Business Chinese Test
Business Chinese Test
Business Chinese Test (BCT), an internationalstandardized test of Chinese language proficiency, assesses non-native Chinese speakers’ abilities to use the Chinese language in real business or common working environments.BCT is divided into writing and oral tests, which are independent to each other. The writing test consists of two levels, namely, BCT (A)and BCT (B).BCT（Oral iBT）are Computer Adaptive Test (CAT) and conducted via Internet.
BCT （A）
The BCT (A) is an international, standardized test in Chinese language proficiency that focuses on testing non-native Chinese speakers’ abilities to use the Chinese language in real business or common working environments, and that evaluates the language tasks they are able to complete. Following the principle of practicality, oriented towards speaking and listening, and emphasizing abilities in the workplace, this test aims to recreate actual situations in the workplace and takes practical content for communications as the method of examining test takers’ abilities to use Chinese to meet their needs in a working environment.
I. Test Structure
The BCT (A) contains 70 questions and consists of three parts: listening, reading and writing.
Table 1 Test Structure of BCT (A)
| Test Item | Number of Questions | Duration of Test (minutes) | ||
| Write down personal information (before the listening section starts) | 5 | |||
| 1. Listening | Section One | 10 | 30 | About 20 |
| Section Two | 10 | |||
| Section Three | 10 | |||
| 2. Reading | Section One | 10 | 30 | 30 |
| Section Two | 20 | |||
| 3. Writing | 10 | 10 | ||
| Mark your answers on the Answer Sheet (after the listening section) | 5 | |||
| Total | / | 70 | About 70 | |
1. Listening
Section One contains ten questions. You will hear a word or phrase for each question twice. On the test paper, there is a picture for each question. Answer whether the content of the picture is true or false according to what you hear.
Section Two contains ten questions. You will hear a sentence for each question twice. On the test paper, there are three pictures for each question. Choose the right one according to what you hear.
Section Three contains ten questions. For each question, you will hear a dialogue between two people and a question based on the dialogue twice. Choose the best answer from the three choices on the test paper according to what you hear.
Section Two contains ten questions. You will hear a sentence for each question twice. On the test paper, there are three pictures for each question. Choose the right one according to what you hear.
Section Three contains ten questions. For each question, you will hear a dialogue between two people and a question based on the dialogue twice. Choose the best answer from the three choices on the test paper according to what you hear.
2. Reading
Section One contains ten questions. One or two sentences with a blank will be provided for each of the first five questions. Choose the best answer from the choices to complete the sentence. The other five questions are five blanks in a table or a short passage of practical writing. Choose the best answers to complete the table or the passage.
Section Two contains twenty questions. A series of reading materials will be provided, including pictures, tables, paragraphs, passages, etc. Each piece of reading material will be followed by one to three questions, with three choices. Choose the best answer to the question.
Section Two contains twenty questions. A series of reading materials will be provided, including pictures, tables, paragraphs, passages, etc. Each piece of reading material will be followed by one to three questions, with three choices. Choose the best answer to the question.
3. Writing
This part contains ten questions. For each question, there is a sentence with a blank. Use the correct Chinese character or phrase (Pinyin of the word or phrase will be provided) to fill in the blank.
