What is YCT
To encourage more and more youth speakers of other languages learn Chinese and Chinese culture, China has launched YCT test since 2004. YCT (Youth Chinese Test) is an international standardized Chinese language ability test based on the Chinese Language Proficiency Scales for Speakers of Other Languages.
It is the only official general Youth Chinese language ability test in China and one of the most authoritative and recognized Chinese test all over the world. The goal of YCT is to enhance their confidence to use Chinese.
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 a 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 (Level I) |
II. Test Levels
The different levels of the new YCT are similar to some of the 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:
| New HSK | New YCT | Vocabulary | CLPS | CEF |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HSK (Level VI) | Over 5,000 | Level V | C2 | |
| HSK (Level V) | 2500 | Level V | C1 | |
| HSK (Level IV) | 1200 | 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 |
- Test takers who are able to pass the YCT (Level I) can understand and use some of the most common Chinese phrases and sentences and possess the ability to further their Chinese language studies.
- Test takers who are able to pass the YCT (Level II) can understand and use some simple Chinese phrases and sentences and cope with basic level communications.
- Test takers who are able to pass the YCT (Level III), having reached an excellent level in basic Chinese, can communicate on familiar daily topics in a simple manner.
- Test takers who are able to pass the YCT (Level IV) can communicate in Chinese at a basic level in their daily, academic and professional lives. When travelling in China, they can manage most forms of communication in Chinese.
Generally learners who’ve finished Kid Chinese Course 1 at KIRIN Mandarin can pass YCT Level 1.
This course needs 3 months, with 2-3 class hours in each week. through the course students will master 80 commonly used words and basic grammar patterns.
Generally learners who’ve finished Kid Chinese Course 2 at KIRIN Mandarin can pass YCT Level 2.
This level for students who have studied Chinese for a semester (half an academic year), with 2-3 class hours in each week. These students have mastered at least 150 commonly used words and related grammar patterns.
Generally learners who’ve finished Kid Chinese Course 3 at KIRIN Mandarin can pass YCT Level 3.
The YCT (Level III) is intended for students who have studied Chinese for two semesters (an academic year), with 2-3 class hours in each week. These students have mastered at least 300 commonly used words and related grammar patterns.
