CSCA Exam Complete Guide: China Scholastic Competency Assessment for Bachelor Degree Study in China (2025-2026)
CSCA (China Scholastic Competency Assessment) is an official standardized entrance exam launched by China in 2025 for international undergraduate applicants. Starting from 2026, all students applying for Chinese Government Scholarship undergraduate programs must take this test before submitting applications.
The exam includes four subjects: Specialized Chinese, Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry. Specialized Chinese is the only subject available exclusively in Chinese, while Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry can be taken in either Chinese or English.
⏰ Critical Dates:
• December 21, 2025: First global exam (registration opens in November)
• 2026 onwards: 5 exam sessions annually (January, March, May, June, December)
• 2028 planned: Mandatory for ALL undergraduate applicants
📋 Quick Navigation – Jump to What Matters Most to You
1. What is CSCA? Understanding the Basics in 3 Minutes
If you’re planning to apply for undergraduate study in China after 2026, there’s a critical new requirement you need to know about…
1.1 Official Definition
- Full Name: China Scholastic Competency Assessment
- Organizer: China Scholarship Council (CSC)
- Nature: Standardized entrance examination (similar to TOEFL, IELTS, SAT)
- Purpose: Assess international students’ Chinese language proficiency and academic foundation
- Official Website: www.csca.cn
- Official Contact: [email protected]
1.2 Who Must Take CSCA?
| Timeline | Applicable Students | Requirement Level |
|---|---|---|
| Dec 21, 2025 | First global public exam | Voluntary |
| 2026 onwards | Chinese Government Scholarship undergraduate applicants | MANDATORY |
| 2028 planned | ALL undergraduate applicants | Mandatory |
💡 Important Note: Even if you’re not applying for a government scholarship, many universities will prioritize applicants with CSCA scores. We recommend all students planning to study in China after 2026 take this exam.
2. CSCA Exam Subjects: Complete Breakdown
Now that you understand what CSCA is, the next critical question is: What specific subjects does it test? And more importantly, why is the Chinese language component the most crucial?
📚 Specialized Chinese – THE CRITICAL SUBJECT
| Type: | Humanities Chinese OR Science Chinese |
| Language: | Chinese ONLY (No English option) |
| Duration: | 90 minutes |
| Questions: | 80 multiple-choice questions |
| Content: | Character recognition, cloze exercises, word distinction, paragraph construction, sentence completion, reading comprehension |
| Exemption: | • English-taught programs: Exempt • Chinese major applicants with HSK 4: Exempt |
🚨 Why Chinese is THE Key Subject:
- Only subject with NO English option – Math, Physics, Chemistry can be taken in English
- Same weight as other subjects – 90 minutes exam, 100-point scale
- HSK cannot replace CSCA – Different focus areas
- Required even for science majors – If applying for Chinese-taught programs
Other Subjects Overview
| Subject | Language Options | Duration | Questions | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mathematics | Chinese OR English | 60 min | 48 MCQ | Mandatory |
| Physics | Chinese OR English | 60 min | 48 MCQ | Optional* |
| Chemistry | Chinese OR English | 60 min | 48 MCQ | Optional* |
*Science, engineering, agriculture, and medical majors typically require at least one of Physics or Chemistry
💡 Subject Selection Strategy:
- Chinese-taught program applicants: Must take Specialized Chinese + Math + (Physics/Chemistry as required)
- English-taught program applicants: Exempt from Chinese, take Math + (Physics/Chemistry as required) in English
- Recommendation: If your Chinese is not strong enough, choose English papers for Math/Physics/Chemistry
3. CSCA Chinese Test: Difficulty, Question Types & Preparation Focus
“Teacher, I already have HSK Level 4 certificate. Do I still need to prepare for CSCA Chinese?”
“What’s the difference between CSCA Chinese and HSK?”
These are the two most common questions we receive at Mandarin Zone.
3.1 CSCA Chinese vs HSK: Key Differences
| Dimension | HSK | CSCA Specialized Chinese |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Daily communication ability | Academic context ability |
| Reading Materials | Daily life topics | Technology, society, culture academic articles |
| Vocabulary | Life vocabulary | Academic vocabulary + terminology |
| Reading Speed | Lower requirement | Very high (90 min / 80 questions) |
| Question Types | Listening, speaking, reading, writing | Pure reading comprehension (MCQ) |
| Can Replace? | ❌ Cannot replace CSCA | ✅ HSK 4 exempts Chinese major students |
💡 Critical Finding: Even if you have HSK Level 5 or 6, the academic reading difficulty of CSCA will still challenge you! This is not a test you can “cram” for at the last minute.
3.2 Real Student Feedback
From a Myanmar student (took test on October 12, 2025):
“The questions covered junior and senior high school basics, but the reading speed requirement was very high. I took Math and Chemistry in Chinese and found there were more technical terms than I expected. I recommend starting preparation at least 3-6 months in advance.”
