Frequently asked questions · Home-based online 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 test 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 test 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. 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.

11. Can I take the CSCA multiple times? Is there a limit?

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.

12. When can I download my 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.

13. 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. Pre-Test Preparation

14. What equipment do I need for the RHT?

Candidates must prepare a compliant primary device (computer) and a secondary device (smartphone or tablet).

The RHT requires dual-device monitoring: the primary device is used for answering questions and and front-facing monitoring, while the secondary device - positioned at a 45°rear-side angle - captures the entire test session.

Please refer to the Device and Network Requirements section for detailed specifications.

15. What are the network speed and stability requirements?

The RHT requires a symmetrical upload/download bandwidth of at least 20 Mbps, and a connection speed to the test system of at least 500 KB/s.

A wired broadband connection is strongly recommended.

Close all non-essential software and background processes on Test Day.

Candidates can use the built-in speed test feature in the Test Client to verify connection quality, and should prepare a backup 4G mobile hotspot in case of network disruption.

16. How should I set up my test environment?

Candidates must take the RHT in an independent, quiet, and well-lit enclosed room, using a clean and organized desk.

Taking the test on a bed, sofa, or any non-standard surface is prohibited.

See Test Environment Setup section for detailed requirements.

17. Are scratch papers allowed for the RHT?

Traditional paper scratch sheets, sticky notes, or any other paper-based materials are not allowed.

However, candidates may use one of the following approved scratch tools:

• A small whiteboard with an erasable marker; or

• A blank sheet of paper placed inside a transparent file bag, using an erasable marker on the bag surface.

18. What software must I install before the test?

The primary device (computer) must have the official CSCA Test Client installed.

The secondary device (phone or tablet) must have the designated monitoring app installed.

Installation guides and download links will be provided via the CSCA registration system and the candidate’s registered email.

Please complete installation in advance.

19. What should I do if I encounter issues during software installation?

If you experience installation problems:

• Self-check: Review the official operation guide and troubleshooting instructions.

• Seek support: If the issue persists, you may join a technical support session during the platform testing period for one-on-one assistance, or submit screenshots of the issue via official support channels.

20. Do I need to complete the Equipment and Software Check and the Proctored Mock Test before the official test?

Yes. All test takers must complete the following pre-test checks as required:

• Equipment and Software Check: Checks whether your device, network, and system environment meet the test requirements.

• Home-based Proctored Mock Tests: Simulates the complete official test process and helps you become familiar with the test procedures and identify potential issues before test day.

⚠ Failure to complete the required pre-test checks may result in being unable to participate in or complete the official test on test day. Any resulting consequences shall be borne by the test taker, and the test fee will not be refunded.

C. Test-Day Procedures & Rules

21. How early should I log in to the system? Can I still take the test if I’m late?

Candidates may log in up to 60 minutes before the test begins to complete device checks, facial recognition, and identity verification.

Entry is not permitted after the test officially starts.

22. What items do I need to prepare on Test Day?

Candidates must have the following items ready:

• A valid original ID document

• A printed Admission Ticket

• A small whiteboard or a blank sheet inside a transparent file bag, and an erasable marker

Refer to Test Environment Setup for detailed requirements.

23. What if I forget my Admission Ticket or ID document?

The Admission Ticket contains login credentials, and the ID document is required for verification.

Without either, you cannot access the test system.

In both cases, the candidate will be marked as absent, and no refund will be issued.

Please prepare these items in advance to avoid missing the test.

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

Candidates can contact the proctor through the Test Client or monitoring app for assistance.

The technical support team and proctors will provide remote troubleshooting help.

25. What should I do if I encounter technical problems during the test?

Candidates can contact the proctor through the Test Client or monitoring app for assistance.

The technical support team and proctors will provide remote troubleshooting help.

26. Can I submit my test early?

No. All candidates must complete the test within the allotted time.

The system will automatically submit responses when time expires.

Early submission or leaving without authorization will be considered a violation, except in approved medical or emergency cases.

D. Test Scores

27. 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.

28. 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.

29. 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.