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Business Chinese Test

Business Chinese Test is a state-level standardized test designed to assess the Chinese proficiency of non-native speakers engaged in business activities. BCT is developed by Peking University under the entrustment of Office of Chinese Language Council International (“Hanban” for short). Its English name is Business Chinese Test (“BCT” for short).

BCT assesses the communicative ability of test takers using Chinese in a wide range of business-related career occasions, daily life and social interaction. The test mainly features practicality and communicativeness. This test consists of two relatively independent tests: BCT (Listening & Reading) and BCT (Speaking & Writing). test takers may sit for one or both of them at a time. There is no limit to candidates’ age, education or length of learning Chinese.

Hanban is the supervisor of Business Chinese Test, and the issuer of “Business Chinese Test Certificate.”

Business Chinese Test is held regularly in China and other countries each year.

I Test Takers

BCT is held for the non-native speakers. Any who is a non-native speaker, whether capable of basic communication or fairly skillful communication, may sit for BCT. There is no limit to candidates’ age, education or length of learning Chinese.

II Test Purposes

BCT is open for the whole world and severs various institutions and individuals which want to assess the business Chinese proficiency of relevant persons. Its main purposes include:

1. Provide a basis for employers to assess the business Chinese proficiency of relevant persons when making such decisions as employee recruitment, selection, placement and promotion;

2. Help relevant teaching and training institutions to assess the business Chinese proficiency of candidates in recruitment and class division;

3. Assess the practical effects achieved form the teaching and training of relevant teaching and training institutions;

4. Provide a certificate of business Chinese proficiency for any person who seeks for a job ,takes an interviews or wants to be promoted;

5. Help Chinese learners to understand and improve their business Chinese ability.

III The Composition and Form of Test

BCT consists of two relatively independent tests: BCT (Listening & Reading) and BCT (Speaking & Writing). Test takers may sit for one or both of them at a time.

Now, BCT is held in two forms, i.e. Paper-based Test and Computer-based Test. BCT Computer-based Test is only held in Singapore at present.

IV Standards for BCT Levels

BCT has five levels in total to describe the business Chinese proficiency of test takers, namely:

Level 1 Incapable of communication in Chinese in business activities.

Level 2 Capable of basic communication in Chinese in business activities.

Level 3 Capable of fairly effective communication in Chinese in business activities.

Level 4 Capable of fairly skillful communication in Chinese in business activities.

Level 5 Capable of appropriate communication in Chinese in business activities.

V Test Scores and Certificate

BCT consists of two relatively independent examinations: BCT (Listening & Reading) and BCT (Speaking & Writing). The score for each specific skill (Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing) is 0-500, 100 for each level. The total score for listening and reading constitutes the overall score of BCT (listening & reading) ranging from 0 to 1000 points and each level consisting of 200 points. So does the overall score of BCT (speaking & writing).

Any test taker can receive a score report if he attends listening & reading or speaking & writing test in line with requirements.

If the total score for listening and reading comes to 201-400 points, Level 2 “BCT Certificate (listening & reading) “will be awarded; If the total score for speaking and writing comes to 201-400 points, Level 2 “BCT Certificate (speaking & writing) “will be awarded. So do Level3, Level4 and Level5 certificates. There is no Level1 certificate in BCT.

The score shall be valid for two years from the test date.

Hanban shall be responsible for issuing ” Business Chinese Test Certificate.”

VI Test Time and Location

BCT is held regularly in China mainland and other countries each year.

In addition, individual service with respect to BCT can be provided as required by relevant enterprises or organizations.

For test dates and test center information of BCT, please log on BCT official website www.hanban.org, www.bcthome.cn and Chinese test service website www.chinesetesting.cn for reference.

VII Test Fees

The test fees of BCT are different all over the world. As for details in fees, please consult local test center.

The test fees for China mainland is 120 yuan RMB for BCT (Listening & Reading) and 180 yuan RMB for BCT (Speaking & Writing).

VIII Test Content

The test content of BCT mainly covers business activities and business-related daily life and social interaction activities. As for details, see “Business Chinese Communicative Function Items” in “The BCT Outlines”. “The BCT Outlines” is guide book for your preparation and this book covers Introduction to Business Chinese Test, level standards, scoring standards, samples, communicative function items and vocabulary, accompanied with the CD of listening test sample.

IX Test Registration

Test takers may register for the test at the test center or online.

Test center registration

1. Please bring valid documents (passport or ID) to relevant test center for registration.

2. Fill in personal information form, and obtain login name and password.

3. Submit a photo with size of 40mm × 30mm, or a digital photo.

4. Pay test fees.

5. Print the test admission ticket or receive it to test center on stipulated time.

Online Registration

Test takers can log on BCT website (www.bcthome.cn) or the Chinese test service website (www.chinesetesting.cn) for online registration.