CSCA Exam Guide
China Scholastic Competency Assessment — overview for international undergraduate applicants
Overview
This page summarizes what CSCA is, which subjects are tested, how to choose papers, timing, delivery mode, scoring, and fees. Always confirm registration windows and session details on official CSC notices.
What is CSCA?
The China Scholastic Competency Assessment (CSCA) is a standardized test for international students planning to pursue a bachelor’s degree in China.
Organized by the China Scholarship Council (CSC) with Chinese university experts, CSCA assesses language proficiency and academic foundations to help students prepare for undergraduate study in China.
CSCA results are also used by many Chinese universities as a reference in undergraduate admission and scholarship evaluation.
Why take CSCA?
CSCA gives a structured picture of your language and subject readiness before you start a full degree program in China.
- Wide recognition among Chinese universities
- Academic focus on language and foundation subjects
- Supports admission and scholarship decisions with comparable scores
Exam subjects
| Subject | Language | Duration | Items | Score range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Liberal arts Chinese (professional track) | Chinese | 90 min | 80 multiple-choice | 0–100 |
| STEM Chinese (professional track) | Chinese | 90 min | 80 multiple-choice | 0–100 |
| Mathematics | Chinese / English | 60 min | 48 multiple-choice | 0–100 |
| Physics | Chinese / English | 60 min | 48 multiple-choice | 0–100 |
| Chemistry | Chinese / English | 60 min | 48 multiple-choice | 0–100 |
Mathematics, physics, and chemistry are offered in Chinese or English. Choose the language required by your target university and program.
Exam syllabi
Each syllabus describes scope, item types, and scoring. Read the relevant syllabus before you start intensive prep.
PDFs open in a new tab after sign-in. If a subject shows “coming soon”, the file has not been uploaded yet—check the official CSCA site.
Mathematics
Bilingual
Physics
Bilingual
Chemistry
Bilingual
Science & Engineering Chinese
Chinese Only
Liberal Arts & Business Chinese
Chinese Only
How to choose CSCA subjects
Select papers based on your application pathway:
1. Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC) undergraduate applicants
- Required: (1) Mathematics; (2) Professional Chinese — liberal arts or STEM track per your program.
- Optional: Physics and/or chemistry if required by your program.
2. Other undergraduate applicants at CSC-listed universities
- Required: (1) Mathematics; (2) Professional Chinese for Chinese-taught programs (liberal arts or STEM track per program rules).
- Optional: Physics and/or chemistry per program requirements.
Exam dates & session times
In 2026, CSCA is expected to be offered five times: January, March, April, June, and December (exact dates are announced by CSC).
When multiple subjects are taken on the same day, typical session times (Beijing Time) are:
Exam format
CSCA is initially delivered mainly as online proctored exams from home, with offline centers (computer-based or paper-based) expanding in key source countries and regions.
Check official registration guides for device, identity verification, and center policies.
Scores & reporting
Each subject is scored on a 0–100 scale. Scores are advisory; each university sets its own admission thresholds.
Release timing depends on mode: home/online and centralized computer-based exams — typically within 7 working days after the test; paper-based exams — typically within 14 working days.
Exam fees
| Number of subjects | Fee (CNY) |
|---|---|
| 1 subject | ¥450 |
| 2 or more subjects | ¥700 |
Summarized from public CSC/CSCA materials. Always verify on official CSC channels.