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Rules TOLC

RULES FOR TOLC PARTICIPANTS

INTRODUCTION

These rules apply to the following TOLCs:

  1. TOLC-I
  2. TOLC-E
  3. TOLC-F
  4. TOLC-B
  5. TOLC-S
  6. TOLC-SU
  7. TOLC-AV
  8. English TOLC-I
  9. English TOLC-E
  10. English TOLC-F
  11. TOLC-PSI
  12. TOLC-LP
  13. TOLC-SPS that will be available by April 2024.

 

1. CISIA (TOLC) ONLINE TESTS

1.1 Definition

CISIA Online Tests (hereafter TOLCs) are individual tests, usually different for each participant, consisting of questions automatically and randomly generated by the CISIA TOLC database through proprietary software. Both tests and software are created and managed by CISIA.
All TOLCs listed in the introduction have a similar or at least comparable difficulty level.

 

1.2 Structure

TOLCs can be automatically selected from a set of pre-generated tests, all with similar or otherwise comparable difficulty level, and originating from the CISIA TOLC database.

The structure of the different TOLCs, meaning the sections that make up the TOLC, the number of questions for each section, and the time available to perform each, are always updated and available on the CISIA portal. Any changes to the structure of TOLCs or the overall organization are notified by December 31 of each year. The knowledge syllabi, meaning the topics covered by each TOLC, are up-to-date and available on the CISIA website  www.cisiaonline.it.
The questions found n the TOLCs are multiple-choice ones and have 5 possible options, only one of which is correct.
The Italian-language TOLCs are supplemented with a section to assess English language proficiency.

The structure of TOLCs issued in the year 2024 is as follows:

  1. TOLC-I has four sections: Math, Logic, Science and Verbal Comprehension
  2. TOLC-E has three sections: Logic, Verbal Comprehension and Math
  3. TOLC-F has five sections: Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics and Logic
  4. TOLC-B has four sections: Basic Math, Biology, Physics and Chemistry
  5. TOLC-S has four sections: Basic Math, Reasoning and Problem Solving, Reading Comprehension, and Basic Science
  6. TOLC-SU has three sections: Reading comprehension and knowledge of the Italian language, Knowledge and skills acquired in studies, and Logical Reasoning
  7. TOLC-AV has six sections: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, Logic and Verbal Comprehension
  8. English TOLC-I has questions in English and has four sections: Mathematics, Logic, Sciences e Reading Comprehension
  9. English TOLC-I has questions in English and has three sections: Logic, Reading Comprehension and Math
  10. English TOLC-F has questions in English and has five sections: Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics and Logic
  11. TOLC-PSI has five sections: Reading Comprehension, Basic Math, Verbal Reasoning, Numerical Reasoning, and Biology
  12. TOLC-LP has three sections: Logic, Verbal Comprehension and Math
  13. TOLC-SPS available by April 2024 has three sections: Reading Comprehension, Knowledge acquired in studies and Logic, Math reasoning and language.

 

For TOLCs in English (letters h, i and j), CISIA provides a specific section of the website with all useful and necessary information in English.

 

1.3 Databases for tests and validation

The CISIA TOLC database is confidential and protected, not open to public browsing, and is exclusive property of CISIA. For TOLC-F and English TOLC-F only, the questions are selected from a public and user-accessible database. The questions database is periodically updated and validated by special scientific committees coordinated by CISIA.

 

1.4 Delivery

TOLCs at the university and TOLCs@CASA are provided by the individual locations. Location means the participating university No facility.
TOLCs and TOLCs@CASA take place according to a general schedule established by CISIA in agreement with the member universities; the calendar with the dates available for the tests can be found on the CISIA website at www.cisiaonline.it.

 

1.4.1 Delivery in IT classrooms at university facilities (TOLC at the university)

TOLCs are made available to each participant through the CISIA platform in special accredited IT classrooms set up by the participating university facilities.

 

1.4.2 Delivery at home in virtual classrooms (TOLC@CASA)

TOLCs@CASA are delivered to each participant through the CISIA platform, with the use of tools and technologies that create virtual classrooms where a safe and controlled environment is made available to each participant. In this way he/she can be correctly identified and take the test independently. Virtual classrooms are managed by universities in collaboration with CISIA.

 

1.5 Assessment and results

Each TOLC result, with the exception of the English Language proficiency test, is calculated based on correct, incorrect and not-given answers which leads to an absolute score, obtained as follows:

  • 1 point for each correct answer
  • 0 points for each answer not provided
  • 0.25 penalty points for each incorrect answer.

