YCT Writing Test Prep Course

Launched by Hanban, the new Young Learner's Chinese Test (YCT) is a proficiency exam designed for non-native speakers under the age of 15. The test evaluates foreign students' ability to use Chinese in both their daily and academic lives. The YCT includes two independent sections, one focused on writing and the other on speaking. The writing section consists of four levels: YCT Level 1, YCT Level 2, YCT Level 3, and YCT Level 4. A YCT certificate can be used for school transfers, study abroad programs, and scholarship applications.

I. Test Structure

The new YCT is an international standardized Chinese proficiency exam that assesses the ability of non-native Chinese-speaking primary and secondary school students to use Chinese in their daily lives and studies. The YCT includes two independent sections: a written test and an oral test. The written test consists of four levels, YCT Level 1, Level 2, Level 3, and Level 4, while the oral test includes YCT Beginner and YCT Intermediate.

II. Test Levels

The corresponding levels of the new YCT exam to the International Chinese Proficiency Standards, the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEF), and the new HSK are shown in the following table.

• YCT Writing Prep Lessons Level 1
• YCT Writing Prep Lessons Level 2
• YCT Writing Prep Lessons Level 3
• YCT Writing Prep Lessons Level 4

III. Test principles

The new YCT aims to enhance students' confidence and sense of achievement in learning Chinese. Following the principle of combining testing with teaching, the exam design is closely integrated with the current state of Chinese language teaching for international primary and secondary school students, and the use of relevant textbooks, aiming to "teach through testing" and "learn through testing".

IV. Test Purpose

The new YCT is designed for primary and secondary school students whose first language is not Chinese, and their score can serve various purposes:

1. The scores can provide a reference framework for candidates to understand and enhance their Chinese language proficiency.
2. The scores can serve as a reference framework for Chinese language teaching in schools.
3. The scores can be used as a reference framework for relevant Chinese language teaching units and training institutions to assess the effectiveness of teaching or training.
4. The scores can also serve as a reference framework for candidates preparing to take the HSK exam.

V. Score Report

Within three weeks after the exam, candidates will receive a YCT score report issued by Hanban, the National Office for Teaching Chinese as a Foreign Language.