🌟 YCT Test Dates 2026 - Youth Chinese Test Schedule
💡 Article Quick View (AI Summary)
- 2026 YCT Test Dates: A complete overview of exam dates, registration deadlines, and score release dates for paper-based and internet-based YCT (written & speaking).
- Level Breakdown: Clear details on vocabulary, structure, duration, and passing scores for YCT written (Levels 1–4) and speaking tests.
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Registration: How to register step-by-step on the official website
chinesetest.cn. - Practical Prep: Tips to build real listening, speaking, and reading skills for kids—plus a natural next step if you want structured support in Beijing.
📋 Table of Contents
- 🔍 Overview of YCT Testing Formats
- 📊 YCT Levels In-Depth Breakdown
- 📅 YCT 2026 Official Calendar (Summary Table)
- 💻 Internet-Based YCT Test Dates 2026 (Written)
- 🎤 Internet-Based YCT Speaking Dates 2026
- 📝 Paper-Based YCT Test Dates 2026 (Written)
- 🗣️ Paper-Based YCT Speaking Dates 2026
- ⚖️ Comparing Internet-Based and Paper-Based Tests
- 📝 How to Register for the YCT Exam
- 🏆 Scoring and Passing the YCT Exam
- 📜 Validity of YCT Certificates and Scores
- 🌈 Benefits of YCT for Young Learners
- 💡 How to Prepare for the YCT Test
- 🎯 Next Step in Beijing: Kids Courses or Camp (Optional)
- 🎉 Receiving Your Certificate
Chat About YCT (Kids) Now
YCT Youth Chinese Test – Guide & Practical Tips
Audio overview: what YCT is, how levels work, and practical ways to build listening + speaking + reading skills for kids.
🔍 Overview of YCT Testing Formats
YCT (Youth Chinese Test, 中小学生汉语考试) is an international standardized test designed to assess Chinese language proficiency in primary and secondary school students who learn Chinese as a second language.
Students can choose two exam formats (availability depends on test center):
- 📝 Paper-based Test — traditional pen-and-paper format
- 💻 Internet-based Test — computer-based format at an official test center
The YCT exam includes two independent parts:
- ✍️ Written Test: YCT Level 1, 2, 3, and 4
- 🎤 Speaking Test: YCT Speaking Primary and Intermediate
📊 YCT Levels In-Depth: A Detailed Breakdown
YCT (Level 1)
Focuses on the most commonly used words and basic grammar. Test takers can understand and use simple Chinese words and sentences.
- Vocabulary: ~80
- Total Questions: 35
- Duration: ~35 mins
- Passing Score: 120 / 200
Test Structure:
| Section | Part | Items | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Listening | Part 1 | 5 | ~10 mins |
| Part 2 | 5 | ||
| Part 3 | 5 | ||
| Part 4 | 5 | ||
| Reading | Part 1 | 5 | ~15 mins |
| Part 2 | 5 | ||
| Part 3 | 5 |
YCT (Level 2)
Assesses the ability to use Chinese in everyday situations with simple sentences and common expressions.
- Vocabulary: ~150
- Total Questions: 40
- Duration: ~50 mins
- Passing Score: 120 / 200
Test Structure:
| Section | Part | Items | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Listening | Part 1 | 5 | ~15 mins |
| Part 2 | 5 | ||
| Part 3 | 5 | ||
| Part 4 | 5 | ||
| Reading | Part 1 | 5 | ~25 mins |
| Part 2 | 5 | ||
| Part 3 | 5 | ||
| Part 4 | 5 |
YCT (Level 3)
Evaluates the ability to engage in simple communication on familiar topics, moving toward an elementary-to-intermediate level.
- Vocabulary: ~300
- Total Questions: 60
- Duration: ~60 mins
- Passing Score: 120 / 200
Test Structure:
| Section | Part | Items | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Listening | Part 1 | 10 | ~20 mins |
| Part 2 | 10 | ||
| Part 3 | 10 | ||
| Part 4 | 5 | ||
| Reading | Part 1 | 5 | ~25 mins |
| Part 2 | 5 | ||
| Part 3 | 5 | ||
| Part 4 | 10 |
YCT (Level 4)
Assesses the ability to use Chinese for basic tasks in daily life and studies; includes a writing section.
