CSCA centralized computer-based exams are computer-based exams organized uniformly within authorized test centers. Test centers provide standardized testing environments, full monitoring, and technical support to ensure the security and fairness of the exams.
The exam is consistent with other exam formats in terms of content, duration, and scoring criteria. Candidates must present their original valid ID and admission ticket to participate in the exam.
1. Admission and credentials
• Candidates must arrive at the designated examination room at least 40 minutes before the time indicated on their admission ticket.
• Must bring: Original valid ID document + paper admission ticket.
• The information on the identification document and the admission ticket must be completely consistent; those with expired documents, inconsistent information, or discrepancies between the person and the document will be refused entry.
• Candidates must undergo facial recognition or manual verification upon entry.
• Once the exam begins (from the official start time), no one will be allowed to enter the examination room; such entry will be treated as an absence.
2. Personal belongings and prohibited items
• The following items are strictly prohibited: mobile phones, smartwatches/bracelets, Bluetooth headsets, recording/video recording equipment, books and documents, notes, calculators, bags, food and beverages, etc.
• You are allowed to bring: ID card, admission ticket, and black ballpoint pen.
• Special circumstances: With the consent of the test center, unlabeled drinking water may be brought in and placed on the ground.
3. Examination Room Discipline
• Document Display: Candidates must place their ID card and admission ticket in the upper left corner of the desk for easy verification by invigilators.
• Item storage: Except for the prescribed exam stationery and unpackaged drinking water, all other personal items (including electronic devices such as mobile phones, which must be turned off) must be stored in the designated area and may not be taken to the seat.
• Draft paper: Draft paper will be provided by the test center and must be collected after the exam. It must not be taken out of the test room.
• No communication: You must remain quiet throughout the exam and complete the answers independently. Talking, passing items, or engaging in any form of communication is strictly prohibited. If you have any questions, please raise your hand so the invigilator can assist you.
• Cheating is strictly prohibited: The use of mobile phones, smartwatches, or any other communication or recording devices is prohibited during the exam. Consulting materials or copying others’ answers is also forbidden. Any form of cheating will be recorded and dealt with seriously.
• Leaving Rules: During the exam, no student may leave their seat or leave the exam room early for any reason without the invigilator’s permission. If you need to go to the restroom, you must be accompanied by a staff member.
4. Handling of Violations
Once a violation is verified, the following actions will be taken depending on the severity of the offense:
• For minor offenses: Cancel the exam score for that session.
• More serious offenses: The student’s exam score will be cancelled, and the student will be prohibited from taking the exam again for two years from the date of the violation.
• Serious offenses: All past scores will be cancelled, and the candidate will be banned from taking the CSCA exam for life.
• In particularly serious cases: the case may be transferred to judicial authorities for legal processing, and may affect the student’s eligibility to study in China and visa application.
1. Registration Method
Candidates must register an account and complete the registration and payment through the official CSCA registration website ( www.cscaofficial.com ) using their personal , long-term valid email address.
2. Registration Deadline
Please log in to the registration system or check the official website announcement to find out the specific registration deadline for the current exam.
3. Information accuracy
When registering, please ensure that the personal information you fill in (name, ID number, etc.) is true and accurate, and completely consistent with the information on the valid ID you present on the day of the exam; otherwise, you will not be able to participate in the exam.
4. Payment of Fees
Exam fees must be paid online during registration. Please refer to the registration page for specific fee details and supported payment methods (such as VISA, MasterCard, UnionPay, etc.).
5. Examination Admission Ticket
Your admission ticket will be available for download within the specified time before the exam . A download notification will be sent to your registered email address. Please log in to the official website to download it promptly and carefully check it to ensure that the information on your admission ticket is completely consistent with the valid identification document you will bring on the day of the exam. This is an essential document for taking the exam; those whose information does not match will not be allowed to take the exam.
To ensure the fairness and smooth conduct of examinations for candidates with special needs, the examination administration agency may conduct an assessment based on individual circumstances and provide reasonable accommodations within the limits of available resources.
Candidates who wish to apply for special examination arrangements should submit a formal application at least 30 days before the examination date, along with relevant supporting documents (such as medical diagnosis and functional assessment reports issued by hospitals).
If the requested arrangements cannot be fulfilled due to limitations of the test center or the test format, we will promptly inform the candidate and discuss with them whether to cancel their registration. If the candidate chooses to cancel their registration, a full refund will be issued.