From a Thailand student (October 2025 test):
“Chemistry tested molecular formulas, oxides, chemical reaction products, etc. Math included arithmetic sequences, ellipses, trigonometric functions, inverse functions. If you’re not familiar with Chinese math and science terminology, it will be very difficult.”
3.3 Chinese Test Content Breakdown
Character Recognition
Cloze Exercises
Word Distinction
Paragraph Construction
Sentence Completion
Reading Comprehension – HIGHEST WEIGHT
- Science explanations (Science Chinese)
- Social-cultural essays (Humanities)
- News reports, research abstracts
- Each passage: 300-500 characters
- 4-5 passages total
- 4 questions per passage average
- Main idea identification
- Detail comprehension
- Inference questions
- Word meaning in context
⚠️ The Biggest Challenge: Time Pressure
90 minutes ÷ 80 questions = 67.5 seconds per question on average
(Including time to read the passages!)
This requires you to:
✓ Quickly scan and extract key information
✓ Master academic vocabulary thoroughly
✓ Practice extensively to improve speed
💡 Transitioning to solutions: “So how can you improve your Chinese academic reading ability in limited time? This is exactly where Mandarin Zone’s expertise comes in…” → Jump to Preparation Section
4. Exam Dates, Locations & Registration (2025-2026 Schedule)
4.1 Upcoming Exam Schedule
📅 December 21, 2025 – First Global Exam
- Registration opens: November 2025
- Primary format: Online proctored exam (at home)
- First test centers: Vietnam, Thailand
- Registration website: www.csca.cn
📅 2026 Onwards – Regular Operations (5 times per year)
💡 Recommendations:
• Asian students: Prioritize May, June, or December sessions
• Planning for September 2026 enrollment? Take the May or June exam
• Allow time for retakes – no limit on number of attempts
4.2 Exam Formats
💻 Online Proctored Exam (At Home)
- Main device: Computer for taking exam
- Secondary device: Phone/tablet for monitoring
- Requirements: Stable internet (20Mbps+)
- System: Windows only (Mac not supported)
- Advantage: Take exam from home
🏫 Computer-Based Test (Test Centers)
- Current locations: Vietnam, Thailand
- Planned expansion: India, South Korea, Japan, Malaysia, Kazakhstan
- Timeline: Top 20 source countries within 2-3 years
- Advantage: Standardized environment, technical support
📝 Paper-Based Test (Select Centers)
- Availability: Based on local conditions
- Note: Not available for December 21, 2025 first exam
- Check: Official website for updates
5. How to Register: Complete Step-by-Step Guide
⚠️ Important: Registration Opens in November 2025
For the December 21, 2025 first global exam, registration will open in early-to-mid November 2025. Specific dates will be announced on the official website.
Step 1: Prepare Required Materials
📸 Photo
- Review photo requirements on the official website
- Test your photo before registration
- Standard passport-style photo specifications
🪪 Valid Identification
- Preferred: Valid passport
- Requirements: Government-issued ID with photo
- Important: Must be valid on exam day
- Note: Information must match exactly during registration
💳 Credit Card
- Accepted: Visa, MasterCard, UnionPay, Alipay, WeChat Pay
- International credit cards supported
- Payment required to complete registration
Step 2: Check Exam Dates, Formats & Test Centers
CSCA is held 5 times annually in January, March, May, June, and December. Specific dates are announced at the beginning of each year.
Available Exam Formats:
- Computer-Based Test: Take exam at authorized test centers with standardized conditions
- Paper-Based Test: Traditional format at authorized centers (availability varies)
- Online Proctored Exam: Take exam at home with real-time online proctoring
📍 Find your test format and centers: Visit the official website to check available options in your region.
Step 3: Create Account & Complete Online Registration
💡 Important Registration Tips:
- Use a permanent email address – You’ll receive all important notifications here
- Double-check all information – Must match your ID document exactly
- Information cannot be changed – Once submitted, most details are locked
- Register early – Test centers may fill up, especially for first exam
- Keep confirmation email – Contains registration number and important details
6. Exam Fees & Payment Methods
💳 Accepted Payment Methods:
MasterCard
UnionPay
Alipay
WeChat Pay
💡 Cost-Saving Tip: If you’re taking multiple subjects, the maximum fee is ¥700 regardless of how many you register for. Consider taking all relevant subjects in one sitting to maximize value.
7. Why Choose Mandarin Zone’s CSCA Preparation Courses?
“Teacher, I only have 6 months. Is that enough time?”
“My Chinese reading speed is very slow. What should I do?”
“Will regular Chinese language classes prepare me for CSCA?”
These are questions we receive every day at Mandarin Zone. As Beijing’s premier Chinese language school, we deeply understand the significant difference between CSCA and everyday Chinese learning. Located in the heart of Beijing’s diplomatic district (Chaoyang), we’ve been helping international students master Chinese since 2005.