For the English Language proficiency test, there is no penalty for incorrect answers and the score is calculated by awarding 1 point for each correct answer and 0 points for incorrect or not-given answers.

From these data, each member location can interpret the TOLC result, using its own internal scoring system and possible coefficients to weigh the individual section scores, and set its minimum threshold for passing the test. The assessment criteria and passing thresholds set by each location are available on the websites of the various universities along with the information necessary to pass the test for registration purposes. To facilitate the diffusion of this information, CISIA is including links on its portal to the various university websites.

 

1.6 TOLC Validity

Participating in the TOLCs are universities through their departments, schools, or similar facilities, which from henceforth shall be referred to simply as “universities” and/or “university locations”.
TOLC member universities guarantee the same organization methods for all participants better detailed in these rules. For this reason, the result achieved in the same type of TOLC delivered in the same method is valid, regardless of the location of delivery, during admission to a degree program, for all the various universities using that same TOLC in the same method. The TOLC validity is accepted by all the universities at least for the calendar year in which it was taken. Universities specify in their notices and/or announcements, which delivery methods (@casa and/or at the university), and related results, they recognise as valid for the purpose of admission to their courses.
If the TOLC result led to an admission with OFAs (Additional Educational Obligations), the student shall meet such requirements in the manner described in the University’s educational regulations, as established by the regulations in force, at the location where he or she is enrolled.

 

2. PARTICIPANTS

It is possible to take a TOLC test starting from the penultimate year of Italian or foreign high schools. People who have earned a high school diploma in Italy or abroad, if recognized in Italy, can also take the TOLC.
Those who take the TOLC without having the requirements listed above risk that the TOLC results may not be recognised by the universities.
Each participant may take each type of TOLC, regardless of the delivery method, no more than once per month (calendar month) regardless of the organizing university location selected.
A person who is registered in a TOLC cannot enter another TOLC of the same type before he or she has taken the one for which he or she is already booked. It will be possible to register for another test; however, it shall be in a different calendar month, starting from the day after the date of the test in which one was registered.

 

3. REGISTRATION, ENROLMENT AND PAYMENT

3.1. Method of registration and enrolment

The TOLC participant registration and enrolment steps are as follows:

  1. the participant must register in the CISIA Test reserved area of the cisiaonline.it portal through the appropriate form. He/she will receive from the system, at the e-mail address specified at the time of registration, the information to access the personal area on the CISIA portal. The participant shall also confirm the registration and activate the profile by clicking on the link in the e-mail.
  2. using the activated credentials, the participant shall log in to his or her CISIA Reserved Area from where he or she can select the delivery method (TOLC@CASA, TOLC) and the type of TOLC in which he or she wishes to register. Then he/she has to follow these steps:
  • select the method of payment
  • select the university location and the date on which he or she wishes to take the TOLC
  • if a TOLC@CASA is chosen, upload the image of a valid identification document on the date of enrolment (if the identification document is not available due to loss or theft, it will be acceptable to upload the related police report). The images of the uploaded document must be in jpg or png format and perfectly legible, otherwise it will be impossible to take TOLC@CASA.
  1. pay the enrolment fee, collected by CISIA on behalf of the University where he/she wishes to take the test, either at the physical or virtual location.

Payment can be made by:

  • MAV
  • credit card
  • additional payment methods made available.

 

The deadlines by which the participant can register depend on the chosen date, as follows:

DAY OF THE TEST  ENROLMENT DEADLINE 
Monday  2:00 pm – previous Tuesday
Tuesday  2:00 pm – previous Wednesday
Wednesday  2:00 pm – previous Thursday
Thursday  2:00 pm – previous Friday
Friday  2:00 pm – previous Friday

 

In case the enrolment deadline is on a public holiday, it will be postponed to 2 p.m. on the next business day.

 

3.2. Payment of Contribution

For each test, the participant must pay the mandatory all-inclusive fee contribution, collected by CISIA on behalf of the university location, physical or virtual, at which he or she takes the test. The amount of this contribution is non-refundable and is the same across the country and is set each year by the CISIA Consortium Assembly.

As before, for the year 2024 this contribution has been set at EUR 30.00.

Payment may be made by:

  • bank MAV
    • the bank MAV must be paid by the deadline shown on the MAV slip
      CISIA reserves the right not to guarantee a place in the classroom for those who do not issue the MAV payment by the deadline. The participant, upon successful payment to CISIA, will receive confirmation to the e-mail address provided at the time of registration. After receiving the confirmation, he/she will have to print out the receipt of payment and enrolment, which he/she will find in his/her CISIA reserved test area under the menu item “managing your enrolments”
  • Credit Card
    • Upon successful payment by credit card, the participant can immediately print a receipt of payment and enrolment, which they will find in their CISIA test area.