Competence Description and Content Illustration of BCT (A)
The BCT (A) examines the communicative competence of test takers in realistic situations when using Chinese. The competence description and content illustration are listed in the table below:
Competence Description and Content Illustration of BCT (A)
The BCT (A) examines the communicative competence of test takers in realistic situations when using Chinese. The competence description and content illustration are listed in the table below:
Table 2 Competence Description and Content Illustration of BCT (A)
| Sub-test | Competence Description | Content Illustration |
| Listening | Capable of understanding articles for use closely related to work and life | Simple daily articles and office supplies |
| Capable of understanding basic information about number and quantity in working and living environments | Basic information in a visa form such as name, and passport number Numbers (including date, time, and price) | |
| Capable of understanding other people’s brief introductions in working and living environments | Names, ages, nationalities, company names, positions, contact information, etc. Hobbies, interests, physical conditions, etc. | |
| Capable of understanding basic instructions and requirements in working and living environments | Making a phone call, giving a signature, etc. | |
| Capable of understanding basic daily expressions in working and living environments | Introductions, greetings, welcomes, wishes, appreciations, apologies, farewells, etc. | |
| Capable of understanding basic instructions and requirements in working and living environments | Enquiring about price, payment method, etc. | |
| Capable of understanding introductions or descriptions of other people’s basic information in working and living environments | Companies, positions, contact information, etc. | |
| Capable of understanding introductions or descriptions of other people’s conditions in working and living environments | Physical conditions, working conditions, etc. | |
| Capable of understanding the introduction or description of something in working and living environments | Features and price of a commodity, introduction of a place, etc. | |
| Capable of understanding brief notices and arrangements in working and living environments | Conference notices, routes, time arrangement, etc. | |
| Reading | Capable of reading Pinyin, basic Chinese characters, phrases, numbers, personal information, etc. | Simple signs (such as those of washrooms, supermarkets, subways, and airports) Simple places (such as office and hotel room), menus, schedules, etc. |
| Capable of reading basic Chinese characters, phrases, sentences, and short written materials; capable of understanding requirements and acquiring related information from short written materials | Simple forms such as visa forms, price lists, balance sheets, and calendars Simple expressions in working and living environments Name cards, notices, notes, messages, short messages, etc. which are commonly used in daily life | |
| Capable of reading short written materials common in daily life and work, understanding their general ideas, and recognizing basic information; capable of identify in passages of familiar topics specific information needed | Frequently used expressions in business etiquette and formal occasions Brief introductions of products, advertisements, etc. Short weather forecasts, traffic information, etc. Notices, telephone records, messages, notes, short messages, emails, calendars, etc. | |
| Writing | Capable of writing from memory basic Chinese characters | |
| Capable of filling in forms as required | Simple forms such as visa forms and customs forms Simple in-company forms such as leave application forms, and reimbursement forms Personal calendars recording one’s daily life and work arrangements |
III. Reference Vocabulary
The BCT (A) has set up a reference vocabulary of 600 words according to language competence, can-do statements, word frequencies of various authoritative Chinese corpora, and the actual state of international Chinese language teaching.
IV. Score System
The BCT (A) score report records a test taker’s sub-test scores and total score, without setting a passing score. The report will also provide competence descriptions for all levels of test takers.
The BCT (A) test paper consists of three sub-tests: listening, reading and writing, with a total score of 300 points. Its score system is shown in the table below:
The BCT (A) test paper consists of three sub-tests: listening, reading and writing, with a total score of 300 points. Its score system is shown in the table below:
Table 3 Score System of BCT (A)
| Listening | Reading | Writing | Total | |
| Number of questions | 30 | 30 | 10 | 70 |
| Maximum score of sub-test | 100 | 100 | 100 | 300 |
V. Test Principles
Promote learning through examination: encourage Chinese language learners’ interest and confidence, and further broaden the scope of the test in accordance with the actual demands of overseas Business Chinese learners and Chinese speakers in a general working environment.
Promote teaching through examination: provide teachers and self-learners with graded, task-based teaching resources and suggestions related to business Chinese, and help teaching and training institutions systematically and effectively improve business Chinese learners and speakers’ abilities to use the Chinese language in real business or common working environments.
Provide positive feedback for test takers: evaluate test takers’ ability to complete various language tasks by asking them to carry out a series of typical business language tasks and provide positive feedback for Chinese language learners to plan their future studies.
Promote teaching through examination: provide teachers and self-learners with graded, task-based teaching resources and suggestions related to business Chinese, and help teaching and training institutions systematically and effectively improve business Chinese learners and speakers’ abilities to use the Chinese language in real business or common working environments.
Provide positive feedback for test takers: evaluate test takers’ ability to complete various language tasks by asking them to carry out a series of typical business language tasks and provide positive feedback for Chinese language learners to plan their future studies.
VI. Test Purposes
1.Provide a basis for employers to assess non-native Chinese speakers’ (candidates) Chinese competence in daily work. Test scores can be used as a reference for employee recruitment, selection, placement and promotion.
