Youth Chinese Test
中小学生汉语考试

The new YCT test was launched by Hanban in an effort to encourage foreign young students to learn Chinese and improve their Chinese language proficiency. As part of this effort, since 2004 Hanban has organized experts from different disciplines such as Chinese language teaching, linguistics, psychology and educational measurement to work on the program, conducting surveys in order to understand the latest trends in overseas Chinese language teaching and learning.

I. Test Structure

The new YCT is an international standardized test of Chinese language proficiency. It assesses young foreign students' abilities to use Chinese in their daily and academic lives. The new YCT consists of a writing test and a speaking test, which are independent of each other. The writing test is divided into four levels, namely, the YCT (level 1), YCT (level 2), YCT (level 3), and YCT (level 4). The speaking test is divided into the YCT (Beginner Level) and YCT (Intermediate Level).

II. Test Levels

Test takers who are able to pass the YCT (Level 1) can understand and use some of the most common Chinese phrases and sentences and possess the ability to further their Chinese language studies. The YCT (Level 1) is intended for young students who have studied Chinese for three months, with 2-3 class hours per week. These students have mastered 80 commonly used words and related grammar patterns.
Test takers who are able to pass the YCT (Level 2) can understand and use some simple Chinese phrases and sentences and cope with basic level communications. The YCT (Level 2) is intended for young students who have studied Chinese for a semester (half an academic year), with 2-3 class hours per week. These students have mastered 150 commonly used words and related grammar patterns.

Test takers who are able to pass the YCT (Level 3), having reached an excellent level in basic Chinese, can communicate on familiar daily topics in a simple manner. The YCT (Level 3) is intended for young students who have studied Chinese for two semesters (one academic year), with 2-3 class hours per week. These students have mastered 300 common words and related grammar patterns.

Test takers who are able to pass the YCT (Level 4) can communicate in Chinese at a basic level in their daily, academic and professional lives. When travelling in China, they can manage most forms of communication in Chinese. The YCT (Level 4) is intended for young students who have studied Chinese for more than two semesters, with 2-3 class hours per week. These students have mastered 600 commonly used words and related grammar patterns.

III. Test Principles

The new YCT aims to improve Chinese language learners’ self-confidence and follows the principle of “test-teaching correlation”. It bases the design of the test on current trends in international Chinese language training and is closely related to textbook learning procedures. The purpose of the test is to “promote training through testing” and “promote learning through testing”.

IV. Test Purposes

The YCT is intended for students whose mother tongue is not Chinese. The results of the test can serve various purposes:
1. A method for Chinese language learners to assess and improve their proficiency in Chinese.
2. A reference for Chinese language training in schools.
3. A method for Chinese language training institutions to evaluate training results.
4. A benchmark for students who want to participate in the HSK test.

Τhe table shows vocabulary needed, test duration and passing score:

Click for Introduction of New YCT (in English)

How to register for the YCT test

Step 1: Create an account

Log onto the website www.chinesetest.cn and create an account. The website is available in 7 languages, including English.

Step 2: Sign up

Provide necessary personal information including e-mail address, nationality, mother tongue, and date of birth.

Step 3: Test registration

After creating your account, you can login and choose “register now” on the welcoming page. This will lead you to the four levels of YCT tests. Selecting test level, continent, country/region, test format (only the paper-based format is available at BCI Athens), test centre and date, completing your personal information, uploading a photo and confirming registration information. Remember: this photo is going to appear on your YCT certificate once you pass it, so choose a nice one!

YCT Test Dates 2017

Step 4: Pay the test fees

You must pay the test fee at least 27 days before the test date. Test fee must be paid on time to Business Confucius Institute office (29, Evelpidon St, 11362 Athens, 5th floor, 10:00-14:00) otherwise the registration will not be confirmed.

Examination fee for YCT (Written Test):
YCT 1: €60 | YCT 2: €70 | YCT 3: €80 | YCT 4: €90

Step 5: Test registration confirmation

After completing registration and paying test fee, test takers who have provided valid e-mail address can check their inbox for the confirmation message 10 days before the test date. If test taker has not received a confirmation message, he/she should consult the test centre.

Step 6: Print Test Admission Ticket

Log on www.chinesetest.cn by using your username and password to print the Admission Ticket. Test takers go to take the test on the test date with their Test Admission Ticket and ID Certificate. If you have any problems with printing the Admission Ticket, contact the test centre in advance.

If you are unsure which YCT test level is suitable for you, the Chinese language teachers at Confucius Institute will be happy to provide assistance.
For test registrations or questions concerning the YCT test, please send us an email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call us at +210 8226735

YCT Test Result

Check Online: You can check your test result online at www.chinesetest.cn (να πηγαίνει στην ιστοσελίδα και να έχει άλλο χρώμα το λινκ) five weeks after the test date using your name and the number on your admission card.

Your official result sheet will be mailed to the BCI test centre within 60 days after your exam date.

Note: You should pick up your result sheet at your earliest convenience after contacting the test centre.

Good luck, YCT test takers!