 

The participant can print out the receipt of payment and enrolment that will find in the CISIA test reserved area under the menu item: “Managing your enrolments”.
For TOLCs at the university it will be available as soon as the transaction is completed.
For TOLC@CASA you must also do the following:

  1. upload your profile picture to your CISIA test reserved area
  2. upload your identification document
  3. take at least one simulation test with the mandatory application by the deadline specified when registering for a TOLC@CASA.

 

Enrolment is confirmed only when there is a receipt of payment and enrolment in the “Managing your Enrolments” reserved area.
This receipt must be kept and presented for access to the classroom and entitles you to take the test. If you do not receive confirmation of payment and do not have the enrolment receipt, you will not be allowed to take the TOLC.

 

3.3. Exceptions

3.3.1 Enrolment Changes

Once registered in a TOLC, it is no longer possible to cancel it.

Enrollees, by logging into their CISIA TEST reserved area under the “Manage My Enrolments” menu can modify their enrolment by changing:

  1. the date of enrolment
  2. the location
  3. the type of TOLC
  4. the delivery method (TOLC at the university or TOLC@casa).

You can make the above changes provided that:

  • enrolments for the currently booked TOLC and those for the new one are still open
  • there are still seats available
  • payment is completed.

 

3.3.2 Absences

If you miss the TOLC test for which you registered and paid the applicable fee, you may re-register on another date, even at a different location from the previous one, using your credit from the previous enrolment.
Each participant’s reserved area will show any unused credit as of the day following the TOLC for which the absence occurred.
Reusing the fee already paid is only possible in the year of payment and by the last available TOLC date of the year.
The credit can be used to book another test of any type even if it is different from the one for which the participant received the credit. Credit earned via absence can also be spent within the same calendar month, as long as enrolments are still open and seats are still available.
Those who, upon further enrolment in a TOLC using their credit, miss it once again will forfeit the fee paid.
Credits unused within the calendar year cannot be spent in subsequent years and will not be refunded.

 

3.3.3. Technical Issues

In the event that technical problems of various kinds (e.g., loss of connection, power outage, audio or video problems) are encountered during the delivery of the TOLC test and particularly of the TOLC@CASA, the TOLC can be reset by the location. This generates a credit that can be used to book a new TOLC or TOLC@CASA even within the same calendar month, as long as enrolment is still open and there are still seats available. The credit will be available in the CISIA test reserved area starting from the day after the TOLC reset by the Commission. Again, the credit can be spent by the last TOLC date of the year and, if not used, it will not be refunded. A credit as a result of test reset does not add up to a credit for an absence.

 

3.3.4 Voiding the Test

If, when taking a TOLC test, the committees find serious irregularities (e.g. the use of unauthorized devices, searching for hints or copying of questions) the test may be voided and cancelled. This action is taken by the location and results in the cancellation of the test, without the issuance of a credit.  Therefore, if you decide to rebook a TOLC, you will need to pay the enrolment fee again. Re-enrolment will still be possible starting from the following calendar month.
Tests carried out improperly on virtual machines, thus not executed by physical machines such as the participant’s laptop, will be invalidated, even following verifications after the termination of the test carried out.

 

4. TAKING THE TEST

4.1 TOLC at the University

The following are the instructions to take a TOLC test at the University: 

 

4.1.1 Digital classroom access and test start procedure (effective from April 1, 2023)

On the day of the TOLC, test takers must:

  • bring with them a printed copy of the payment and enrolment receipt and a valid identity or identification document
  • report to the classroom at the time specified in the payment and enrolment receipt making sure to remember their username and password for the CISIA reserved area
  • log in with their credentials to the TOLC login page. The workstation will already be set up with the page at the login link. The system will show to the participant on screen their personal identification information, photo and TOLC booked that day. The commissioner checks that the data matches the person at the workstation.
  • if they do not match, he/she uses the cancel button from the test management interface. The cancellation is recorded in the minutes with the reason and the person is removed from the classroom.
  • if they match, the commissioner validates the participant. The validated participant in the presence of the commissioner clicks on the TOLC test for the day and clicks on the button to start the full-screen client. Clicking on the TOLC of the day by the validated participant is equivalent to applying the signature at entry.
  • The participant will have to wait silently for the committee to complete the steps described for the entire classroom. The committee will start the test for all identified and validated participants.

In case of issues accessing the CISIA test reserved area, the participant may request support from the classroom committee.

