Overview
The Youth Chinese Test (YCT) is an international standardised test of Chinese for primary and secondary school students who are learning Chinese as a second language. It has a written test and a speaking test, which are independent of each other. The written test has four levels, and the speaking test has two.
Levels or stages
Written test
| Level | Parts and questions | Duration | Pass score |
|---|---|---|---|
| YCT 1 | Listening 20, reading 15 (35 questions) | 35 minutes including 5 for personal details | 120 of 200 |
| YCT 2 | Listening 20, reading 20 (40 questions) | 50 minutes including 5 for personal details | 120 of 200 |
| YCT 3 | Listening 35, reading 25 (60 questions) | 60 minutes including 5 for personal details | 120 of 200 |
| YCT 4 | Listening 40, reading 30, writing 10 (80 questions) | 85 minutes including 5 for personal details | 180 of 300 |
YCT 1 to 3 consist of listening and reading, and YCT 4 adds a writing part. Score reports show listening, reading and total points. Written-test scores remain valid for an extended period.
Level 1 is for candidates who can use the most common words and sentences and go on to study more Chinese. Level 4 lets candidates handle basic tasks in daily life and study and most communication when travelling in China.
Speaking test
There are two levels, and each is scored out of 100 with 60 as the passing score.
| Level | Content | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Elementary | 25 questions: listen and repeat (15), listen and reply (5), picture description (5) | 19 minutes including 7 minutes of preparation |
| Intermediate | 14 questions: listen and repeat (10), picture description (2), answer questions (2) | 21 minutes including 10 minutes of preparation |
Important dates
Dates depend on the test centre. The official site has a test calendar and a finder for dates and centres. The written test starts at 09:00 local time and the speaking test at 11:00. The written test can be taken on paper, on the internet at a test centre, or on the internet at home.
How to apply
Book through the Chinese Tests Service website or a test centre in your country. You can try a mock test on the site before booking.
Is YCT the same as HSK?
No. YCT is for primary and secondary school students, while HSK is a separate series of Chinese tests.
Do I have to take the speaking test?
No. The written and speaking tests are independent, so you can sit either one.