- Help relevant teaching and training institutions to assess students’ business Chinese proficiency in recruitment, class divisions, and granting credits.
- Help learners to evaluate and improve their business Chinese competence.
BCT （B）
The BCT (B) is an international, standardized test in Chinese language proficiency that focuses on testing non-native Chinese speakers’ abilities to use the Chinese language in real business or common working environments, and that evaluates the language tasks they are able to complete. Following the principle of practicality, oriented towards speaking and listening, and emphasizing abilities in the workplace, this test aims to recreate actual situations in the workplace and takes practical content for communications as the method of examining test takers’ abilities to use Chinese to meet their needs in the working environment.
I. Test Structure
The BCT (B) contains 92 questions and consists of three parts: listening, reading and writing.
Table 1 Structure of BCT (B)
| Test Item | Number of Questions | Duration of Test (minutes) | ||
| Write down personal information (before the listening section starts) | 5 | |||
| 1. Listening | Section One | 20 | 50 | About 35 |
| Section Two | 15 | |||
| Section Three | 15 | |||
| 2. Reading | Section One | 20 | 40 | 60 |
| Section Two | 10 | |||
| Section Three | 10 | |||
| 3. Writing | 2 | 40 | ||
| Mark your answers on the Answer Sheet (after the listening section) | 5 | |||
| Total | / | 92 | About 145 | |
1. Listening
Section One contains twenty questions. A two-sentence dialogue between two people and a question based on the dialogue will be read once for each question. Choose the best answer from the four choices on the test paper according to what you hear.
Section Two contains fifteen questions. A four-sentence dialogue between two people and a question based on the dialogue will be read once for each question. Choose the best answer from the four choices on the test paper according to what you hear.
Section Three contains fifteen questions. Five passages followed by a few questions will be read to you once. Choose the best answer from the choices on the test paper according to what you hear.
Section Two contains fifteen questions. A four-sentence dialogue between two people and a question based on the dialogue will be read once for each question. Choose the best answer from the four choices on the test paper according to what you hear.
Section Three contains fifteen questions. Five passages followed by a few questions will be read to you once. Choose the best answer from the choices on the test paper according to what you hear.
2. Reading
Section One contains twenty questions. A series of reading materials will be provided, including pictures, tables, paragraphs, passages, etc. Each piece of reading material will be followed by a few questions, each with four choices. Choose the best answer to the question.
Section Two contains ten questions. There are two passages with five blanks each. Choose five best answers from seven choices to complete each passage according to the context.
Section Three contains ten questions. This section is divided into two groups, each with five questions. Four passages and several questions or sentences will be provided on the test paper. Match each question or sentence with its related passage.
Section Two contains ten questions. There are two passages with five blanks each. Choose five best answers from seven choices to complete each passage according to the context.
Section Three contains ten questions. This section is divided into two groups, each with five questions. Four passages and several questions or sentences will be provided on the test paper. Match each question or sentence with its related passage.
3. Writing
Section One contains one question. A written text or table will be provided. Write at least 80 Chinese characters according to the directions.
Section Two contains one question. A written text or table will be provided. Write at least 150 Chinese characters according to the directions.
Section Two contains one question. A written text or table will be provided. Write at least 150 Chinese characters according to the directions.
