CEnT-S: A New Standard for English-Taught Scientific Degrees in Italy
The CEnT-S (CISIA English National Test – Scientific) is the latest admission exam introduced by the consortium CISIA for students who wish to enter English-taught bachelor’s programmes in Italy in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and related disciplines. Starting from November 2025, CEnT-S will replace the previous English TOLC – I, E, and F into a single, unified and standardized exam across all universities offering courses in English.
The test is structured in 55 multiple-choice questions divided into five sections: Mathematics, Reasoning on Texts and Data, Physics, Chemistry, and Biology. Candidates will have a total of 110 minutes to complete the exam, with each section timed separately. CEnT-S can be taken either online from home (@HOME) or in person at university centers (@UNI). Each correct answer gives one point, while wrong answers deduct 0.25 points, unanswered questions receive zero points. At the end of each session, CISIA applies a normalization process to ensure fairness among tests taken on different dates.
When & How to Take It
There will be four macro-periods during the year and candidates may register and sit the test once per macro-period:
- 1st macro-period: November, December and January;
- 2nd: February, March;
- 3rd: April, May, June;
- 4th: September, October
The score is official only after the normalization process of the macro-period and you must check application deadlines of your university, especially for non-EU students needing visas to ensure you take the test in time.
The exam lasts 100 minutes and the scoring system is as follows:
- 1.5 points for each correct answer.
- -0.4 points for each incorrect answer.
- 0 points for unanswered questions.
What this means for you
Because CEnT-S is new and un-fully detailed yet, you’ll want to prepare broadly across:
- Mathematics: algebra, geometry, functions, data reasoning.
- Reasoning on texts & data: interpreting graphs/charts, logic, comprehension.
- Physics, Chemistry, Biology: basics of each discipline at high-school level but some universities only consider the first two sections, this depends on the degree course chosen.
By providing a single, reliable evaluation system, it simplifies the admission process and promotes wider access to high-quality, English-language education in Italy.
Good luck to all the candidates and surf our portal to check which preparatory course better suites your needs.