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Key Facts: TOLC-S Exam

55 questions

Total core questions on official TOLC-S

CISIA TOLC-S Syllabus

120 minutes

Core testing time (excluding English)

CISIA Regulations

€35

Official CISIA registration fee per attempt

CISIA Official Website

+1 / -0.25

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

CISIA Regolamento TOLC

6 sections

Core sections: Math, Logic, Bio, Chem, Phys, Earth

CISIA Struttura della prova

100 questions

Total questions in this independent practice bank

OpenExamPrep Practice Bank

The TOLC-S is Italy's official 120-minute, 55-question computer-based entrance test for university science and geology degrees, administered by CISIA for €35. It tests basic mathematics (20), logical reasoning (15), biology (5), chemistry (5), physics (5), and earth sciences (5), followed by a 30-question English section (15 minutes). Core scoring grants +1 for correct, 0 for blank, and -0.25 for incorrect answers.

Sample TOLC-S Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to review concepts for the TOLC-S exam. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 99+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1Simplify the following expression involving powers: (2^5 * 8^2) / 4^4.
A.4
B.8
C.16
D.32
Explanation: Express all terms with a common base of 2: 8^2 = (2^3)^2 = 2^6 and 4^4 = (2^2)^4 = 2^8. The numerator becomes 2^5 * 2^6 = 2^11. Dividing by the denominator gives 2^(11 - 8) = 2^3 = 8.
2A laboratory solution contains 15% acid by volume in a 200 mL flask. How many milliliters of pure water must be added to dilute the solution to a 10% acid concentration?
A.50 mL
B.75 mL
C.100 mL
D.150 mL
Explanation: The initial amount of pure acid is 15% of 200 mL, which equals 30 mL. To achieve a 10% concentration, 30 mL must represent 10% of the total volume, requiring a total volume of 30 / 0.10 = 300 mL. Therefore, 300 mL - 200 mL = 100 mL of pure water must be added.
3Evaluate the exact value of the logarithmic expression: log_2(32) + log_3(1/27) - log_10(100).
A.-2
B.0
C.1
D.4
Explanation: Compute each logarithm individually using base definitions: log_2(32) = 5 (since 2^5 = 32), log_3(1/27) = -3 (since 3^(-3) = 1/27), and log_10(100) = 2 (since 10^2 = 100). Combining them yields 5 + (-3) - 2 = 0.
4Simplify the radical expression: (sqrt(75) - sqrt(12)) / sqrt(3).
A.sqrt(3)
B.2
C.3
D.3 * sqrt(3)
Explanation: Simplify each radical in the numerator: sqrt(75) = sqrt(25 * 3) = 5 * sqrt(3) and sqrt(12) = sqrt(4 * 3) = 2 * sqrt(3). The numerator becomes 5 * sqrt(3) - 2 * sqrt(3) = 3 * sqrt(3). Dividing by sqrt(3) leaves 3.
5Find all real solutions to the logarithmic equation: log_4(x - 1) + log_4(x + 2) = 1.
A.x = 2
B.x = 3
C.x = 2 and x = -3
D.x = 4
Explanation: The domain requires x - 1 > 0 and x + 2 > 0, which implies x > 1. Using the product rule for logarithms, log_4((x - 1)(x + 2)) = 1, which converts to (x - 1)(x + 2) = 4^1 = 4. Expanding yields x^2 + x - 6 = 0, giving factored roots (x - 2)(x + 3) = 0. Because x = -3 lies outside the domain, x = 2 is the unique valid solution.
6Two automated seismological sensors transmit telemetry at fixed intervals. Sensor A transmits every 18 minutes, while Sensor B transmits every 24 minutes. If both sensors transmit simultaneously at 12:00 PM, at what time will they next transmit simultaneously?
A.12:42 PM
B.1:12 PM
C.1:36 PM
D.2:24 PM
Explanation: The next simultaneous transmission occurs after a duration equal to the least common multiple (LCM) of 18 and 24. Prime factorizations are 18 = 2 * 3^2 and 24 = 2^3 * 3, giving LCM = 2^3 * 3^2 = 8 * 9 = 72 minutes. Adding 72 minutes (1 hour and 12 minutes) to 12:00 PM gives 1:12 PM.
7Which of the following is the complete factorization over the real numbers of the polynomial P(x) = 2x^3 - 8x?
A.2x(x - 2)^2
B.2x(x^2 - 4)
C.2x(x - 2)(x + 2)
D.(2x - 4)(x + 2)
Explanation: First, factor out the greatest common factor 2x to obtain 2x(x^2 - 4). Then factor the difference of squares x^2 - 4 into (x - 2)(x + 2). The complete factorization is 2x(x - 2)(x + 2).
8Simplify the rational expression for all real values of x where it is defined: [(x^2 - x - 6) / (x^2 - 4)] * [(2x + 4) / (x - 3)].
A.2
B.(2x + 4) / (x - 2)
C.(x + 2) / (x - 2)
D.2(x - 3) / (x - 2)
Explanation: Factor each polynomial: x^2 - x - 6 = (x - 3)(x + 2), x^2 - 4 = (x - 2)(x + 2), and 2x + 4 = 2(x + 2). Multiplying the fractions gives [(x - 3)(x + 2) * 2(x + 2)] / [(x - 2)(x + 2) * (x - 3)]. Canceling the common factors (x - 3) and (x + 2) leaves 2(x + 2) / (x - 2) = (2x + 4) / (x - 2).
9Determine all values of the real parameter k for which the quadratic equation x^2 - 2kx + (k + 6) = 0 has exactly one real solution (a repeated root).
A.k = 2 or k = -3
B.k = 3 or k = -2
C.k = 6 or k = -1
D.k = 0
Explanation: A quadratic equation has exactly one real root when its discriminant Delta = b^2 - 4ac equals zero. Here, Delta = (-2k)^2 - 4(1)(k + 6) = 4k^2 - 4k - 24. Setting Delta = 0 gives k^2 - k - 6 = 0, which factors as (k - 3)(k + 2) = 0, yielding k = 3 or k = -2.
10What is the complete set of real numbers x satisfying the rational inequality (x - 1) / (x + 3) <= 0?
A.(-3, 1]
B.[-3, 1]
C.(-infinity, -3) U [1, infinity)
D.[1, 3)
Explanation: The critical points are x = 1 (where the numerator is zero) and x = -3 (where the denominator is zero). Testing intervals shows that the quotient is positive for x < -3, negative for -3 < x < 1, zero at x = 1, and positive for x > 1. Because division by zero is undefined at x = -3, this point is strictly excluded, yielding the interval (-3, 1].

