses or passing an assessment.

Where and how can candidates take the TOLC-F?

The TOLC-F can be taken either at an authorized university computer lab (TOLC@UNI) or remotely from home under virtual proctoring (TOLC@CASA). Registration is managed through the official CISIA portal (cisiaonline.it) with a standardized fee of €35 per attempt. Candidates can attempt the test once per calendar month.

Are these practice questions an official CISIA test?

No. This question bank is an independent educational prep resource created by OpenExamPrep. It is neither endorsed by nor affiliated with CISIA. The questions are four-option study adaptations structured to reflect the syllabus concepts defined by CISIA.

Free Practice Questions for TOLC-F

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