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Hanban launched the new YCT test to encourage young foreign students to improve their Chinese language proficiency. Since 2004, Hanban has organized experts from different disciplines such as Chinese language teaching, linguistics, psychology and educational measures to work on the program, conducting surveys to understand the latest trends in overseas Chinese language teaching and learning.
I. Test Structure
The new YCT is an international standardized test of Chinese language proficiency. It assesses young foreign students' abilities to use Chinese in their daily and academic lives. The new YCT consists of a writing test and speaking test, which are independent of each other. The writing test is divided into four levels, namely, the YCT (level I), YCT (level II), YCT (level III), and YCT (level IV). The speaking test is divided into the YCT (Beginner Level) and YCT (Intermediate Level).
| Writing Test | Speaking Test |
| YCT (Level IV) | YCT (Intermediate Level) |
| YCT (Level III) | YCT (Beginner Level) |
| YCT (Level II) | YCT (Beginner Level) |
| YCT (Level I) | YCT (Beginner Level) |
II. Test Levels
Different levels of the new YCT are similar to some levels in the Chinese Language Proficiency Scales for Speakers of Other Languages (CLPS) and the Common European Framework of Reference (CEF); details are as follows:
Test takers who pass the YCT (Level I) can understand and use some of the most common Chinese phrases and sentences to further their Chinese language studies. Test takers who can pass the YCT (Level II), understand and use some simple Chinese phrases and sentences and cope with basic level communication. Test takers who can pass the YCT (Level III), have reached an excellent level in basic Chinese, and can communicate on familiar daily topics in a simple manner. Test takers who can pass the YCT (Level IV) can communicate in Chinese at a basic level in their daily, academic and professional lives. They can manage most forms of communication in Chinese when traveling in the country.
| New HSK | New YCT | Vocabulary | CLPS | CEF |
| HSK (Level VI) | Over 5,000 | Level V | C2 | |
| HSK (Level V) | 2,500 | Level V | C1 | |
| HSK (Level IV) | 1,200 | Level IV | B2 | |
| HSK (Level III) | YCT (Level IV) | 600 | Level III | B1 |
| HSK (Level II) | YCT (Level III) | 300 | Level II | A2 |
| HSK (Level I) | YCT (Level II) | 150 | Level I | A1 |
| YCT (Level I) | 80 |
III. Test Principles
The new YCT aims to improve Chinese language learners' self-confidence and follows the principle of "test-teaching correlation". It bases the design of the test on current trends in international Chinese language training and is related to textbook learning procedures. The purpose is to "promote training through testing" and "promote learning through testing".
IV. Test Purposes
1.The YCT is intended for students whose mother tongue is not Chinese. Results of the test can serve various purposes:
2.Method for Chinese language learners to assess and improve their proficiency in Chinese.
3.Reference for Chinese language training in schools.
4.Method for Chinese language training institutions to evaluate training results.
5.Benchmark for students who want to participate in the HSK test.
V. Results Certificate
Test takers will receive their test results for the new YCT issued by Hanban within three weeks after taking the test.
