Frequently asked questions · Onsite computer-based test

A. Registration & Eligibility

1. Who is eligible to take the CSCA?

The CSCA is designed specifically for non-Chinese citizens planning to apply for undergraduate programs at universities in Mainland China. Individuals holding Chinese passports or residence permits for Hong Kong, Macao, or Taiwan are not eligible to register.

2. Is there an age limit for registration?

There is no age limit. However, candidates under the age of 18 must have parental consent and assistance to complete registration.

3. How do I register?

Candidates must create an account on the official CSCA website, complete all required information, and pay the test fee. Registration is considered complete once the candidate receives a confirmation email.

4. What should I prepare before registration?

We recommend preparing the following materials and information in advance:

• A valid and long-term accessible email address (for receiving confirmations and notifications)

• A valid identification document; for specific requirements, please visit www.csca.cn.

• A digital ID photo; for specific requirements, please visit www.csca.cn.

• Bank card information; for specific requirements, please visit www.csca.cn.

5. Is a passport mandatory for registration? What if my passport is about to expire?

The passport is the only acceptable form of identification. If your passport is about to expire, please renew it as soon as possible. You must present an original, valid passport on the test day. Expired or photocopied passports will not be accepted, and you will not be allowed to take the exam.

6. How should I choose my test subjects?

Your subject choices should depend primarily on the requirements of your intended universities and programs. We recommend reviewing the admission guidelines of your target institutions to understand their specific subject recommendations or CSCA requirements.

7. What is the maximum number of subjects I can take per exam session?

There is currently no limit on the number of subjects per session. Candidates are advised to select subjects reasonably, based on their preparation and target university requirements.

8. Can I choose different exam languages for different subjects?

Yes. For foundational subjects (Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry), you may choose either Chinese or English for each subject. Professional Chinese subjects are offered in Chinese only.

Candidates shall take the test in the language required by their target institution. Where no requirement is specified, they may choose at their discretion.

9. Can I modify my registration information after submission?

Once submitted, registration information is locked and cannot be modified by the candidate. If corrections are necessary, a modification request must be submitted before the Admission Ticket is generated.

No changes can be made once the ticket has been issued.

10. How do I apply for special testing arrangements?

Candidates must submit a formal application no less than 30 days prior to the exam date and provide relevant supporting documents. Specific procedures can be found in the “Special Accommodations”. If accommodations cannot be provided due to limitations, candidates may choose to cancel their registration and receive a full refund.

11. Can I transfer my registration or withdraw from the test?

Only withdrawals are accepted for CSCA; test transfers are not permitted. Candidates must submit a withdrawal request before the Admission Ticket is generated. Requests made after the ticket has been generated will not be accepted.

12. Can I take the CSCA exam multiple times? Are there limits?

Yes. The CSCA places no restriction on the number of attempts. Each score is valid for two years. Candidates may submit their best valid score when applying, subject to the policies of the receiving institution.

13. When can I download my test admission ticket?

Admission Tickets will be available for download in the registration system before the test. Candidates will also receive an email notification when the download option becomes available.

14. What should I do if there is an error on my Admission Ticket?

Admission Ticket information cannot be modified after generation. Any discrepancy between your ID and ticket details will result in denied entry. Please double-check all information during registration and verify again after downloading your ticket.

B. Exam Day Process & Rules

15. How early should I arrive at the test center? Can I enter if I’m late?

Candidates must arrive at least 40 minutes early. Entry is not allowed after the exam officially starts.

16. What items do I need to bring on exam day?

On test day, candidates must bring: 1. CSCA Admission Ticket; 2. a Valid original ID Document; 3. a Black Ink Pen. See “Exam Rules” for details.

17. What if I forget my test admission ticket or ID on exam day?

The admission ticket is mandatory for entry. Missing either the paper admission ticket or the original valid ID will result in denial of entry, being marked absent, and forfeiture of the exam fee. Please be diligent to avoid missing the exam due to forgotten documents.

18. Can I use a digital copy of my ID for verification?

No. Candidates must bring a printed CSCA admission ticket and present it alongside the original valid ID for entry.

19. Can I take notes during the exam?

Yes. The test center will provide scratch paper, which must be returned entirely after the exam.

20. Can I use the restroom during the exam?

If necessary, you must be accompanied by test center staff. Prolonged absence or any misconduct during the break may be treated as a violation.

21. What if the computer, network, or system fails? Will I get extra time?

Immediately raise your hand to alert a proctor. If the interruption is attributable to test-center equipment, network, or system failure, the proctor will assist with restarting the workstation or relocating you to another seat. Your progress is saved automatically, and compensatory time may be granted to reflect the verified interruption (based on system logs and proctor verification). If the issue results from candidate error (e.g., unplugging cables, closing the test window, ignoring proctor instructions), no additional time will be provided. Do not troubleshoot on your own, restart the computer, or leave your seat without permission.

22. Can I submit my test early during the exam?

No. All candidates must complete the exam within the allotted time; the system will collectively submit answers at the end. Leaving early or exiting without permission is considered a violation, except in cases of sudden health or emergency situations approved by the chief examiner.

C. Exam Scores

23. When will the test results be released?

Results will be released within ten (10) working days after the test. If there are delays due to special circumstances, a public notice will be posted on the official website.

24. How can I obtain and send my score report?

Once results are released, candidates can log into the official CSCA registration system to download the electronic score report.

This e-report is an official and valid document recognized by all institutions accepting CSCA results. No additional score-sending request is required; candidates can submit it directly to their application institutions.

25. How do Chinese universities use CSCA scores?

Universities recognizing CSCA results can verify the authenticity of score reports via the official system and view the candidate’s global percentile ranking. This ranking helps admissions officers assess applicants academic competitiveness globally and make comprehensive evaluations based on institutional standards.