Overview
软考 (the Computer Technology and Software Professional Qualification Exam) is a national professional and technical qualification exam for China's IT sector, jointly run by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology and the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security, and implemented by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology's Education and Examination Center. A pass is recognised as a national professional and technical title (职称), so for some levels it can substitute for a separate professional-title evaluation.
Levels or stages
Junior level (初级)
Entry-level qualifications such as Programmer (程序员), aimed at candidates starting out in software or IT roles.
Intermediate level (中级)
Mid-level qualifications such as Software Designer (软件设计师), Network Engineer (网络工程师) and Database System Engineer (数据库系统工程师), aimed at practising IT professionals.
Senior level (高级)
Advanced qualifications such as Systems Analyst (系统分析师) and Information Systems Project Manager (信息系统项目管理师), aimed at senior technical and management roles.
Across the three levels, candidates choose one qualification from several professional categories spanning computer software, computer networks, computer applications, computer engineering, information systems and information services.
Exam pattern
Most qualifications are tested through two papers: a multiple-choice paper on comprehensive/foundational knowledge, and a written paper on applied technology (case analysis or design).
Important dates
Exams are generally held twice a year, in May and November, though not every qualification is necessarily offered in both sittings.
How to apply
Registration is online through the national or provincial 软考 registration channels linked from the official site, within each province's announced window.
Preparation tips
Pick a qualification in the professional category that matches your actual work (for example Network Engineer if you work in networking), since the applied-technology paper draws heavily on real job scenarios.
Check whether your target qualification is offered in both the May and November sittings before planning your preparation timeline.
FAQs
Is 软考 the same as a university degree-linked exam?
No. It is a separate national professional and technical qualification exam, recognised as a professional title.
How many levels does 软考 have?
Three — Junior, Intermediate and Senior — each covering several qualifications across different IT specialisations.