商务汉语考试中心 BCT CENTRE

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Confucius Institute, NTU (CI-NTU) is proud to be appointed by SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG) and the Centre for Language Education and Cooperation, affiliated with the Ministry of Education, China (previously known as Hanban) as the approved test centre for conducting the Business Chinese Test (BCT) in Singapore.

The BCT is an international standardised test for Chinese language proficiency to assess the candidates’ abilities to communicate effectively and understand business terms written in Chinese in the workplace settings. It has been the main assessment tools adopted for the Chinese Workplace Literacy (CWPL) Programme/Business Chinese since its inception in 2006.

The BCT as a test series, consists of three independent tests: BCT (Speaking), BCT (A) and the BCT (B) tests. Candidates will be tested in four skills of the language, namely Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing. All tests are held in computer-based test. No submission of answers on pen and paper is allowed. Speaking Test is Computer Adaptive Test (CAT). For more details on the BCT, please visit here.


Certificate
Upon completion of the tests, candidate will be issued an electronic score report awarded by the Centre for Language Education and Cooperation, affiliated with the Ministry of Education, China.

Test Fees

  • Singapore Citizens, Permanent Residents and Long-term Visit Plus holders are eligible for SkillsFuture Funding (Baseline) covering 50% of the full test fee. 
  • Additional funding may be available for eligible participants through schemes such as the SkillsFuture Mid-Career Enhanced Subsidy (MCES) and SkillsFuture Enhanced Training Support for SMEs (ETSS).

 

Test Time

  • Registration and test payment must be completed at least 3 weeks before the test date. Any unpaid or incomplete applications beyond this date will be invalid.
  • Please email us at [email protected] for available test dates.

 

Test Venue

Confucius Institute, NTU
11 Slim Barracks Rise (off North Buona Vista Road), NTU@one-north campus,
Executive Centre, #08-01, Singapore 138664
(Nearest MRT stations: Buona Vista & one-north)

Step 1. Submit Application Form and Supporting Documents

a. Candidates are advised to read the Terms and Conditions carefully and understand the requirements before submitting the application.
b. Candidates/Accredited Training Organisation (ATOs) are required to submit the documents as listed below to [email protected], 3 weeks before test date.

Required Documents:

  • Completed and electronically-signed application form
  • One digital passport-sized photo

Photo Requirements:

  • Photo must be taken within the last 3 months
  • Front view with white background
  • No lifestyle/scenic photos will be accepted
  • Headgear and shades must be removed unless for religious reasons
  • Both colour or black and white photos are acceptable
  • Passport-sized (W35mm x H45mm)
  • JPEG photos only (not PNG) with file size from 20kb to 200kb

Step 2. Payment

a. Upon receipt of application form together with the complete set of required documents, candidates are required to make payment. Payment can be made via PayNow or Internet Banking. Payment details will be advised by the test centre.
b. Application will only be processed upon receipt of the test fee and required documents within the stipulated deadline.
c. Submission of application form and payment do not constitute automatic acceptance into the test unless notified in writing by CI-NTU.

Frequently Asked Questions

Eligibility and Registration

Q: I am neither a Singapore citizen nor PR. Can I register for the BCT test?
A: Yes. All foreigners holding a valid passport are welcomed to register for the BCT exam. The full test fee applies.

Q: What are the age and education requirements to register for the BCT test?
A: The minimum age requirement for BCT candidates is 16 years old, with no specific education qualifications needed. However, to qualify for SSG funding, candidates must be 21 years and above.

Q: Which type of BCT test should I take?
A: If you are undergoing the Chinese Workplace Literacy (CWPL) Programme/Business Chinese training, your training provider will inform you of the appropriate test based on your skills and the training program level.

Q: How do I register for the BCT test?

A:

  • If you have signed up for training with the appointed training providers, register for BCT through them. Your training provider will advise your BCT schedule.
  • For individuals, please email [email protected] for registration.

Q: Can I take BCT Speaking and BCT A in one day? 
A: Yes. BCT Speaking and BCT A can be taken on the same day, subject to availability. This also applies to BCT Speaking and BCT B. However, candidates cannot take BCT A and B on the same day.

Q: Why is a photo needed during the application process?
A: A digital photo is required for identity verification, generating your admission ticket, and for the score report. If a photo is not provided, you will not be allowed to take the test. Additionally, if the photo on your admission ticket does not clearly match your appearance, you will be denied entry to the test, and the test fee will not be refunded.

Payment and Fees

Q: What modes of payment do you accept?
A: Payment can be made via PayNow or Internet Banking.

Q: What happens if I miss my scheduled BCT test?
A: If you are a subsidised candidate and miss your scheduled test, regardless of the reason for your absence, you will incur a penalty fee of $100 (nett) per test. This is because the subsidised test fee does not fully cover the cost paid to the exam provider in China. The penalty helps to offset the costs incurred due to your absence.

Q: Can I cancel my test registration after payment has been made?
A: Yes. Cancellations must be made in writing more than 30 days before the registered test date. Test fees will not be refunded for cancellations within 30 days.

Q: Can I change the type of test or test date after payment has been made?
A: No changes to the test type or date are allowed once payment is made.

Q: If I am absent or sick on the test day, can I take the next test for free?
A: No. We regret to inform you that you will need to register and pay for the next test.

On the Actual Day of the Test

Q: What can I bring into the test room?
A: You must bring your NRIC, Passport, or Work Permit for identity verification. Without these documents, you will not be allowed to take the test. All personal items such as books, notes, dictionaries, mobile devices, smartwatches, and other electronics must be placed in the designated area.

Q: What is the admission time for the test?
A: Candidates are required to arrive 30 minutes before the test starts to complete the reporting process. Latecomers will only be admitted after a section is completed. Please note that missed questions and time will not be compensated.

Q: Can I leave the test room right after I finish the test?
A: No. You are not allowed to leave until the test ends. Violating this rule may result in disqualification.

Test Scores and Results:

Q: When will I be able to view my BCT results?
A: You can view your results online 4 weeks after the test date. To access your scores, please visit Chinese Testing International website (https://old.chinesetest.cn/goquery.do).

Q: How can I check my BCT results online and download my score reports?
A: Enter your admission ticket number (18-characters beginning with “H”, “Y” or “B”) and your English name (as in NRIC). Then, click on ‘Print’ button to download the BCT score reports. If you have misplaced the admission ticket, retrieve it by entering your English name and identification number (NRIC for Singapore Citizen and PR, Passport for others) in the ‘Forget Test Admission Ticket Number’ section.

Q: What is the passing score for the BCT tests?
A: The BCT score report provides sub-test and total scores. There is no specific passing score.

  • For BCT Speaking, refer to your score report for proficiency level details.
  • BCT A and B do not assign proficiency levels. The listening, reading, and writing components are each worth 100, with a total score of 300 points.
  • For more information about the BCT score system, please visit the Chinese Testing International website (https://old.chinesetest.cn/gosign.do?id=1&lid=0#).

Q: What is the validity period for the BCT score reports?
A: The BCT score reports are valid for two years from the test date.

Q: Can I apply for a second attempt if my test result is unsatisfactory?
A: Yes. You may apply for second attempt. However, please note:

  • Assessment funding is only eligible for the first attempt per course.
  • A 90-day lockout applies to subsidised candidates who have not undergone the CWPL/Business Chinese training.
  • Retakes within 90 days without CWPL/Business Chinese training will be charged at the non-subsidised rate.