TOCFL

Overview

The Test of Chinese as a Foreign Language (TOCFL) is run by the National Huayu Testing Promotion Committee (國家華語測驗推動工作委員會) in Taiwan. It is designed for people whose first language is not Chinese. This entry is based on the Chinese-language official pages, mainly the registration FAQ.

Who can apply

Anyone who is not a native Chinese speaker can register, whether they want to check their level or study, work or trade where Chinese is used. Native Chinese speakers may not take the committee's pilot tests. You cannot register for the same test (level) twice in the same month for the formal test.

Exam pattern

The official site lists these test types: listening, reading, speaking, writing, a computer adaptive test (CAT), a screening system and a children's test. Listening and reading are taken on computer, with a mouse and headphones; speaking needs a microphone and writing needs a keyboard. The site mentions an entry Band A level (入門基礎級) and a preparatory-level (準備級) pilot test. Level descriptions, item counts and timing were not confirmed from the pages read.

The CAT does not ask you to choose a level: the system picks each next question from your earlier answers. Official advice if you do not know which level to take is to check the word list, try the sample tests, take a pilot test, or take the CAT.

In Taiwan the test uses traditional characters only. Overseas, you can choose traditional or simplified.

Marking and results

Scores and certificates are available from the registration system on the announced results date. From 2026, transcripts and certificates are digital PDFs, valid as official Ministry of Education documents and verified through the Ministry's certificate verification system. They can be downloaded for 2 years from the test date. The certificates have no expiry date, but an institution may set its own rules.

Important dates

The 2027 timetable for the Taiwan test centres has been published; see the formal test page. Overseas dates appear on the site's global test list (for example, computer-based listening and reading tests in October 2026 in Vietnam and Jakarta).

Fees

Fees depend on the test and centre. The committee announced on 24 September 2026 an adjustment to some overseas TOCFL and CCCC registration fees for 2027. Late registration, when seats remain, costs the full price plus NT$300 and is paid by credit card. A refund request must be made within 4 days after the registration deadline and has a NT$300 handling charge.

How to apply

Register through the online system with a passport or residence-permit number, filling in your details and uploading a photo. Pay within 3 days of registering. Bring the original passport or residence permit on test day.