 

4.1.2 Test procedure
  1. During the test:
  2. no breaks are scheduled. In exceptional cases, the committee may grant a break and/or manage the support for the participant. If granted, the break will take place at the end of a section and before starting the next section
  3. the participant may not use computerized tools or other aids, except those needed by participants with disabilities or SLD for the purpose of equal performance of the test and communicated to the committee by the competent offices and/or RUS.
  4. The TOLC ends at the end of the allotted time of the last section or at the time the participant presses the complete button. The data for each individual test is sent to the CISIA server which, in real time, returns the result to each participant on the screen
  5. participants can finish the test only from the last section. The test ,once started, is valid even if completed before the allotted time expires. The system still records the score
  6. participants may complete the test and leave the classroom according to the directions that will be given by the classroom commissioners. A participant who wishes to complete the TOLC and leave the classroom:
    1. must get to the last section of the test
    2. must press the button that allows ending the test by following the directions shown on screen; this is equivalent to an “exit signature” in the case of a digital procedure
    3. sees on screen the number of correct, incorrect and unanswered answers broken down by TOLC section, the score per section, and the total score
    4. returns all received and certified sheets to the commissioners and applies the exit signature in case of a paper procedure.

The certified sheets returned by the participants before leaving the classroom will be destroyed by the commissioners, who will make sure to check that the same number of sheets provided upon entering the classroom has been returned. 

 

4.1.3 Code of Conduct

The participant must abide by the code of conduct of the classroom (which can be reviewed on screen  before the TOLC begins), these rules, and the terms accepted when registering for the TOLC.
He/she will also have to abide by the provisions of the committee at each location regarding classroom use and leaving the classroom before the predetermined time for each TOLC.
If he/she fails to comply with the above rules, the participant will be removed from the TOLC location and will not be entitled to any refund. In such a case, he/she may register for a new TOLC session, paying the enrolment fee again, starting from the following calendar month, if there are open enrolments and available seats. 

 

4.1.4 Time frames and procedures

The test has a predefined procedure and timed deadline. Each section of the test has a maximum duration; the participant may use all the time allotted to each section or close it early losing the time allotted to that section.
In the case of a break granted to the participant, this may be a maximum of 10 minutes and take place at the end of one section of the test and before starting the next.
No calculators or other tools or aids may be used when taking the TOLC except those granted by the location as aids to persons with disabilities or DSA. In addition, no information and/or images within the computerized test may be fraudulently taken.
The participants at the time of the test must have on the table only a pen and the papers provided to them by the classroom committee, all of which must be returned before leaving the classroom. No other aids are allowed except those necessary to people with disabilities or DSA for the purpose of taking the test and authorized by the competent offices. 

 

4.1.5 Results

At the end of the test, the participant can see immediately the summary data of the test taken, the score for each section, the total score expressed in absolute numbers, and the score of the English test.
The on-screen display of the results confirms that the data and answers chosen by the participant have been successfully saved.
For the test result to be recorded by the system and thus to be valid, the participant must complete the test by pressing the complete button on the interface.
If the participant does not do this, the test will not be completed and the result will not be stored by the system. 

 

4.1.6 Leaving the classroom

The validated participant clicking on the TOLC taken that day corresponds to the entry signature while the exit signature corresponds to the participant’s clicking on the button confirming that he/she has completed the test.
The participants must return to the committee all the calculation sheets and minute sheets provided to them upon entering the classroom, as well as pick up any materials left in storage upon entering the classroom.
The participants may complete the test and leave the classroom by requesting to do so to the classroom committee.

 

4.1.7 Obligations and responsibilities of the participants

The participant is responsible for any damage or fraudulent actions against the tools made available to him/her by the university location.
The participant, in case of technical issue when taking the test, must immediately notify the classroom committee, which will act according to the rules and procedures detailed in the TOLC regulations of the universities.
Those who have successfully completed the TOLC will find on the CISIA portal in the reserved area the result of the test and will be able to print out the TOLC certificate of participation detailing the data on the results achieved. In addition to the above-mentioned data, this certificate will also list the location and date of the test.
A certificate of participation (which does not include the results) and an additional document detailing the data on the results obtained at the TOLC in the different areas of the test will also be available.

 

 

4.2 TOLC@CASA

4.2.1 Tools necessary to take TOLC@CASA and instructions

To take the TOLC@CASA you must make sure to have the equipment listed below and that you have complied with all the instructions detailed in the “TOLC@CASA ROOM CONFIGURATION, TESTING AND NETWORK REQUIREMENTS” specifications that you signed and received by e-mail at the time of enrolment. These specifications are always available on the CISIA Test reserved area.