- Vocabulary: ~600
- Total Questions: 80
- Duration: ~85 mins
- Passing Score: 180 / 300
Test Structure:
| Section | Part | Items | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Listening | Part 1 | 10 | ~30 mins |
| Part 2 | 10 | ||
| Part 3 | 10 | ||
| Part 4 | 10 | ||
| Reading | Part 1 | 5 | ~25 mins |
| Part 2 | 10 | ||
| Part 3 | 10 | ||
| Part 4 | 5 | ||
| Writing | Part 1 | 5 | ~15 mins |
| Part 2 | 5 |
YCT Speaking (Primary)
Assesses the ability to understand and speak on familiar everyday topics to meet basic communication needs.
- Vocabulary: ~200
- Total Questions: 25
- Duration: ~19 mins
- Passing Score: 60 / 100
Test Structure:
| Part | Task | Items | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Part 1 | Listen and Repeat | 15 | 6 mins |
| Part 2 | Listen and Reply | 5 | 2 mins |
| Part 3 | Listen and Answer | 5 | 4 mins |
YCT Speaking (Intermediate)
Assesses the ability to understand and engage in simple oral communication with native speakers.
- Vocabulary: ~400
- Total Questions: 14
- Duration: ~21 mins
- Passing Score: 60 / 100
Test Structure:
| Part | Task | Items | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Part 1 | Listen and Repeat | 10 | 5 mins |
| Part 2 | Listen and Reply | 2 | 3 mins |
| Part 3 | Listen and Answer | 2 | 3 mins |
📅 YCT 2026 Official Exam Calendar (from ChineseTest.cn)
The dates below are pulled from the official system. Some test centers may open only selected sessions or close registration earlier due to limited seats. Always confirm your final availability and deadline on ChineseTest.cn.
| Test Date | Test Type | Format | Registration Deadline | Score Release | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper-based | Internet-based | Paper-based | Internet-based | |||||
| (Written + Speaking) | Written | Speaking | ||||||
| 2026 Exam Calendar | ||||||||
| Jan | Jan 10 (Sat) | Written | Paper-based | Dec 14, 2025 | - | Feb 10 | - | - |
| Mar | Mar 21 (Sat) | Written | Paper + Internet | Feb 22 | Mar 11 | Apr 21 | Apr 7 | - |
| May | May 24 (Sun) | Written + Speaking | Paper + Internet | Apr 27 | May 14 | Jun 24 | Jun 8 | Jun 15 |
| Aug | Aug 16 (Sun) | Written | Paper-based | Jul 20 | - | Sep 16 | - | - |
| Oct | Oct 17 (Sat) | Written + Speaking | Paper + Internet | Sep 20 | Oct 7 | Nov 17 | Nov 2 | Nov 6 |
| Nov | Nov 22 (Sun) | Written + Speaking | Paper + Internet | Oct 26 | Nov 12 | Dec 22 | Dec 7 | Dec 14 |
💻 Internet-Based YCT Test Dates 2026 (Written)
Computer-based sessions listed on ChineseTest.cn for 2026 (written test). Reporting time may vary by test center.
| Test Date | Registration Deadline | Score Release |
|---|---|---|
| Mar 21 (Sat) | Mar 11 | Apr 7 |
| May 24 (Sun) | May 14 | Jun 8 |
| Oct 17 (Sat) | Oct 7 | Nov 2 |
| Nov 22 (Sun) | Nov 12 | Dec 7 |
🎤 Internet-Based YCT Speaking Dates 2026
Internet-based speaking sessions for 2026 (available only on selected dates).
| Test Date | Registration Deadline | Score Release |
|---|---|---|
| May 24 (Sun) | May 14 | Jun 15 |
| Oct 17 (Sat) | Oct 7 | Nov 6 |
| Nov 22 (Sun) | Nov 12 | Dec 14 |
Ask About Level & Test Date
📝 Paper-Based YCT Test Dates 2026 (Written)
Paper-based sessions listed on ChineseTest.cn for 2026 (written test).
| Test Date | Registration Deadline | Score Release |
|---|---|---|
| Jan 10 (Sat) | Dec 14, 2025 | Feb 10 |
| Mar 21 (Sat) | Feb 22 | Apr 21 |
| May 24 (Sun) | Apr 27 | Jun 24 |
| Aug 16 (Sun) | Jul 20 | Sep 16 |
| Oct 17 (Sat) | Sep 20 | Nov 17 |
| Nov 22 (Sun) | Oct 26 | Dec 22 |
🗣️ Paper-Based YCT Speaking Dates 2026
Paper-based speaking appears only on the sessions marked “Written + Speaking” in the official calendar.
