CEnT-S Exam: 2025 Updated Guide

For students dreaming of studying at a university in Italy, there’s an important development. Starting from November, Italy’s central exam administrator CISIA will introduce a new exam format called CEnT-S. So, what is the CEnT-S exam, and how will this change affect you?

What is the CEnT-S Exam?

The CEnT-S exam is becoming a mandatory entry requirement for many English-taught programs in Italy. This new exam replaces the previously used English TOLC tests (TOLC-E, TOLC-I, and TOLC-F), bringing them together under a single standard. CEnT-S ensures that students are evaluated according to the requirements of the programs they apply for. This exam allows universities to assess whether applicants have the essential knowledge and skills for their chosen fields. Your score will be one of the most important factors in your admission. Let’s now take a closer look at the exam structure.

Structure of the CEnT-S Exam

CEnT-S consists of a total of 55 questions across five sections, each focusing on different areas. Universities will only consider certain sections depending on the program you’re applying to. For example, if you apply to business or economics programs, only your Mathematics and Logic results will be evaluated.

The sections and number of questions are as follows:

• Mathematics: 15 questions
• Logic: 15 questions
• Physics: 5 questions
• Chemistry: 10 questions
• Biology: 10 questions

The exam duration is 110 minutes, and the fee for 2025 is set at €55.

How Will the Exam Be Administered?

As with all CISIA tests, the CEnT-S will be conducted in two formats:

• “@UNI”: On-campus, in person.
• “@HOME”: Online, remotely.

At the end of the exam, you will see the number of correct, incorrect, and unanswered questions. However, the official score report, which includes your final score, will only be available once the exam session has ended.

CEnT-S Exam Dates and Results

The CEnT-S exam will be held across four sessions, and you may register once for each session. Non-EU students requiring a visa must take the exam in one of the first two sessions to avoid missing application deadlines.

Results can only be accessed via the “Student Area” on CISIA’s website after the exam session has ended.

The exam dates for the 2025–2026 academic year are as follows:

• Session I: November 27, 2025 – December 16, 2025 – January 15, 2026
  Results Announcement: January 30, 2026

• Session II: February 19, 2026 – February 26, 2026 – March 31, 2026
  Results Announcement: March 12, 2026

• Session III: April 23, 2026 – May 21, 2026 – June 9, 2026

• Session IV: June 30, 2026 – September 17, 2026 – October 15, 2026
  Results Announcement: October 30, 2026

Remember, your CEnT-S score will remain valid until October 2026, regardless of the date you take the test. If you are planning to apply to Italian universities, following this new system and keeping track of the dates will be crucial.

Conclusion

CEnT-S is one of the most important exams shaping students’ academic futures. With proper preparation and the right resources, your chances of being admitted to your target university will significantly increase. PREPTEST is here to guide you with personalized study plans to help you succeed in CEnT-S!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How long is the CEnT-S result valid?

Your CEnT-S scores are valid for one full academic year, regardless of when you take the exam. This allows students to plan their applications easily and apply to their desired universities with their best scores.

Which universities accept the CEnT-S exam?

Many public and private universities in Italy, especially those with English-taught programs, accept the CEnT-S as an entry requirement. Always check the specific requirements of your chosen university and program for the most accurate information.

How many times can you take the exam?

Students can take the exam once per session, meaning multiple times a year. You have the chance to improve your score by retaking the test, and universities generally consider the highest score you’ve achieved during the application process.