CSCA 2026 Exam Dates Announced

Important Update: The CSCA (Chinese Proficiency Test for Undergraduate Admission) is a standardized exam designed for international students planning to pursue undergraduate degrees in China. It evaluates students' language proficiency and academic foundation. All international applicants to Chinese undergraduate programs must take the CSCA, with scores serving as one of the minimum academic requirements for university admission.

🗓️ 2025-2026 CSCA Test Dates

Test Regions and Months

• Asia-Pacific Region: December, April, June
• Europe, America, and Africa Region: January, March
• First Test Date: December 21, 2025

December Test Schedule (Beijing Time)

Score Release

• Online/Computer-Based Testing: Within 7 business days
• Paper-Based Testing: Within 14 business days

> ⚠️ Important Notice: CSCA exam results are released two weeks after testing. Please plan your exam schedule accordingly.

January Exam Schedule (Beijing Time)

Admission Ticket Download Period

January 14 - 25, 2026 (Beijing Time)

Personal Test System Arrangements

• Testing Period: January 15 - 19, 2026
• Daily Access Hours: 2:00 PM - 9:00 PM(Beijing Time)
• Test Content: Candidates may log into the exam system during this period to verify software functionality, camera, microphone, and network connectivity meet requirements, and familiarize themselves with system operations including login and facial recognition.

Centralized Mock Test Schedule

First Centralized Mock Test

• Date: January 21, 2026 (Beijing Time)
• 19:00 - 20:00: Simulation of entry procedures including manual identity verification
• 20:00 - 21:00: Mock answering session

Second Centralized Mock Test

• Date: January 23, 2026 (Beijing Time)
• 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM: Simulated admission procedures (e.g., manual identity verification)
• 8:00 PM - 9:00 PM: Mock exam

Official Exam Schedule

• Exam Date: January 25, 2026 (Beijing Time)
• Exam Room Access: The exam system will open 1 hour before each session. Complete all pre-exam procedures 5 minutes before the start time.

📍 Exam Format and Test Centers

Initially, exams will primarily be administered via home-based online testing, while offline test centers will be progressively established in key source countries and regions.

Offline Test Centers

• Vietnam: First batch of offline test centers
• Thailand: First batch of offline test centers
• Additional test centers in other countries and regions are steadily being established

Exam Format Options

• Centralized Computer-Based Testing: Take standardized exams via computer at authorized test centers
• Paper-Based Testing: Take exams in traditional paper-and-pencil format at authorized test centers
• Home-Based Online Testing: Take the exam at home under real-time supervision by an online proctor

💰 Exam Fees

Official Fee Schedule

Payment Methods

• Credit Card (International cards accepted)
• Alipay/WeChat Pay
• Bank Transfer

📋 Registration Requirements

Required Documents

1. Valid Passport (valid until at least September 2026)
2. Recent Photo (passport size, taken within last 6 months)
3. Academic Credentials (High school transcript or equivalent qualification)
4. Proof of Payment

Online Registration Process

Step 1: Create Account

• Visit the CSCA official registration portal
• Register using a valid email address
• Complete email verification

Step 2: Complete Profile

• Fill in personal information
• Upload required documents
• Select test center

Step 3: Select Subjects Choose exam subjects based on your major (see subject list below)

Step 4: Pay Fees

• Select payment method
• Complete payment
• Save payment receipt

Step 5: Confirm Registration

• Receive registration confirmation email
• Print admission ticket (available for download before exam)

📚 Exam Subjects and Structure

Official Exam Subjects Overview

> 💡 Note: Applicants for Chinese Language undergraduate programs may be exempt from the Chinese proficiency test if they provide a valid HSK Level 4 score report.

Select Exams by Program Type

Liberal Arts Programs

• Required: Chinese (Humanities), Mathematics
• Applicable Majors: Chinese Language, Translation, International Chinese Education, International Economics and Trade, Communication Studies, International Politics, etc.

Science and Engineering Majors

• Required: Chinese (Science), Mathematics
• Optional: Physics, Chemistry (mandatory for Science, Engineering, Agriculture, and Medicine majors)
• Applicable Majors: Computer Science and Technology, Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Psychology (Brain Science), etc.

English-Taught Programs

• Required: Mathematics
• Applicable Majors: Finance (Digital Finance), International Economics and Trade (English), Accounting, Sinology and Chinese Studies, etc.