Technical and computer equipment needed to take a TOLC@CASA:

  • a stable data network with which to access the Internet
  • a laptop computer, connected to the power outlet and to the Internet on which to install any mandatory applications according to the specifications provided by CISIA to carry out the test
  • a smartphone or tablet connected to the power outlet and the Internet, equipped with a digital video camera (henceforth mobile device) to be used as a means of recognition and supervision by the commissioners. The ZOOM application updated to the latest version for mobile devices must mandatorily be installed on the mobile device. The virtual classroom will be accessed through the mobile device
  • blank sheets of paper for taking notes and a pen
  • the exclusive use of a room that has the characteristics described in the document “TOLC@CASA ROOM CONFIGURATION, TESTING AND NETWORK REQUIREMENTS”, without any other people present and properly lit where to set up a space with the elements listed above (see in particular the document “TOLC@CASA ROOM CONFIGURATION, TEST AND NETWORK REQUIREMENTS”).

 

In addition, the participant shall:

  • download on the laptop with which the TOLC will be held the specified CISIA applications
  • test the proper operation of both the laptop computer and the mobile device that will be used for the test, according to the instructions received after enrolment for the TOLC@CASA:
    • on the laptop computer the tests of the TOLC@CASA delivery client and the mandatory application needed to take the TOLC
    • on the mobile device the video and audio of the ZOOM application
  • prepare the equipment listed above in time to take the TOLC@CASA
  • set up the room from which you will take the TOLC@CASA according to CISIA’s instructions contained in the “TOLC@CASA ROOM CONFIGURATION, TESTING AND NETWORK REQUIREMENTS” specifications
  • make sure that the laptop computer and mobile device connection are always on during the TOLC@CASA, taking into consideration that the average data exchanged via computer will be of 50MB and those exchanged with mobile device of 1GB.

 

In order for the TOLC@CASA to be considered valid, it is necessary for the user to remain connected at all times, both with the laptop and the mobile device during the entire course of the test. The consequences of any brief disconnections will be handled by the virtual classroom committees who will decide on the incident.
For the duration of the session, no other electronic devices, devices or accessories such as for example, headphones, earphones, smartwatches, google glasses, microphones, speakers may be used. 

 

4.2.2 Access to the virtual classroom of TOLC@CASA

The virtual classrooms where the TOLC@CASA can be taken are ZOOM meetings and are provided and managed by the Virtual Classroom Commissioners (henceforth referred to as the commissioners).
Those registered in a TOLC@CASA session must connect to the TOLC delivery client from their laptop and to the virtual classroom from their mobile device in the manner and timeframe indicated in the payment and enrollment receipt. Before logging in, it is necessary to check that you have complied with the provisions of Section 4.2.1 above.
To start the login procedure, you need to enter your CISIA Test Reserved Area from your laptop and follow the instructions to start the TOLC delivery client or the mandatory application.
Only after activating the client and launching the mandatory application will the participant be able to connect through the mobile device to the virtual classroom either by using the link received by e-mail or by framing the QR code that appears on the laptop screen.

On the startup screen of the TOLC client on the laptop computer, the participant’s will see his or her identification data.

After logging in, the laptop’s screen will display the following:

  • a control code to be shown to the Commissioner via the mobile device’s camera during the personal identification stage in the virtual classroom
  • the QR code that can be used to access the virtual classroom from the mobile device; at this stage, the link to access the virtual classroom will also be sent to the e-mail address specified during registration; the link or QR code must be used only from the mobile device.

 

While connecting from ZOOM, one must maintain a good conduct and communicate with one’s Commissioner by raising one’s hand (from ZOOM click on the icon of all participants and then click on “Raise Your Hand”).

When requested by the Commissioner, the participants shall:

  • answer the roll call
  • show their face through the camera of the mobile device
  • frame the control code that appears on the screen of the laptop computer and show it to the Commissioner
  • show the Commissioner the entire surroundings and the workstation
  • show the input and output ports on the laptop computer. No devices must be connected to the ports
  • place the mobile device behind you, according to the specifications contained in “TOLC@CASA ROOM CONFIGURATION, TESTING AND NETWORK REQUIREMENTS” signed at the time of enrolment, so that the mobile device’s camera frames from the back both the test location and the access to the room.