🏫 About Mandarin Zone Beijing
Prime Location
Room 1208, Tongguang Building
12 Nongzhanguan Nanli
Chaoyang District, Beijing
Experience
20+ years teaching Chinese
Thousands of successful students
Government recognized school
Specialization
Academic Chinese
Exam preparation (HSK, CSCA)
University preparation courses
🎯 Our CSCA-Specific Course Features
🎯 Targeted Curriculum
- Specifically designed for CSCA exam syllabus
- Different from HSK and daily Chinese courses
- Focus on academic reading and speed training
📚 Complete Learning System
- Basic vocabulary (HSK 4-5, 1200-2500 words)
- Academic vocabulary (technology, society, culture)
- Technical terms (math, physics, chemistry in Chinese)
- Reading techniques (speed scanning, key info extraction)
👨🏫 Expert Teachers
- All teachers hold professional Chinese teaching qualifications
- Familiar with Chinese high school curriculum
- 20+ years combined teaching experience
- Deep research into CSCA exam characteristics
📝 Practice Materials
- Access to previous exam questions
- Monthly full-length mock exams
- Detailed score analysis and weakness diagnosis
- Comprehensive study materials included
📖 Three Course Options to Fit Your Needs
| Course Type | Best For | Duration | Start Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Intensive Fast-Track | • Good Chinese foundation • HSK 4 or above • Target: Dec 2025 first exam |
3 months (15 hours/week) |
Enroll Now |
| Standard Preparation | • Some Chinese foundation • HSK 3 level • Target: 2026 exams |
6 months (10 hours/week) |
Monthly intake |
| Zero to CSCA Ready | • Complete beginners • Below HSK 2 • Target: Late 2026 |
12 months (12 hours/week) |
Quarterly intake |
💬 What Our Students Say
Ahmed (Egypt)
“Mandarin Zone’s CSCA preparation course took me from zero Chinese to being able to read academic articles in 6 months. The teachers taught not just Chinese, but how to quickly extract key information. Now I feel confident about the December CSCA exam!”
Maria (Mexico)
“The biggest improvement was learning Chinese academic reading techniques at Mandarin Zone. I used to take 10 minutes to read a 300-character article, now I can understand the main idea in 2-3 minutes. My mock test scores improved from 60 to 85!”
🏛️ Why Study at Mandarin Zone in Beijing?
✓ Immersive Environment
Practice Chinese daily in China’s capital
✓ University Connections
Partnerships with top Beijing universities
✓ Cultural Experience
Learn Chinese where it’s spoken natively
✓ Convenient Location
Easy access via public transportation
8. CSCA Preparation Strategies: From Now Until Exam Day
Whether you choose to study with us at Mandarin Zone or self-study, these preparation tips will help you succeed.
8.1 Study Timeline Recommendations
12+ Months Plan
Zero Foundation
Build Foundation
- HSK 1-3 vocabulary (600 words)
- Basic grammar
- Study 2+ hours daily
Intensify
- HSK 4 vocabulary (1200 words)
- Begin academic articles
- Study 3+ hours daily
Exam Sprint
- Practice tests
- Mock exams
- Target weak areas
6 Months Plan
HSK 3-4 Foundation
Vocabulary Expansion
- HSK 5 vocabulary (2500 words)
- Academic vocabulary
- Read 2-3 articles daily
Skills Training
- Speed reading practice
- Question type drills
- 2 mock exams/week
Final Sprint
- One full mock daily
- Timed practice
- Review mistakes
3 Months Plan
HSK 4-5 Foundation
Adapt to Format
- Familiarize with question types
- Practice 50 questions daily
- Build academic vocabulary
Speed Building
- Timed practice
- One full mock daily
- Analyze mistakes
Final Push
- One test every 2 days
- Maintain readiness
- Adjust sleep schedule
8.2 Chinese Reading Techniques
Technique 1: Structured Reading
- ✓ Read questions first, then approach article with purpose
- ✓ Pay attention to first and last sentences (usually contain main idea)
- ✓ Notice transition words (“但是” but, “然而” however, “可是” yet)
Technique 2: Keyword Location
- ✓ Circle keywords in the question
- ✓ Quickly locate same/similar words in passage
- ✓ Read sentences before and after keyword
Technique 3: Elimination Method
- ✓ First eliminate obviously wrong options
- ✓ Compare details in remaining options
- ✓ Choose option that best matches passage meaning
Technique 4: Time Management
- ✓ Don’t spend more than 2 minutes on any question
- ✓ Do easy questions first, difficult ones later
- ✓ Leave 10 minutes to check answer sheet
8.3 One Week Before Exam Checklist
✅ Final Preparation Checklist
Technical Preparation (Online Exam)
□ Download exam client software
□ Participate in official mock test
□ Prepare backup 4G hotspot
Materials Preparation
□ Verify passport validity
□ Prepare whiteboard & marker
□ Clear desk area
Physical & Mental Preparation
□ Light daily practice
□ Avoid cramming new content
□ Stay positive and confident
Environment Preparation
□ Clear desk completely
□ Inform family of exam time
□ Ensure no interruptions
9. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Can CSCA Chinese scores replace HSK certificate?