✅ Essential Items

Core Items

• ✓ Admission Ticket (paper copy)
• ✓ Valid Passport/ID Card
• ✓ 2B Pencils (at least 3)
• Eraser
• ✓ Scientific Calculator (designated models only)
• Black/Blue Pen for Essay Section

Prohibited Items

• Mobile phones or smart devices
• Programmable calculators
• Smartwatches
• Reference materials or notes
• Food/drinks (except clear plastic water bottles)

CSCA Score Usage Guide

Score Validity

• Valid for two years from test date
• Applicable for Fall 2026 and Fall 2027 admissions

Score Reports

• Automatically sent to up to 4 institutions(free)
• Additional score reports: $15 per report
• Online score verification available

Score Requirements by University Tier

| University Tier | Typical Minimum Percentile | Typical Minimum Percentile |----------------|-------------------| | C9 League | 85-95% | C9 League | Top 985 Institutions | 75-85% | | Other 985/211 Institutions | 65-75% | | C9 League | Other 985/211 Institutions | 65-75% | | C9 League | Other 211 Institutions | 55-65% | Other Universities | Other Universities | 45-55% | Other Universities

Note: Requirements vary by major and grade level

📅 Exam Preparation Timeline

5 Months in Advance (November 2025)

• ✓ Complete exam registration
• ✓ Develop detailed study plan
• ✓ Gather all study materials
• ✓ Take diagnostic practice exams

3 Months Before Exam (January 2026)

• Complete first review of all subjects
• Identify weak areas
• Begin targeted practice
• Join a study group

1 Month Before Exam (February 2026)

• Take intensive practice exams
• ✓ Review incorrect answers and mistakes
• ✓ Memorize key formulas
• ✓ Print admission ticket

One week before the exam (March 8-14)

• ✓ Light review
• Prepare all exam supplies
• ✓ Plan route to test center
• ✓ Ensure adequate rest

🌟 Special Exam Accommodations

Students requiring special accommodations must:

1. Contact the CSCA Administrative Office by December 1, 2025
2. Submit documentation verifying disability or special needs
3. Obtain a confirmed approval letter for special arrangements
4. Verify specific arrangements with the test center before the exam

Available accommodations include:

• Extended exam time
• Separate testing room
• Large-print exam materials
• Assistive technology devices

⚠️ Important Reminders

Before Registration

• Verify passport validity
• Confirm test center location
• Understand refund policy
• Review subject requirements for target institutions

After Registration

• Save all confirmation emails
• Record important dates
• Download admission ticket promptly
• Prepare valid identification documents

Exam Day Guidelines

• Arrive at least 30 minutes early
• Bring all required items
• Strictly follow exam room instructions
• Stay calm and focused

🔄 Retake Policy

If retaking the exam:

• Next exam date: Fall 2026
• Maximum of 3 attempts per year
• Highest score automatically recorded
• All scores permanently archived

📞 Support & Resources

Official Website

• CSCA Website: https://csca.cn/home
• Online Registration System: Register and apply via official website

Registration Process

1. Prepare Items: Photo (meeting requirements), valid ID, credit card
2. Review Exam Details: Confirm exam date and format
3. Create Account: Create account → Complete registration form → Schedule exam → Pay

CSCA.app Resource Library

• Practice questions & mock exams
• Subject glossary
• Study planning tools
• University database
• Community forum

Next Steps

1. Visit the CSCA official website for the latest exam information
2. Confirm your target major to identify required subjects
3. Start preparing immediately with our comprehensive study materials
4. Research target universities and their specific score requirements
5. Plan your schedule wisely by selecting suitable exam sessions

Closing Remarks

The CSCA exam is a crucial component of undergraduate applications for studying in China. Through strategic planning and consistent effort, you will achieve the scores required by your target institutions.

Key Information Summary:

• 🌐 Official Website: https://csca.cn/home
• 📅 Exam Months in Asia-Pacific: December, April, June
• 📅 Exam Months for Europe, America, and Africa: January, March
• 💰 Fees: 450 RMB for 1 subject, 700 RMB for 2 or more subjects
• 📍 Offline Test Centers: Vietnam, Thailand (expanding continuously)
• 📊 Score Release Time: 7 days for computer-based tests, 14 days for paper-based tests

Act Now—Start Preparing Today to Seize Your Best Chance for Success!

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*Questions about registration or preparation? Visit CSCA Official Website for details.

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