YCT explained: the Youth Chinese Test's four levels, the pass marks, and what a pass on the total means
The YCT (Youth Chinese Test) assesses primary and secondary school students who use Chinese as a second language. It has four written levels and a separate speaking test with two levels, elementary and intermediate. The two are independent of each other.
You pass on the total. The official pages give an overall pass mark and name no minimum for each part. The figures below are from the official test site, chinesetest.cn, read on 5 November 2026. We could not open its pages for the speaking test, so those are not covered here.
The four written levels
The exam time on each level's page includes 5 minutes for filling in your details.
- YCT 135 questions, 35 minutesListening 20, reading 15. Pass 120 of 200
- YCT 240 questions, 50 minutesListening 20, reading 20. Pass 120 of 200
- YCT 360 questions, 60 minutesListening 35, reading 25. Pass 120 of 200
- YCT 480 questions, 85 minutesListening 40, reading 30, writing 10. Pass 180 of 300
What a pass on the total means
The score report gives listening, reading and total scores. The pass rule on each page is stated only for the total: 120 or higher at levels 1 to 3, and 180 or higher at level 4.
Our reading: on that wording, strong listening can carry weak reading. A pass does not prove both are at the level, so read the two scores, not just the result.
Level 4 is the only level with a writing part. Its page still describes the score report as listening, reading and total, so ask your centre how writing is reported if that matters to you.
Validity, timing and fees
Validity has no number. Each page says only that YCT scores "remain valid for an extended period". The same site gives the HSKK spoken test two years. If a school asks for a recent score, ask how recent.
Start time: each level's page lists 09:00, local time.
Fees: the level pages give none. Ask your test centre, which you can find through the site's centre search.
Listening answers take extra time. After the listening part there is a set time for transferring your answers to the answer sheet: 5 minutes at levels 1 and 2, and 10 at levels 3 and 4. Practise it, especially with younger children.
YCT or HSK?
The YCT is written for school-age learners. The HSK is the general test from the same site, and it is the one to check first if a university or employer names a Chinese certificate. Ask before you book: a requirement that names the HSK may not accept a YCT result.
Mistakes worth avoiding
Reading a pass as proof of both listening and reading.
Reading both scores on the report.
The pass rule on the official pages is stated for the total only.
Assuming level 4 is marked out of 200.
Planning for 180 of 300.
Levels 1 to 3 are out of 200. Level 4 is out of 300 and adds writing.
Assuming a YCT result can stand in for the HSK.
Asking the school or employer which test it accepts.
They are separate tests, even though the same site runs both.
Questions
What is the YCT pass mark?
120 of 200 at levels 1, 2 and 3, and 180 of 300 at level 4.
How long is the YCT?
35 minutes at level 1, 50 at level 2, 60 at level 3 and 85 at level 4, each including 5 minutes for filling in your details.
Who is the YCT for?
Primary and secondary school students who use Chinese as a second language.
Does the YCT expire?
The official pages say scores remain valid for an extended period and give no number.
Does the YCT include speaking?
Speaking is a separate test with two levels, elementary and intermediate. The written test and the speaking test are independent of each other.
Last updated