1. Arrive early
• Please arrive at the test center 40 minutes before the start of the exam.
2. Entry inspection and seating
• Present and verify your ID and admission ticket → Check in via the system (facial recognition is preferred; if there are any issues, the invigilator will manually confirm) → Follow the prompts to your seat.
• After taking your seat: Place your ID and admission ticket in the upper left corner of the desktop; check if the screen, keyboard, and mouse of the examination machine are working properly. If there is any abnormality, please raise your hand immediately.
3. Log in to the system
• Enter your admission ticket number and password on the examination machine to log in to the examination system.
• Carefully read and confirm the “Integrity Examination Commitment Letter” and wait for the exam to begin.
4. Exam commencement and answering
• Entering the exam: After the countdown ends, the system will automatically enter the full-screen answer interface and start the timer.
• Answering and Saving: Use the mouse to answer directly; the system will automatically save your progress. Please pay attention to the question number color on the left (green indicates answered) and check whether you have completed all questions.
• Time Management: You can go back and modify the questions you have already answered within the exam time. Please allocate your time wisely.
5. Exception Handling
• If any equipment or system malfunctions (such as crashes, white screens, freezes, or disconnections), please raise your hand immediately and wait for staff to handle the situation.
• The system will automatically save your completed answers. Once the problem is resolved, you can continue the exam. The proctor will make up for the interrupted time based on the actual interruption time.
• Do not restart your computer or leave the premises without permission.
6. End and Exit
• The system will automatically collect the exam papers when the exam time ends. Please keep the screen still and wait for the invigilator’s confirmation.
• After the invigilator collects and counts the draft papers, please leave the examination room in an orderly manner as instructed, retrieve your personal belongings, and remain quiet when leaving. Do not gather or make noise inside or outside the examination room.
1. Results Announcement
Exam results are typically released within 7 business days after the exam . Please log in to the official CSCA registration website to check and download your electronic score report . Any delays due to unforeseen circumstances will be announced on the official website.
2. Validity of Results
• Purpose: This score is an important reference for undergraduate admission to Chinese universities, and it is also an essential application material for the evaluation of Chinese government scholarships.
• Validity period: Valid for 2 years from the date of certificate issuance.
Registration and Qualification
1. Who is eligible to take the CSCA exam?
A: CSCA is designed for non-Chinese students who plan to apply for undergraduate programs at universities in mainland China . Holders of Chinese passports or residence permits for Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan residents are not eligible to apply.
2. Is there an age limit for registration?
A: There is no age limit, but candidates under the age of 14 must have the consent and assistance of their guardian to complete the registration.
3. How do I register?
A: Candidates need to register an account, fill in the information, and complete the payment on the CSCA official website. Once you receive a confirmation email, your registration is successful.
4. What do I need to prepare when registering?
A: We recommend that candidates prepare the following materials and information before registering:
1. A valid email address (for receiving confirmation emails and notifications);
2. Valid identification document (see www.csca.cn for specific requirements );
3. Electronic ID photo (see www.csca.cn for specific requirements );
4. Bank card information (see www.csca.cn for specific requirements )
5. Is a passport required for registration? What if my passport is about to expire?
A: A passport is the only acceptable form of identification. If your passport is about to expire, please renew it as soon as possible. You must ensure that the passport you present on the day of the exam is the original and valid; expired passports or photocopies will not be accepted, otherwise you will not be allowed to take the exam.
6. How do I choose the subjects to take?
A: Your subject selection should primarily depend on the requirements of the universities and programs you plan to apply to. We recommend that you review the admission brochures of your target universities in advance to understand their specific suggestions or requirements regarding CSCA exam subjects.
7. What is the maximum number of subjects I can register for in each exam session?
A: There is currently no limit to the number of applications. It is recommended that candidates choose their subjects reasonably based on their own preparation and the requirements of their target universities.
8. Can I choose different exam languages for different subjects?
A: Yes. For basic subjects (mathematics, physics, chemistry), you can choose to take the exam in Chinese or English for each subject individually . However, all subjects in the professional Chinese language program are offered only in Chinese.
9. After submitting my application, can I still modify my application information?
A: Once submitted, registration information is locked and cannot be modified by the candidate in the system. If corrections are needed, the candidate must submit a correction request before the admission ticket is generated. After the admission ticket is generated, all information cannot be modified.
