CSCA exam dates 2026–2027

CSCA assesses the academic and language foundations of international undergraduate applicants. Whether you must take it and which subjects you need depend on the admissions requirements of your target university and program.

CSCA exam dates 2026–2027

Updated October 14, 2026 · Official CSCA announcement · csca.cn

The next announced session is November 14–15, 2026. Registration runs October 15, 2026, 15:00 – October 21, 2026, 23:59, Beijing Time (UTC+8). Registration has not opened as of this update.

Registration dates for the other five sessions have not been announced. Admission tickets, system checks, official mock tests, test centers and result dates must be checked in the notice for your chosen session; do not reuse the June arrangements.

The June 27, 2026 exam is a completed historical session. Its registration window and one-day timetable do not apply to the new sessions.

From November 2026, results are released within 10 working days after the end of the exam. Home-based online testing and centralized computer-based testing take place simultaneously, with the same content, duration and scoring standards. Check the official portal for your results.

Subject timetable — Beijing Time (UTC+8)

Professional Chinese lasts 90 minutes; Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry each last 60 minutes. Subjects are split across two days. December and June use morning sessions; the other announced sessions use afternoon sessions.

• Full exam guide
• Convert to local time
• Preparation guide
• Official registration

📍 Exam Format and Test Centers

Home-based online testing and centralized computer-based testing take place simultaneously from November 2026, with the same content, duration and scoring standards.

💰 Exam Fees

Official Fee Schedule

Payment Methods

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

📋 Registration Requirements

Required Documents

1. Valid Passport
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

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

Note: Requirements vary by major and grade level

Plan preparation around your chosen session

Start with a diagnostic mock exam, then work backwards from your exam date. Prioritize weak topics, review your mistakes and complete timed practice. For the November session, reserve October 15–21 for registration and both November 14 and 15 for the subjects you selected. Rehearse the correct subject times; later sessions can provide more preparation time if their dates fit your university deadlines.

⚠️ 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

Choose a later announced session if you need to retake the exam. Check each university’s score-submission deadline and allow time for results; do not assume a later exam will meet an earlier deadline.

📞 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
6. Convert Beijing Time to your local timezone to never miss an exam

When Will CSCA Results Come Out?

From November 2026, results are released within 10 working days after the end of the exam. Check your scores on the official portal.

• Full exam guide
• Convert to local time
• Preparation guide
• Official registration