The BCT: Business Chinese Test
CTI: the BCT tests how non-native speakers use Chinese in real business or general work situations. The written and oral tests are independent of each other.
Unofficial study site · every figure links to an official source
| Test | What CTI says |
|---|---|
| BCT (A) | Written test. Assesses communication in real business or general work situations and evaluates the language tasks the candidate can complete; “use-based, listening-and-speaking oriented, ability-focused, workplace-positioned”. |
| BCT (B) | Written test, same aims as BCT (A); CTI lists A and B as its two written levels. |
| BCT (Oral) | A computer-adaptive test taken via the internet. |
CTI's pages describe the aims of BCT (A) and (B) but, on the pages we could read on 2026-11-13, do not list item counts or timing; we do not guess them.
2027 test dates
| Test day | Paper deadline | Computer deadline | Results (paper / computer) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9 Jan (Sat) | 13 Dec 2026 | 30 Dec 2026 | 19 Feb* / 25 Jan |
| 10 Apr (Sat) | 14 Mar | 31 Mar | 17 May* / 26 Apr |
| 27 Jun (Sun) | 31 May | 17 Jun | 27 Jul / 12 Jul |
| 7 Aug (Sat) | 11 Jul | 28 Jul | 7 Sep / 23 Aug |
| 6 Nov (Sat) | 10 Oct | 27 Oct | 6 Dec / 22 Nov |
* Delayed by public holidays. Format for every 2027 BCT sitting: paper + computer at the centre. The last 2026 BCT was on 15 November.
BCT or HSK?
- The China work-permit points table names the HSK (1–5 points), not the BCT.
- University and scholarship requirements name HSK levels.
- The BCT is useful when an employer specifically asks for business Chinese, or as evidence of workplace skills on top of an HSK level.
Frequently asked
What is the difference between BCT and HSK?
The HSK covers daily, academic and work use; the BCT focuses on real business and general work situations. Work-permit points, universities and scholarships name the HSK.
When is the BCT in 2027?
9 Jan, 10 Apr, 27 Jun, 7 Aug and 6 Nov (official 2027 calendar).
Our HSK 4 papers are original and follow the HSK 3.0 Level 4 written structure (70 items). Instant mock score, section drills, a mistake bank and an 8-item daily set. Not past papers, never recalled papers.
Keep reading
Official sources
- Chinese Test Service (CTI): introduction to HSK, HSKK, YCT and BCT
- CTI: BCT (A) description
- CTI: BCT (B) description
- Chinese Test Service (CTI): 2027 test calendar for HSK, HSK speaking, HSK 7–9, YCT and BCT
- CTI: 2026 test calendar (Chinese version, includes YCT and BCT)
- State Administration of Foreign Experts Affairs: foreigners' work classification standard and points table, PDF
Checked 2026-11-13. HSK Sprint is an independent study service, not affiliated with or endorsed by the Center for Language Education and Cooperation (CLEC / 语合中心), Chinese Testing International or the official HSK. All papers and audio are original. Always confirm details with chinesetest.cn and your test centre.