About the TOLC-S Exam

The TOLC-S (Test OnLine CISIA per le Scienze) is the standardized university entrance and aptitude assessment coordinated by CISIA (Consorzio Interuniversitario Sistemi Integrati per l'Accesso) for undergraduate degree programs in Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Earth Sciences, Geology, Environmental Sciences, and Computer Science across participating Italian universities. The official examination is administered on a computer, either in university computer laboratories (TOLC@UNI) or remotely at home (TOLC@CASA). The official core examination consists of 55 multiple-choice questions delivered in strictly timed sections over 120 minutes: Basic Mathematics (20 questions in 50 minutes), Reasoning and Problems (15 questions in 30 minutes), Biology (5 questions in 10 minutes), Chemistry (5 questions in 10 minutes), Physics (5 questions in 10 minutes), and Earth Sciences (5 questions in 10 minutes), followed by a mandatory 30-question English language proficiency section (15 minutes). Core scoring awards +1.0 point for each correct answer, 0 points for unanswered questions, and penalizes -0.25 points for each incorrect answer. University departments use the core score to determine admission rankings or to diagnose the need for additional learning obligations (OFA - Obblighi Formativi Aggiuntivi). This question bank provides 100 independent practice questions designed for self-study and conceptual review. It is an independent resource and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or administered by CISIA.

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

55 multiple-choice questions delivered in timed sections over 120 minutes: Basic Mathematics (20 questions, 50 min), Reasoning and Problems (15 questions, 30 min), Biology (5 questions, 10 min), Chemistry (5 questions, 10 min), Physics (5 questions, 10 min), and Earth Sciences (5 questions, 10 min), followed by 30 English questions (15 min). Core scoring: +1 correct, -0.25 incorrect, 0 unanswered.

Time Limit

120 minutes (+ 15 minutes for English section)

Passing Score

Scored +1 for correct, -0.25 for wrong, 0 for blank. Admission ranking and OFA diagnostic thresholds determined by individual science departments.

