The CSCA test: what it is, dates and subjects
The CSCA is not an HSK test, but anyone applying for a bachelor's degree in China now meets both. Everything below is from the official CSCA site and Chinese embassy notices.
Unofficial study site · every figure links to an official source
Test dates
| Session | Registration |
|---|---|
| 14–15 Nov 2026 | Closed (was 15–21 Oct) |
| 19–20 Dec 2026 | Not open yet |
| 23–24 Jan 2027 | Not open yet |
| 13–14 Mar 2027 | Not open yet |
| 24–25 Apr 2027 | Not open yet |
| 26–27 Jun 2027 | Not open yet |
Status as shown on csca.cn on 2026-11-13. Registration windows are short — the November window was seven days.
Subjects
| Subject | Language | Time | Items | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Professional Chinese — Humanities | Chinese | 90′ | 80 multiple choice | 0–100 |
| Professional Chinese — STEM | Chinese | 90′ | 80 multiple choice | 0–100 |
| Mathematics | Chinese or English | 60′ | 48 | 0–100 |
| Physics | Chinese or English | 60′ | 48 | 0–100 |
| Chemistry | Chinese or English | 60′ | 48 | 0–100 |
- Mathematics is required for scholarship and non-scholarship undergraduate applicants alike.
- Professional Chinese: required for Chinese-taught programmes; pick Humanities or STEM to match your intended major. Applicants to fully English-taught programmes are exempt.
- Physics and chemistry: depends on the programme. The Shanghai government guide says science, engineering, agriculture and medicine applicants must take at least one.
- Embassies advise taking at least two subjects; there is no cap per session.
Where HSK comes in
Applicants to Chinese Language (汉语言) undergraduate programmes may be exempt from Professional Chinese if they provide a valid HSK 4 score (Shanghai government guide). For other Chinese-taught majors, the CSCA Professional Chinese test does not replace the HSK level a university may ask for: check both requirements in the admission notice. HSK levels for scholarships →
Timetable (Beijing time)
| Session | Day 1 | Day 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Jan, Mar, Apr, Nov | Prof. Chinese 14:00–15:30 · Maths 17:00–18:00 | Physics 14:00–15:00 · Chemistry 16:30–17:30 |
| Jun, Dec | Prof. Chinese 08:00–09:30 · Maths 11:00–12:00 | Physics 08:00–09:00 · Chemistry 10:30–11:30 |
As listed on csca.cn by month. Convert to your own time zone; the official site says each session's own schedule prevails.
Format, fees, results
- Mostly taken online at home on your own computer; centre-based computer tests are being added in key countries.
- Fees: 450 yuan for one subject, 700 yuan for two or more. Payment is online only (card).
- Passport is the only accepted ID. Non-Chinese citizens only; no age limit (under-18s need a parent's help).
- Results within 10 working days; each score is valid for two years; no limit on attempts.
- Each university sets its own CSCA score requirement.
Frequently asked
When is the next CSCA test?
As of 2026-11-13: 19–20 December 2026, then 23–24 January, 13–14 March, 24–25 April and 26–27 June 2027. Registration for these had not opened yet.
How much does the CSCA cost?
450 yuan for one subject and 700 yuan for two or more, paid online.
Does HSK 4 exempt me from CSCA Professional Chinese?
For Chinese Language undergraduate programmes, a valid HSK 4 score may exempt you (Shanghai government guide). Other majors follow the university's rules.
When are CSCA results released and how long are they valid?
Within 10 working days of the test; scores are valid for two years.
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
- CSCA official site: about the test (subjects, format, timetable, fees, scores)
- CSCA official site: test dates November 2026 – June 2027
- Embassy of China in the Solomon Islands: CSCA candidate FAQ (13 Nov 2026)
- Embassy of China in South Sudan: 2027/2028 scholarship and CSCA Q&A
- Shanghai Municipal Government: comprehensive guide to the CSCA (Aug 2026)
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.