CSCA Mastery Pathway

China Scholastic Competency Assessment (CSCA) End-to-End Guidance

Quick Navigation

1. About CSCA

2. Test-takers

3. Test Structure

4. Test Dates and Fees

5. Test Formats

6. Getting Your Score

7. Preparation Tips

1. About CSCA

From August to September 2025, China officially established the "China Scholastic Competency Assessment (CSCA)" to create a unified and authoritative admission standard for international undergraduates, ensuring fairness, improving quality control, and supporting the "Study in China" brand.

Starting from 2026, all applicants for undergraduate programs at Chinese Government Scholarship universities must take the CSCA test before submitting their applications, and the test results will serve as one of the required materials for university admission review.

By 2028, all international undergraduate applicants to Chinese Government Scholarship universities are projected to be required to take the test, with the potential establishment of minimum admission standards.

2. Test-takers

• Mandatory: From the 2026/2027 academic year, all international students applying for undergraduate programs at Chinese Government Scholarship universities must take the CSCA and submit their score reports .

• Optional but Recommended: Students applying to other Chinese universities (non-Chinese Government Scholarship) are also encouraged to take the test, as a good CSCA score can be a strong asset to their application .

3. Test Structure

4. Test Dates and Fees

• First Test: December 21, 2025 .

• From 2026: The test will be held regularly five times a year in January, March, April, June, and December .

• Test Fees:

5. Test Formats

The CSCA offers three test formats :

1. At-home Online Proctored Test: Take the test at home with real-time online supervision (this will be the main format during the initial stage) .

2. Centralized Computer-based Test: Take the test on a computer at an authorized test center .

3. Paper-based Test: Take the test in a traditional paper format at an authorized test center .

   6. Getting Your Score

You can check your scores on the official CSCA website (https://csca.cn) after the test .

• For the at-home online proctored test and the centralized computer-based test, scores are usually released within 7 working days after the test .

• For the paper-based test, it takes about 14 working days to release the scores .

• The CSCA uses a 100-point scoring system for each subject .

• The score report is valid for 2 years .

7. Preparation Tips

• Visit the Official Website: The official CSCA website (https://csca.cn) is the primary channel for the most authoritative information .

• Download Test Syllabi: You can download the test syllabi for each subject from the official website to understand the test scope and focus .

• Previous Text Papers for Reference: Pls contact Future Consulting to request real exam papers from the most recent exam cycles. These materials are used to understand the question format, difficulty, and key topics.

• Practice Mock Tests：Pls contact Future Consulting to request practice mock tests. These simulated exams are designed to mimic the real test and are used to practice your timing and assess your readiness.

• Enroll in the CSCA foundation program: Future Consulting will recommend a program tailored to your profile, which provides a robust academic framework to enable international students to excel in the CSCA test and thrive in their subsequent undergraduate studies.

In conclusion,view the CSCA not as a barrier, but as an opportunity. An opportunity to prove your mettle, to stand out in a competitive field, and to build the academic foundation for a successful undergraduate career in China.

We hope this guide helps you understand the key information about the CSCA. Good luck with your preparation for the test and your application to study in China!