A: No, they cannot. CSCA is an entrance exam while HSK is a language proficiency certificate with different purposes. Most universities require both HSK and CSCA scores. However, Chinese major applicants with valid HSK Level 4 certificates may be exempt from the CSCA Specialized Chinese test.
Q2: How long are CSCA results valid?
A: CSCA scores are valid for 2 years from the date of score release. For example, if you take the exam in December 2025, your scores will be valid until December 2027.
Q3: Can I retake the exam if I’m not satisfied with my score?
A: Yes! There is no limit on the number of times you can take CSCA. You can submit your best valid scores (within 2-year validity period) when applying. With 5 exam sessions per year, you have multiple opportunities to improve your scores.
Q4: If I change my program or university, do I need to retake subjects?
A: If your existing scores are still valid (within 2 years), you only need to take additional subjects if required by the new program. For example, if you originally only took Math but your new program requires Physics as well, you just need to take the Physics exam. Your Math score remains valid.
Q5: Should I choose Chinese or English test papers for Math/Physics/Chemistry?
A: Consider these factors:
• If applying for Chinese-taught programs: Taking Chinese test papers shows your readiness for Chinese instruction
• If your Chinese foundation is weak: Choose English papers to focus on content rather than language barriers
• If you want to practice Chinese: Choose Chinese papers, but prepare technical terminology in advance
Q6: When should I take the CSCA exam?
A: We recommend taking the exam 6-8 months before your intended enrollment:
• Target September 2026 enrollment: Take January or May 2026 exam
• This allows time for retakes if needed
• Gives universities adequate time for application review
Q7: What is the difficulty level of CSCA exams?
A: CSCA is equivalent to Chinese high school graduation level (Grade 12):
• Chinese: HSK 4-5 level + academic reading ability
• Math: Algebra, geometry, trigonometry, probability & statistics
• Physics/Chemistry: Mechanics, electricity, chemical reactions, molecular structures
Q8: My passport is about to expire. Can I still register?
A: You can register with a valid passport, but it must remain valid on exam day. We strongly recommend renewing your passport immediately to avoid being unable to take the exam due to document expiration.
Q9: If there’s no test center in my city, what should I do?
A: You can choose the online proctored exam (at home). Requirements:
• Windows system computer (Mac not supported)
• Phone or tablet as secondary monitoring device
• Stable internet connection (20Mbps+)
Q10: Can I get a refund if I need to cancel?
A: You can request a cancellation and refund before your admission ticket is generated. Once the admission ticket is issued, cancellations and refunds are no longer accepted. Make sure of your test date before registering!
10. Take Action Now: Start Your CSCA Preparation Journey with Mandarin Zone
⏰ Time is Running Out!
December 21, 2025 First Global Exam is Approaching Fast!
Early preparation = More practice time = Higher pass rate
Don’t wait until 2026 to realize: “I should have started learning Chinese 6 months ago…”
🎯 Why Start with Mandarin Zone Now?
Don’t wait until:
- “I wish I started 6 months earlier…”
- “Self-study was too difficult…”
- “Not enough time, postpone enrollment…”
Start now and gain:
- Sufficient study time (6-12 months)
- Expert guidance from Mandarin Zone
- Multiple mock exam opportunities
- Time buffer for retakes
- Study in Beijing – immersive environment
📋 Three Actions – Choose What Works Best for You
• Assess gap with CSCA requirements
• Personalized study recommendations
• No fees, no pressure
• Experience Mandarin Zone’s teaching
• Meet our professional teachers
• Decide after you’re satisfied
• Receive complete study materials
• Get 2 free mock exams
• Limited seats, first come first served
📞 Contact Mandarin Zone
Room 1208, Tongguang Building
12 Nongzhanguan Nanli, Chaoyang District
Beijing, 100125, P.R. China
北京市朝阳区农展馆南里12号
通广大厦1208室 (邮编：100125)
💡 P.S. Still Hesitating?
Remember:
• CSCA is not an exam you can “cram” at the last minute
• Chinese academic reading ability requires long-term accumulation
• Every month you delay = 30 hours less practice time
• Students who prepare early with Mandarin Zone have 40%+ higher pass rates
• Studying in Beijing gives you immersive Chinese language environment
Don’t let Chinese become a stumbling block on your study abroad journey.
Starting today, let’s prepare for CSCA together at Mandarin Zone!