10. How do I apply for special exam arrangements?
A: Candidates must submit a formal application and provide relevant supporting documents 30 days prior to the exam date. Please refer to “Special Exam Arrangements” for details. If you are unable to provide the necessary assistance due to limitations, you may choose to cancel your registration and receive a full refund.
11. Can I transfer or withdraw from the exam?
A: For the 2025 exam, only cancellation is supported; transfer is not allowed. Candidates must submit a cancellation application before the admission ticket is issued; cancellations will not be accepted after the admission ticket is generated.
12. Can I take the CSCA exam multiple times? Is there a limit to the number of times I can take it?
A: Yes. CSCA does not limit the number of times you can take the exam; you can register multiple times. Scores are valid for two years. When applying, you can usually submit your best score within the validity period, but specific requirements depend on the policies of your target universities.
13. When can I download my exam admission ticket?
A: The admission ticket will be available for download on the registration system before the exam. Candidates can log in to the system to print it themselves. A notification email will be sent to the candidate’s registered email address when the system makes the ticket available for download.
14. What information is included on the examination admission ticket?
A: The admission ticket will display the candidate’s name, gender, nationality, admission ticket number, document type and number, exam time, exam subject, exam center name and address, exam room and seat number, as well as instructions for candidates.
15. What should I do if there is an error in the information on my admission ticket?
A: The information on your admission ticket cannot be modified after it is generated. Inconsistencies between the information and your identification will result in being denied entry. Please carefully check your information during registration and confirm it again after downloading your admission ticket.
Examination Day Procedures and Rules
16. How early do I need to arrive at the exam venue? Can I still enter the exam venue if I’m late?
A: Candidates must arrive at the examination venue at least 40 minutes before the time indicated on their admission ticket. Entry will not be permitted after the examination has officially begun.
17. What items do I need to bring on the day of the exam?
A: On the day of the exam, candidates must bring the following items to the examination venue: 1. Paper admission ticket; 2. Original valid ID; 3. Black ballpoint pen. Please refer to the “Examination Rules” for specific requirements.
18. What should I do if I forget to bring my admission ticket or ID on the day of the exam?
A: Your admission ticket is essential for entering the examination room. Without either your admission ticket or valid ID, you will not be allowed entry and will be considered absent; the examination fee will not be refunded. To ensure a smooth examination, please treat this ticket with care and avoid missing your exam opportunity due to missing documents.
19. Can I enter the examination room using my electronic admission ticket (shown on my mobile phone)?
A: No. Candidates must bring their paper admission ticket and present it along with their original valid ID to enter the examination room.
20. Is it okay to take notes during the exam?
A: Yes. The test center will provide scratch paper, which must be collected after the exam.
21. Is it okay to go to the restroom during the exam?
A: If you absolutely need to leave the examination room, you must do so under the supervision of an invigilator. Leaving for an extended period or engaging in any misconduct will be treated as a disciplinary violation.
22. What if the computer, network, or system malfunctions? Will there be extra time?
A: If a malfunction occurs, please raise your hand immediately for assistance from the invigilator. If the interruption is caused by a malfunction of the test center’s equipment or system, the invigilator will assist in restarting or replacing the equipment. The system will retain the completed answer progress and may provide additional time as appropriate. If the interruption is caused by the candidate’s personal error, no additional time will be provided.
23. Is it permissible to submit the exam paper early during the exam?
A: No. All candidates must complete the exam within the allotted time. The system will collect all papers after the exam. Except in cases of sudden health or emergency with the chief examiner’s approval, submitting the paper early or leaving the exam room without permission is considered a violation.
Exam results
24. When will the results be released?
A: Results will be announced within 7 business days after the exam. Any delays due to unforeseen circumstances will be announced on the official website.
25. How do I obtain and send my transcript?
A: After the results are released, candidates can log in to the official CSCA registration website to download the electronic score report. This electronic report is an official document, and all institutions that recognize CSCA scores accept this version. No additional application or mailing is required; candidates can submit it directly to the institutions they are applying to.
26. How do Chinese universities use CSCA scores?
A: Universities that recognize CSCA scores can verify the authenticity of transcripts through their official systems during the admissions review process, and simultaneously view the percentile ranking of those scores among global test takers. This ranking helps admissions officers gain a clear understanding of an applicant’s global academic competitiveness and allows for a comprehensive evaluation in conjunction with their own university’s standards.