After the last release of content related to the CSCA exam, SICAS received a large number of inquiries from around the world through the backend. These inquiries have been collected, and we are providing unified answers in this article.
1. What is CSCA?
CSCA (China Scholastic Competency Assessment) is a core evaluation tool for international students applying to Chinese undergraduate programs. Its main goal is to establish a unified, scientific, and authoritative admission standard—focusing on assessing students’ academic proficiency and learning abilities through Professional Chinese and knowledge of Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry—to lay a solid foundation for their future specialized studies.
2. What is the structure of the CSCA exam?
The CSCA includes 5 subjects, divided into two categories (“compulsory + optional” model):
• Professional Chinese: Includes Liberal Arts Chinese and Science Chinese (selected based on the requirements of Chinese-medium majors). Both are conducted in Chinese, last 90 minutes, and contain 100 objective multiple-choice questions.
• Foundation Subjects: Mathematics is compulsory for all; Physics and Chemistry are optional (based on major requirements). All three subjects offer Chinese or English as the exam language, each lasting 60 minutes with 48 objective multiple-choice questions.
Note: Specific subject requirements depend on the latest admission brochure of the target university.
3. Is the CSCA exam mandatory for all applications to Chinese universities? Which Chinese universities require CSCA for 2026 undergraduate admission?
A total of 306 universities require international applicants to take the CSCA exam for admission. For specific information about these universities, please refer toKey Update to 2026 Policy for International Undergraduate in CHN
4. Do applicants for master’s or doctoral programs need to take the CSCA exam?
No, the CSCA exam is currently designed specifically for international students applying for undergraduate programs in China. Master’s and doctoral program applicants are not required to take the CSCA exam; their admission assessments follow the respective requirements set by target universities.
5. What is the main process of the CSCA exam?
The main process of the CSCA exam follows 5 core stages, from preparation to score acquisition:
Registration: Check the official CSCA website (www.csca.cn) for the registration period of your target exam session (e.g., November 2025 for the inaugural December 2025 exam), then complete online registration (select exam subjects, confirm language, and pay fees) via the website.
Pre-Exam Preparation: 1 week before the exam, take the official mock test on the CSCA website to familiarize yourself with the interface; 3 days before the exam, double-check your registered exam language (no changes allowed afterward); prepare your valid ID (passport/national ID) and test equipment (for home-based online tests: computer with camera/microphone, stable internet ≥10 Mbps).
Taking the Exam: On the exam day, follow the official guidelines to log in (home-based) or check in (offline with physical ID). Complete the exam within the specified time (90 minutes for Professional Chinese, 60 minutes per Foundation Subject) and submit answers before the deadline.
Score Release: Receive scores within 7 working days (home-based online/offline computer-based exams) or 14 working days (paper-based exams) via your CSCA registration account.
Score Use: Submit your valid CSCA score report as part of your undergraduate application materials to
6. Is there a fee for the CSCA exam, and if so, how much is it?
Yes, there is a fee for the CSCA exam, and the cost is based on the number of subjects taken:
• For a single subject: 450 RMB
• For two or more subjects: 700 RMB
Accepted payment methods include Alipay, WeChat Pay, UnionPay, VISA, and MasterCard.
7. How many times are the CSCA exams scheduled a year?
• The inaugural global CSCA exam (December 21, 2025) is a one-time session for early applicants.
• Starting from 2026, the exam will be held 5 times a year (in January, March, April, June, and December)—you can take the exam in any of the scheduled sessions as needed for your university application.
8. What tips are there for pre-exam preparation?
Follow these key steps to prepare:
Document Verification: Prepare a valid passport or national ID (used during registration) in advance—online exams require real-time ID verification, and offline exams need physical documents for check-in.
Equipment & Environment Check: For home-based online tests, confirm your computer (with functional camera and microphone) meets official system requirements; test internet speed (stable 10+ Mbps) and clear the exam area of prohibited items (books, notes, etc.).
Exam Language Confirmation: Double-check the selected exam language (Chinese/English) in your registration account 3 days before the test—no adjustments are allowed after the deadline.
Mock Test Participation: Complete the official mock test (released 1 week before the exam on www.csca.cn) to familiarize yourself with the interface, question types, and submission process.
9. Where can I get more help with CSCA-related questions?
You can contact SICAS via official website or the following provided contact information—SICAS will answer your inquiries comprehensively.
Email：service@sicas.cn
Tel/ Wechat/ Whatsapp: + 86-15318861816/ +86-18561616618