II. Competence Description and Content Illustration of BCT (B)
The BCT (B) examines the communicative competence of test takers in realistic situations when using Chinese. The competence description and content illustration are listed in the table below:
Table 2 Competence Description and Content Illustration of the BCT (B)
| Sub-test | Competence Description | Content Illustration |
| Listening | Capable of understanding general introductions in working and living environments | Brief introductions of other people Introductions of companies of business contacts Introductions of projects and products |
| Capable of understanding basic instructions in working and living environments | Information about one’s job Training materials relevant with one’s own job Route descriptions Instructions of commonly used equipment and appliances | |
| Capable of understanding notices and schedules in working and living environments | Notices in daily life such as time and place of an appointment Announcements in public places like airport, train or bus station, shopping mall, and hospital Notices like conference program, working arrangement, and schedule | |
| Capable of understanding news in test takers’ familiar fields in media | News on radio, TV, etc. | |
| Capable of understanding conversations for specific purposes | Leaving a message on the phone or replying to the message Communicating work issues with colleagues Communicating equipment problems with servicemen Communicating issues of product quality and after-sales service; Communicating career planning with one’s boss | |
| Capable of understanding formal talks or meetings | Basic communication in activities like business dinners; Conducting a job interview in one’s own professional or business field | |
| Capable of understanding discussion or talk about something or someone in working or living environments | Discussions by other people on common topics or important current affairs; Giving a simple evaluation of goods and companies Major points of the other side in business negotiations Understanding basic attitudes of clients, such as agreement, opposition and complaint | |
| Reading | Capable of reading signs and labels in working or living environments | Signs of meeting rooms, shop signs, names of companies and organizations Traffic signs, warning signs on packages, information on name cards |
| Capable of reading complex language materials of certain lengths; capable of grasping their main idea, as well as important facts and details. | Searching for necessary information in a given table, such as a schedule, program, menu, directory, list, visa application form, application form for leave, etc. Understanding important information in expository and narrative materials, such as notes, emails, mails, notices, faxes, memos, travel guidebook, itinerary, product instructions, workflow instructions, product descriptions, formal letters like complaint letters, resumes, job application letters, contracts, project reports, work reports, business statements, rules & regulations, etc. | |
| Capable of reading language materials of certain lengths, grasping the text structure, and choosing the appropriate linking sentences in terms of passage meaning and structure according to the context | Choosing, according to the context, the most appropriate sentence from several choices to fill in the blank in the incomplete passage | |
| Capable of reading a number of relevant materials and finding out the key information | Searching and matching information of, such as several hotels | |
| Writing | Capable of describing daily life, work, social topics or tables & diagrams in an objective way, and conveying or expressing appropriate information | Making lists, and writing schedules, notes, notices, faxes, memos and analysis diagrams |
| Capable of taking notes or explaining on a given topic, and writing relevant files or instructions; capable of showing the circumstances objectively and correctly and expressing one’s own view accurately | Writing minutes of a meeting, instructions (such as short route instructions, equipment instructions, workflow instructions), business letters (such as complaint letters, letters of thanks, invitation letters), personal resumes, job application letters, reports (such as, survey reports and work reports), contract texts, or argumentation & analysis on a given topic |
III. Reference Vocabulary
The BCT (B) has set up a reference vocabulary of 4000 words according to language competence, can-do statements, word frequencies of various authoritative Chinese corpora, and the state of international Chinese language teaching.
IV. Score System
The BCT (B) score report records a test taker’s sub-test scores and total score, without setting any passing score. The report will also provide competence descriptions for all levels of test takers.
The BCT (B) test paper consists of three sub-tests: listening, reading and writing, with a total score of 300 points. Its score system is shown in the table below:
The BCT (B) test paper consists of three sub-tests: listening, reading and writing, with a total score of 300 points. Its score system is shown in the table below:
Table 3 Score System of BCT (B)
| Listening | Reading | Writing | Total | |
| Number of questions | 50 | 40 | 2 | 92 |
| Maximum score of sub-test | 100 | 100 | 100 | 300 |
V. Test Principles
Promote learning through examination: encourage Chinese language learners’ interest and confidence, and further broaden the scope of the test in accordance with the actual demands of overseas Business Chinese learners and Chinese speakers in a general working environment.
Promote teaching through examination: provide teachers and self-learners with graded, task-based teaching resources and suggestions related to business Chinese, and help teaching and training institutions systematically and effectively improve business Chinese learners and speakers’ Chinese language communicative competence in a realistic business environment.
Provide positive feedback for test takers: evaluate test takers’ ability to complete various language tasks in a business environment by asking them to carry out a series of typical business language tasks and provide positive feedback for Chinese language learners to plan their future studies.
Promote teaching through examination: provide teachers and self-learners with graded, task-based teaching resources and suggestions related to business Chinese, and help teaching and training institutions systematically and effectively improve business Chinese learners and speakers’ Chinese language communicative competence in a realistic business environment.