 

When taking the test, you must be silent so as not to distract others in the virtual classroom. Only blank sheets of paper and a pen will be available to the participant.
In case of aid(s) assigned by the Disability and DSA Offices of the university facilities, compensatory tools will be integrated into the TOLC delivery client. If tutors are needed, individual virtual classrooms will be organized to allow interaction between tutor and participant without bothering other participants.
Delivery arrangements, including through smaller virtual classrooms, will be made available to participants with disabilities or with DSA for whom additional aids are needed beyond those provided by the delivery client or application.

Once these preliminary steps have been completed, the Commissioner shall start the test.
At any time of the test, the commissioners, using the client chat can check the following :

  • the room where the participant is taking the test the commissioners may request, at any time, to do a full video and audio check of the room where the participant is taking the TOLC@CASA test
  • the identity of the participant by asking to frame, through the mobile device, the face and the original identification document, which must be available at all times
  • that no forbidden devices are connected to the laptop’s ports.

 

In case of technical problems during the test, the participant must immediately notify the Commissioner through the individual chat tool via the laptop. Chat with the Commissioner is activated through a command located in the upper right corner of the TOLC delivery client and it has a hand icon. Once the command is activated, the commissioner will receive a notification and will be able to initiate a text chat with those who have requested it.
Commissioners may use the cooperation of CISIA to verify ambiguous situations regarding improper conduct of the participants during the TOLC. Again, it will be the responsibility of the commissioners to take any decision on whether to cancel or reset the test.
Each virtual classroom will be manned by at least one Commissioner. The Commissioner is responsible for the location and oversees all entry, personal identification, control and monitoring. The virtual classrooms may also be accessed by CISIA personnel as needed or for support, as directed by the universities. 

 

4.2.3 Code of Conduct for TOLC@CASA

The participant must abide by the rules of virtual classroom behaviour detailed in these rules and in the “TOLC@CASA ROOM CONFIGURATION, TESTING AND NETWORK REQUIREMENTS” specifications that he or she signs when enrolment the test and also receives as a reminder by e-mail. In addition, these instructions are also available at all times in the CISIA Test reserved area.
Logging in will be valid as an entry signature, and clicking on the button to confirm that you wish to end the test, at the end of the test, will be valid as an exit signature and a declaration that the test has been properly completed.
It is the participant’s responsibility to end the test. In fact, if the TOLC is not ended, it will not be possible to view the score and validate the TOLC@CASA results.

Under penalty of suspension and possible cancellation of the test, the participant must, for the entire duration of the TOLC:

  • keep on the camera of the mobile device
  • keep on the microphone of the mobile device and not use any tools connected to it
  • keep the environment adequately lit
  • remain silent
  • carry out verifications at any time the committee requests them
  • not allow other people to enter the room where the TOLC is taking place.

 

For any technical or procedural issues, participants have the opportunity to interact with the commissioners through individual chats available in the video conferencing app before the test starts and in the test delivery platform after the test has started.
The commissioners, at least one per virtual room, are in charge of supervising the TOLC@CASA process. To this end, they monitor that all the conditions necessary for taking the test are met. They may at any time require each participant to frame and show his or her surroundings and make his or her voice heard.

Classroom commissioners may:

  • view the room, physical environment
  • compare the participant’s face with the identification document that each participant must have available in original version
  • verify that there are no devices connected to the laptop’s multimedia ports
  • display the control code that will appear on the laptop’s video and have the mobile device positioned correctly behind the participant’s shoulders
  • suspend/resume/cancel the test
  • verify throughout the test period that the mobile device’s video camera and microphone are always on
  • perform a complete video and audio check of the room, including checking the laptop’s ports
  • cancel the TOLC at any time if the rules are not followed or instances or attempts of unlawful behaviour are identified
  • invite additional supervisors to join the virtual classrooms to support their role, to whom they can assign virtual classroom administrator powers and who can assist in identifying and monitoring the participants.

 

The commissioners, in the event of technical problems with their equipment or momentary needs, may be replaced by CISIA staff who will continue to perform personal identifications and monitoring operations.
In the event that no commissioner has the ability to re-enter the virtual classroom within 30 minutes of the problem occurring, the TOLC may be reset and rescheduled.
The commissioners are required to halt the test should the participant leave the virtual room or disable the video camera or turn off the microphone or in the case noise coming from the participant’s physical room is detected. Commissioners, in the cases they deem most serious and at their sole discretion, may proceed to the immediate cancellation of the test.
Classroom commissioners and participants will have a laptop chat available to get in touch.
The participant who has technical difficulties or malfunctions may request, through the individual chat, assistance from the classroom commissioners who, once the problem is resolved, may proceed to reactivate the credentials to restart the test.
In case it is not possible to use the chat, the classroom commissioners can also contact participants by phone.
In case of technical problems that cannot be attributed to the participant’s carelessness and cannot be resolved, the participant may receive a credit for a new TOLC enrolment (TOLC reset). Such a reset gives the opportunity to rebook a new TOLC without payment and does not compromise the ability to regenerate credits again following an absence.
Failure to comply with the rules detailed in these regulations will result in the cancellation of the test. In this case, the participant will not be entitled to any refund, and will not be entitled to any credit, and will be allowed to participate in any subsequent session of TOLC by paying the enrolment fee again.
In the most more serious cases, such as attempted or proven computer fraud, the universities, in cooperation with CISIA, may decide to impose additional penalties to voiding the test, including suspension of the participant and inability to take new TOLCs for an extended period.