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.

36%

Basic Mathematics

Numbers and arithmetic, powers, radicals, logarithms, algebraic manipulation, quadratic equations, inequalities, coordinate geometry, functions, trigonometry, and probability/statistics

27%

Reasoning and Problems

Formal propositional logic, deduction, syllogisms, condition necessity and sufficiency, quantitative problem solving, and analytical text comprehension

9%

Physics

Kinematics, Newton's laws of motion, work, kinetic and potential energy, fluid pressure, heat, ideal gas laws, and elementary electric circuits

9%

Chemistry

Atomic structure, periodic trends, covalent and ionic bonding, chemical reactions, stoichiometry, molarity, chemical equilibrium, and acid-base pH

9%

Biology

Cellular structure, membrane transport, biomolecules, cellular energetics (ATP, respiration), Mendelian and molecular genetics, and ecological principles

9%

Earth Sciences

Structure of the Earth, plate tectonics, seismic activity, volcanic processes, mineral classification, rock cycle, atmosphere, and hydrological cycle

Preparing for the TOLC-S Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: Scored +1 for correct, -0.25 for wrong, 0 for blank. Admission ranking and OFA diagnostic thresholds determined by individual science departments.
  • Assessment: 55 multiple-choice questions delivered in timed sections over 120 minutes: Basic Mathematics (20 questions, 50 min), Reasoning and Problems (15 questions, 30 min), Biology (5 questions, 10 min), Chemistry (5 questions, 10 min), Physics (5 questions, 10 min), and Earth Sciences (5 questions, 10 min), followed by 30 English questions (15 min). Core scoring: +1 correct, -0.25 incorrect, 0 unanswered.
  • Time limit: 120 minutes (+ 15 minutes for English section)
  • Exam / certification fees: €35 Official sources

Using Our Practice Resources

  • Work through all 99 available questions
  • Review every answer and explanation
  • Track weak areas and revisit them
  • Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

TOLC-S: Suggested Study Strategy

1Basic Mathematics accounts for 20 of the 55 core questions (over 36% of the exam); prioritize algebra, quadratic inequalities, analytic geometry of lines and parabolas, and basic trigonometry.
2Because incorrect answers subtract 0.25 points, never guess blindly. Only answer if you can eliminate at least one or two implausible distractors.
3Reasoning and text questions test formal logic: review contrapositives, necessary versus sufficient conditions, and quantifiers ('all', 'none', 'some').
4Each science section (Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Earth Sciences) has only 5 questions in 10 minutes (2 minutes per question); review fundamental definitions, periodic table trends, rock types, and core physics formulas beforehand.
5Calculators are strictly prohibited during the official TOLC-S examination; practice mental arithmetic, scientific notation conversions, and fractions without electronic aids.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the TOLC-S and who takes it?

The TOLC-S is a standardized online admission and orientation exam administered by CISIA for Italian university degree courses in physical, chemical, biological, geological, mathematical, and computer sciences. It is used both for selective degree programs (corsi ad accesso programmato locale) and for evaluating foundational knowledge to assign OFA (additional learning obligations) in open-access programs.

What is the structure and time limit of the TOLC-S exam?

The official core TOLC-S comprises 55 questions in 120 minutes divided into six fixed sections: Basic Mathematics (20 questions, 50 min), Reasoning and Problems (15 questions, 30 min), Biology (5 questions, 10 min), Chemistry (5 questions, 10 min), Physics (5 questions, 10 min), and Earth Sciences (5 questions, 10 min). A non-penalized 30-question English language assessment (15 min) is administered immediately following the core exam.

How is the core TOLC-S scored and is there a penalty for wrong answers?

Yes. In the core 55-question examination, each correct answer is awarded +1.0 point, unanswered questions receive 0 points, and each incorrect answer incurs a penalty of -0.25 points. The maximum core score is 55 points. The English section does not apply penalties for wrong answers.

What is the registration fee and how often can I take the TOLC-S?

The official registration fee established by CISIA regulations is €35 per test session. Candidates may take the TOLC-S once per calendar month during the scheduled testing periods throughout the academic year.

Is this practice question bank affiliated with CISIA?

No. This question bank is an independent educational prep resource created by OpenExamPrep. It is neither endorsed nor administered by CISIA. Question items are designed independently to align with the publicly available CISIA TOLC-S syllabus.