Provide positive feedback for test takers: evaluate test takers’ ability to complete various language tasks in a business environment by asking them to carry out a series of typical business language tasks and provide positive feedback for Chinese language learners to plan their future studies.
VI. Test Purposes
1.Provide a basis for employers to assess non-native Chinese speakers’ (candidates) Chinese competence in daily work. Test scores can be used as a reference for employee recruitment, selection, placement and promotion.
- Help relevant teaching and training institutions to assess students’ business Chinese proficiency in recruitment, class divisions, and granting credits.
- Help learners to evaluate and improve their business Chinese competence.
BCT (OraliBT)
The BCT (Oral iBT), a Computer Adaptive Test(CAT), is an international, standardized test in Chinese language proficiency that focuses on testing non-native Chinese speakers’ abilities to use the Chinese Oral language in real business or common working environments, and that evaluates the language tasks they are able to complete. Following the principle of practicality, oriented towards speaking and listening, and emphasizing abilities in the workplace, this test aims to recreate actual situations in the workplace and takes practical content for communications as the method of examining test takers’ abilities to use Oral Chinese to meet their needs in the working environment conducted via Internet, according to their characteristics and occupation.
I. Test Structure
Table 1 Structure of BCT (Oral iBT)
| Test Item | Number of Questions | Duration of Test (minutes) |
| Section 1 | 4 | 2 |
| Section 2 | 4 | 2 |
| Section 3 | 3 | 5 |
| Section 4 | 3 | 5 |
| Section 5 | 1 | 6 |
| Login, Volume Adjustment, Questionnaire (Ahead of the Test) | 5 | |
| Total | 15 | 25 |
The test lasts 25 minutes in total (including time for the test takers to login in to the system, adjust devices and answer the questionnaire).
The first part includes four questions. The test takers shall listen to each question once, and will be afforded the opportunity to listen to the questions a second time. Each question contains one question with a picture. The test takers shall refer to the picture to answer the question.
The second part includes four questions. The test takers shall listen to each question once, and will be afforded the opportunity to listen to the questions a second time. Each question contains one question with a picture. The test takers shall answer the questions as required.
The third part includes three questions. The test takers shall listen to each question once, and will be afforded the opportunity to listen to the questions a second time. Each question contains a scenario description with a request or question as well as a picture as reference for the test takers.
The fourth part includes three questions. The test takers shall listen to each question once, and will be afforded the opportunity to listen to the questions a second time. Each question contains a background description. The test takers shall answer the questions as required.
The fifth section consists of only one question. The test takers shall listen to each question once, and will have the opportunity to listen to the question a second time. This question contains a background description and requirements with four pictures for the test takers’ reference.
The first part includes four questions. The test takers shall listen to each question once, and will be afforded the opportunity to listen to the questions a second time. Each question contains one question with a picture. The test takers shall refer to the picture to answer the question.
The second part includes four questions. The test takers shall listen to each question once, and will be afforded the opportunity to listen to the questions a second time. Each question contains one question with a picture. The test takers shall answer the questions as required.
The third part includes three questions. The test takers shall listen to each question once, and will be afforded the opportunity to listen to the questions a second time. Each question contains a scenario description with a request or question as well as a picture as reference for the test takers.
The fourth part includes three questions. The test takers shall listen to each question once, and will be afforded the opportunity to listen to the questions a second time. Each question contains a background description. The test takers shall answer the questions as required.
The fifth section consists of only one question. The test takers shall listen to each question once, and will have the opportunity to listen to the question a second time. This question contains a background description and requirements with four pictures for the test takers’ reference.