 

4.2.4 Time frames and procedures for TOLC@CASA

The test has a predefined procedure and timed deadline. Each section of the test has a maximum term: the participant may use all the time allotted to each section or close it early, giving up the remaining time allotted for that section.
In the case of a break granted to the participant, this may be a maximum of 10 minutes and occur only and exclusively at the end of one section of the test and before starting the next.
No calculators or other tools or aids may be used when taking the TOLC except those granted by the location as aids to persons with disabilities or DSA. In addition, no information and/or images within the computerized test may be fraudulently taken.
In case of problems that cannot be solved during the TOLC@CASA, the commissioners, in agreement with CISIA, may decide in the case of available seats to move the participant to remedial virtual classrooms. Such virtual classrooms and related remedial sessions may be scheduled at two separate times:

  • in the afternoon of the same day for TOLCs held in the morning
  • on the following day in case of TOLCs taking place in the afternoon.

 

It is not possible to choose the remedial time: the participants must make themselves available for the remedial test in the manner provided by the location, or they will not be able to take the TOLC.
Those who are moved to remedial classrooms receive an automatic email from CISIA with information about the new time and day of remediation and how to access the TOLC at no additional charge.

 

4.2.5 Checking the TOLC@CASA Test results

The score obtained, immediately visible on screen at the end of the test, will be recognized as official and made available only as of 7 p.m. after 48 hours from the end of the TOLC@CASA.
After the test is over, the commissioners can access the recordings and verify that the tests were taken properly, as well as consider reports of any abnormal conduct in the use of the mandatoory application by CISIA.
After 48 hours from the end of the TOLC@CASA, the participant who has correctly performed the test, abiding to the rules and code of conduct outlined in these rules will see his or her TOLC@CASA results recognized and will be able to access the certificate of achievement. After 48 hours, the score achieved can be accessed by the universities that recognize the TOLC@CASA results.
Following detailed and accurate reports and/or further verifications performed by CISIA and/or the universities that lead to evidence of irregularities, the universities within 90 days from taking the TOLC, and therefore beyond 48 hours, may proceed to void the test notifying to the participant the reasons for that decision.

 

5. TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF SERVICE

The contents of the TOLCs are the exclusive property of CISIA and may not be disclosed in any form by the users.
Anyone who registers for the CISIA portal agrees to accept in full all the terms and conditions and points specified within these TOLC rules.
Use of the service is conditional on acceptance, at the time of registration, of the terms and conditions of enrolment and these rules.

 

6. PARTICIPANTS WITH DISABILITIES OR LEARNING DISABILITIES

Participants, when registering in the CISIA portal reserved area, may declare that they are persons with disabilities or specific learning disorders (DSA).
In these cases, the location(s) at which they plan to take the test is specified and the necessary documents and certifications are made available to these universities through a special document upload form provided by CISIA. CISIA provides the participant with the contacts of the relevant offices at each specified location, and the participant agrees – if so required by the test delivery universities – to contact them to agree on the specific measures necessary for the delivery of the TOLC, in accordance with the regulations in force. A participant who subsequently selects a location other than the one previously specified when registering on the CISIA portal will be offered the same form again for uploading the necessary documentation.
For cases where it is not possible to use the digital method for TOLC delivery, CISIA will provide a paper TOLC or other available media that universities use, supporting individual needs.

