About Youth Chinese Test (YCT)

Youth Chinese Test (YCT)

YCT is a standardized international Chinese proficiency test which is directed at examining non-native primary and secondary school students’ ability to apply Chinese language in their studies and daily lives. It consists of two independent parts: written test and oral test. The written test is made up of four levels from YCT-Level 1 to YCT-Level 4. The oral test includes YCT (Elementary) and YCT (Intermediate).

YCT Levels:

YCT-Level 1: Examination candidates who reach YCT-Level 1 can understand and put into practice vocabulary and sentences for daily use and have a foundation to pursue more advanced Chinese studies. The exam includes a listening section and a reading section and is 30 minutes in length.

YCT-Level 2: Examination candidates who reach YCT-Level 2 can understand and use simple words and sentences to accomplish specific communication tasks. The exam includes a listening section and a reading section and is 45 minutes in length.

YCT-Level 3: Examination candidates who reach YCT-Level 3 can use Chinese language to do simple and direct conversation about familiar daily topics and achieve excellent level in the primary Chinese. The exam includes a listening section and a reading section and is 55 minutes in length.

YCT-Level 4: Examination candidates who reach YCT-Level 4 can complete basic communicative tasks in daily life and study. If traveling in China, YCT-Level 4 can handle most communication tasks they encounter. The exam includes a listening section, a reading section and a writing section and is 80 minutes in length.

New YCT:

Range of Characters

YCT – Level 4	600+
YCT – Level 3	300+
YCT – Level 2	150+
YCT – Level 1	80+

What are YCT test scores used for?

• Offers a reference for Chinese learners to understand and improve their ability to apply Chinese.
• Offers a reference for schools to evaluate their teaching standards
• Offers a reference for related Chinese teaching institutions or training organizations to evaluate teaching standards and the effectiveness of different training.
• Offers a reference for Chinese learners who want to take HSK test.