II. Competence Description and Content Illustration of BCT (Oral iBT)
The BCT (Oral iBT) examines the communicative competence of test takers in realistic situations when using Chinese. The competence description and content illustration are listed in the table below:
Table 2 Competence Description and Content Illustration of the BCT (Oral iBT))
| Subject | Task |
| ♦ Personal Information | ♦ be able to introduce basic, personal information such as name, nationality, etc. |
| ♦ Description of Route | ♦ be able to briefly describe directions for walking or driving to various locations, such as where the toilet is located |
| ♦ Description of Living Conditions | ♦ be able to briefly describe daily living arrangements, such as daily living habits |
| ♦ Personal Affairs | ♦be able to briefly introduce personal affairs, such as a simple work experience |
| ♦ Information About Others | ♦be able to briefly introduce a person, such as his/her company, position, contact information, etc. |
| ♦Basic Personal Job Information | ♦be able to introduce basic personal information such as company, position, contact information, etc. |
| ♦ Personal Work Information | ♦ be able to introduce personal information, such as job responsibilities, scope of work, etc. |
| ♦ Company Information | ♦ be able to introduce basic information about the company where he/she works |
| ♦ Company product Information | ♦ be able to briefly introduce the main products of his/her company |
| ♦Work Description | ♦be able to briefly describe work arrangement, such as schedule of projects, meetings, and etc. |
| ♦ General Topics | ♦ be able to express personal opinions on topics of general interest such as weather, hobbies, etc. |
| ♦ Work-related Topics | ♦ be able to explain personal ideas on work-related topics, such as the evaluation of a product, the perception of the company’s future development, etc. |
| ♦ Project Information | ♦be able to introduce the main business scope of his/her company |
| ♦TaskExecution Description | ♦be able to briefly describe how to perform a routine task |
| ♦ Work-related Topics | ♦be able to discuss work-related topics, such as personal career goals and plans for the future |
| ♦ Speeches | ♦be able to prepare speeches on topics of interest such as hobbies |
| ♦ Remarks | ♦be able to deliver remarks in different occasions, such as toast, opening words, thank-you remarks and etc. |
| ♦ Work-related Topics | ♦ be able to conduct work-related conversations such as reporting on work progress |
| ♦ Work-related Topics | ♦ be able to engage in discussion on work-related topics such as explaining charts |
III. Reference Vocabulary
The BCT (Oral iBT) has set up a reference vocabulary of 4000 words according to language competence, can-do statements, word frequencies of various authoritative Chinese corpora, and the state of international Chinese language teaching.
IV. Score System
The BCT (Oral iBT) score report records a test taker’s sub-test scores and total score, without setting any passing score. The report will also provide competence descriptions for all levels of test takers.
The BCT (Oral iBT) test paper consists of five sub-tests, with a total score of 500 points. Its score system is shown in the table below:
The BCT (Oral iBT) test paper consists of five sub-tests, with a total score of 500 points. Its score system is shown in the table below:
Table 3 Score System of BCT (Oral iBT)
| Section 1 | Section 2 | Section 3 | Section 4 | Section 5 | Total | |
| Number of questions | 4 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 1 | 15 |
| Maximum score of sub-test | 80 | 100 | 120 | 120 | 80 | 500 |
V. Test Principles
Promote learning through examination: encourage Chinese language learners’ interest and confidence, and further broaden the scope of the test in accordance with the actual demands of overseas Business Chinese learners and Chinese speakers in a general working environment.
Promote teaching through examination: provide teachers and self-learners with graded, task-based teaching resources and suggestions related to business Chinese, and help teaching and training institutions systematically and effectively improve business Chinese learners and speakers’ Chinese language communicative competence in a realistic business environment.
Provide positive feedback for test takers: evaluate test takers’ ability to complete various language tasks in a business environment by asking them to carry out a series of typical business language tasks and provide positive feedback for Chinese language learners to plan their future studies.
Promote teaching through examination: provide teachers and self-learners with graded, task-based teaching resources and suggestions related to business Chinese, and help teaching and training institutions systematically and effectively improve business Chinese learners and speakers’ Chinese language communicative competence in a realistic business environment.
Provide positive feedback for test takers: evaluate test takers’ ability to complete various language tasks in a business environment by asking them to carry out a series of typical business language tasks and provide positive feedback for Chinese language learners to plan their future studies.
VI. Test Purposes
1.Provide a basis for employers to assess non-native Chinese speakers’ (candidates) Chinese competence in daily work. Test scores can be used as a reference for employee recruitment, selection, placement and promotion.
- Help relevant teaching and training institutions to assess students’ business Chinese proficiency in recruitment, class divisions, and granting credits.
- Help learners to evaluate and improve their business Chinese competence.