 

7. DATA PROCESSING

Users interested in taking TOLCs provide their data directly to CISIA, which acts as the data controller.
Therefore, CISIA processes the participants’ personal data to carry out its official purposes and statutory goals in accordance with applicable laws and regulations. The data may also be used in anonymous and aggregate form for analysis and statistical purposes.
The result of the tests may be communicated to universities in their capacity as third-party recipients in accordance with Art.4, points 10 and 11 EU Reg. 2016/679.
However, in the event that the result obtained in the TOLC is used to enrol or register in a competitive procedure at a chosen University, the latter will be the data controller of the data received directly and those provided by CISIA in its capacity as independent data controller.
The person who has carried out a TOLC will not be able to request the erasure of the results obtained before the time limits set by law. Instead, if he/she has only carried out the registration on the CISIA TOLC portal, he/she will be able to request its modification or cancellation at any time.
In the case of use of the service by persons with disabilities or DSA, CISIA will process only the personal data and information about the declared status solely to apply measures to ensure equal conditions when taking the tests. Therefore, CISIA will be the data controller only for the aforementioned data.
The Universities shall be the data controller of the personal and special data of the aforementioned persons, who will submit their medical certificates directly to the university where they wish to take the test.
For people who did not enter the data regarding their diploma grade when registering on the portal, CISIA reserves the right to request this information from the National Student Registry to process the data for statistical purposes.
CISIA, for the sole purpose of ensuring proper recognition throughout the TOLC, requires adding the participant’s personal photo when registering on the TOLC portal. CISIA keeps the data only for the period strictly necessary for the fulfilment of the legitimate data processing purpose as specified in the privacy policy, and in any case for a period not exceeding 2 years. The data subjects may always exercise their rights under current legislation, including the right to request erasure at any time after the test.
When taking a TOLC@CASA it is necessary to upload a suitable identification document that will be used to allow the classroom commissioners to properly govern the test. CISIA keeps the data only for the period strictly necessary for the fulfilment of the legitimate data processing purpose, as specified in the privacy policy, and in any case for a period strictly necessary to carry out the verifications mentioned above and not exceeding 2 years.
Only with regard to participants with disabilities and/or SLD, CISIA deems it necessary to apply a longer retention period, which usually coincides with the expiry of the term by law, given the technical needs already emerged at the Helpdesk stage, which call for a longer retention of the data in question.
For TOLC@CASAs, there is also a recording of the entire meeting session in which the virtual classroom was configured. This recording may be viewed only by the Classroom commissioners and the Single location Contact Person assigned by the Data Protection Officer.
Virtual Classroom Commissions could create secondary sessions (“breakout rooms”) within ZOOM meetings and place some participants in them to communicate with them without bothering the rest of the classroom participants. In the case of use of ZOOM’s secondary sessions by virtual classroom committees, said internal sessions within the secondary sessions may be recorded by the commissioners who, as data controllers and data protection officers, comply with the privacy policies agreed with CISIA.
Also for the TOLC@CASA delivery method, it is the responsibility of individual participants to put in place every precaution to ensure that the mobile device’s video camera does not frame objects and things in the physical environment in which the test will take place that could lead to information about the participant’s or his or her cohabitants’ sensitive data.
Video recordings of the virtual classrooms, as well as any recordings made by the commissioners in the use of the secondary sessions, will be deleted within the 90-day period following the taking of the TOLC@CASA except in cases where the recordings are required and used for verifications of the proper conduct of the TOLC@CASAs: in these cases, the recordings may be stored for up to 3 years.

 

8. ACCESS TO DEEDS AND CONFIDENTIALITY

A person who has duly taken and completed the test, upon a properly justified request made at the university location where he or she took the test, may exercise his or her right of access.
The university location will request from CISIA, through the unique test identification code, the test, or part of it, taken by the applicant.
CISIA, within ten days of receipt of the request, will submit to the Location Manager, in electronic format, the test or part of it or alternatively provide the tools to view on screen the contents of the test taken.
The Location Manager, or his/her delegate, having summoned the interested party to the university premises, may have the applicant view, also in the presence of an attorney or expert, the contents of the test.
In particularly justified and detailed cases, parts or elements of the TOLC carried out may be provided to the requesting party.
In the case of the TOLC@CASA, a participant who had received a cancellation for non-compliance with the rules or for possible fraud or for different use of the delivery client or mandatory application, may appeal for reconsideration within 30 days of the holding of the test by sending a specific request by Certified E-mail to cisiaonline@pec.it. CISIA will forward the communication to the appropriate committees to initiate, if there are grounds, any reconsideration process, which must be completed within the next 30 days.
In case of any issues that make it difficult to take the TOLC@CASA, the participants have the obligation to report these issues only and exclusively to the virtual classroom committees over the course of the TOLC test.  Notifications or reports submitted not promptly or after finishing the TOLC@CASA – by clicking the COMPLETE button – and obtaining the result will not be accepted.
Again, please note that reproduction and/or dissemination of the questions contained in the TOLC, which are the exclusive property of CISIA, is strictly forbidden.