| Test Date | Registration Deadline | Score Release |
|---|---|---|
| May 24 (Sun) | Apr 27 | Jun 24 |
| Oct 17 (Sat) | Sep 20 | Nov 17 |
| Nov 22 (Sun) | Oct 26 | Dec 22 |
⚖️ Comparing Internet-Based and Paper-Based Tests
Good news: In most cases, the two formats assess the same skills and use the same scoring standard. Choose based on your child’s comfort and your local test center availability.
📝 Paper-based YCT
Students sit at a desk with question papers and an answer sheet. This format can feel more familiar for younger learners.
💻 Internet-based YCT
Students take the test on a computer at an official test center. This can be easier for kids who type comfortably and prefer screen-based tasks.
📝 How to Register for the YCT Exam
Official registration website: https://www.chinesetest.cn/login
- Create an account (New User) or log in.
- Select your country → city → test center.
- Choose the test date, format (paper/internet), and level.
- Complete payment and confirm registration.
🏆 Scoring and Passing the YCT Exam
YCT Written Test Scoring
| Level | Total Points | Passing Score | Sections |
|---|---|---|---|
| YCT Level 1 | 200 | 120 | Listening (100) + Reading (100) |
| YCT Level 2 | 200 | 120 | Listening (100) + Reading (100) |
| YCT Level 3 | 200 | 120 | Listening (100) + Reading (100) |
| YCT Level 4 | 300 | 180 | Listening (100) + Reading (100) + Writing (100) |
YCT Speaking Test Scoring
| Level | Total Points | Passing Score |
|---|---|---|
| YCT Speaking (Primary) | 100 | 60 |
| YCT Speaking (Intermediate) | 100 | 60 |
📜 Validity of YCT Certificates and Scores
- Certificate validity: YCT certificates are generally considered valid long-term.
- Practical note: Some schools may prefer a recent score (for example, within the past 1–2 years). Always check the specific requirement.
🌈 Benefits of YCT for Young Learners
Age-appropriate
Designed for kids and teens with familiar topics and realistic difficulty progression.
Clear progression
Levels 1–4 create a measurable pathway—parents can track progress and set goals.
Recognized credential
A standardized certificate that can support school plans and learning portfolios.
Speaking confidence
Speaking tests encourage real output—pronunciation, fluency, and response speed.
💡 How to Prepare for the YCT Test: Practical Parent Guide
For most families, YCT success comes from consistency: short, frequent practice beats long, stressful sessions.
Language learning improves fastest when kids get understandable input in a low-stress environment—and then use it in meaningful ways.
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🗺️Work backwards from the test date
Pick a target session (especially if you need speaking), then plan weekly goals: listening + reading + speaking routines.
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🎧Listening first (daily, short)
5–10 minutes a day builds exam readiness quickly. Use kid-friendly audio and repeat key patterns.
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🧩Vocabulary in context
Instead of pure memorization, attach words to daily life: food, school items, games, routines.
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🗣️Speaking practice (especially before May/Oct/Nov)
Short “prompt + response” drills build confidence. Focus on clarity and speed, not perfection.
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⏱️Mock tests as a diagnostic tool
Use them to find weak points (listening vs reading vs writing), then adjust practice time accordingly.
🎯 Next Step in Beijing (Optional): Kids Courses or Camp
If your child is taking YCT soon and you want structured support in Beijing, here are two natural options—choose based on your schedule:
Chinese Courses for Kids (steady progress)
Best if you want consistent weekly improvement in listening, speaking, and reading—ideal for long-term YCT growth.
Explore Kids Courses →Chinese Camp in Beijing (short intensive)
Best if you have a limited vacation window and want a focused boost—especially useful before a speaking session.
See Camp Option →🎉 Receiving Your YCT Certificate
Written and speaking may produce separate certificates if both are taken. Certificate delivery/collection can vary by test center. Check your test center’s instructions after score release.
Official Contact Information (Test-related)
Official website: https://www.chinesetest.cn/login
For training/program inquiries in Beijing, use the WhatsApp button above.