CSCA Professional Chinese checks how you work with the language of academic texts. Begin by finding the paper your programme requires and the task types that currently slow you down.
There are Humanities and STEM Chinese profiles. Below are the overall parameters and a practice-paper breakdown. The practice distribution is a preparation aid, not a guarantee of the sections in every official sitting.
Official parameters
| Parameter | Detail |
|---|---|
| Time | 90 minutes |
| Questions | 80 |
| Format | Multiple choice |
| Maximum score | 100 |
| Language | Chinese |
| Papers | Humanities Chinese or STEM Chinese |
| Delivery | Initially mainly remote online testing, with in-person centres being developed gradually |
| Fee | CNY 450 for one subject; CNY 700 for two or more |
Humanities Chinese is intended for humanities and social-science degrees; STEM Chinese covers science and engineering contexts. The university and programme determine which paper you need.
The current official site lists January, March, April, June, November and December as the usual examination months, with each session spread across two days. Results are released within 10 working days after the examination. Use your own session notice for exact dates and registration instructions.
How to interpret the section table
The official site fixes the overall format at 80 questions in 90 minutes, but may revise the internal distribution. The breakdown below reflects a practice format used for preparation. Confirm it against the current syllabus and sample test before your exam.
| Section | Task type | Questions | Number | Suggested time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Character recognition | 1–10 | 10 | 8 min |
| 2 | Word selection | 11–25 | 15 | 12 min |
| 3 | Synonyms and antonyms | 26–33 | 8 | 6 min |
| 4 | Text completion I | 34–38 | 5 | 7 min |
| 5 | Text completion II | 39–43 | 5 | 7 min |
| 6 | Text completion III | 44–49 | 6 | 8 min |
| 7 | Grammar | 50–70 | 21 | 20 min |
| 8 | Reading | 71–80 | 10 | 15 min |
That leaves time to revisit marked questions. Spending three minutes forcing one uncertain answer is usually worse than returning to it at the end.
Section 1: character recognition
These questions test characters in context, distinctions between similar sounds or forms, and words with more than one meaning. Do not memorise an isolated English definition. Learn the word with its pronunciation, common collocations and an example sentence.
Section 2: word selection
In the practice format, several sentences share a word bank with one unused option. Meaning alone is not enough: pay attention to word class, register and natural collocation.
Section 3: synonyms and antonyms
Two words with the same broad translation may differ in intensity, formality, typical object or situation. Build contrast sets and record the sentence patterns in which each word actually appears.
Sections 4–6: text completion
These tasks test paragraph logic, connectors and the relationship between sentences. First identify what the missing element must do: introduce a contrast, continue an argument, give an example or close a sequence. Only then compare vocabulary.
Section 7: grammar
The practice paper includes selecting a suitable element and restoring word order. Review complements, particles, 把 and 被 constructions, comparisons, paired conjunctions and the order of adverbials.
Section 8: reading
Reading questions ask you to follow text structure, identify the central point, connect sentences and infer information. Alternate short timed drills with complete passages. After answering, point to the sentence or connection that supports your choice.
Who needs Professional Chinese?
Under the current official framework:
- bachelor’s candidates applying for the Chinese Government Scholarship take it with Mathematics;
- non-CSC candidates applying to Chinese-taught programmes at institutions using CSCA take it;
- non-CSC candidates applying to English-taught programmes usually do not, although Mathematics remains compulsory within this CSCA framework;
- Physics and Chemistry are added according to the programme.
Do not assume HSK replaces CSCA, or vice versa. They are different tests. An exemption exists only when the university confirms it in writing.
How to prepare
- Open the current syllabus on the official CSCA website. At the time of checking, the Chinese sample-paper buttons are marked unavailable; the practice structure on this page is not an official sample.
- Confirm whether you need Humanities Chinese or STEM Chinese.
- Complete a full timed test and classify every mistake by task type.
- Review high-frequency grammar and vocabulary in context.
- Add subject-specific texts related to your intended degree.
- Practise moving on from a difficult question and returning later.
- One week before the exam, check the remote-testing rules, equipment and time zone.
Turning a practice paper into a plan
Review one paper and group the difficulties: unfamiliar words, a grammar pattern, a long passage or time spent choosing between answers. Pick a small exercise for the most frequent problem, then try a similar task again.
Use the programme’s subject list to keep the rest of your preparation in view. See Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry and choosing the Chinese profile where you need those details.
