What is the YCT and Should the Kids Take It?

Some parents asked us “What is YCT and should the kids take it?”

What is YCT?

YCT stands for Young Chinese Test. It is launched in 2004 by Chinese experts in Chinese language teaching, linguistics, psychology and education based on the trends in overseas Chinese Language Teaching and learning. The purpose of the YCT is to help foreign young students to learn Chinese step by step and improve their Chinese language proficiency.

The new YCT has four levels of writing tests and two levels of speaking tests :

1. YCT1: Beginner’s level. Students will learn 80 Chinese words and have some very basic dialogues in Chinese.
2. YCT2: Students know 150 Chinese words and have some simple conversations.
3. YCT3: Students know 300 Chinese words and reach an excellent level in basic Chinese. They can communicate on familiar daily topics in a simple manner.
4. YCT4: Students know 600 Chinese words and can communicate at a basic level in daily and academic topics.

The Speaking test is divided into the YCT Beginner Level (YCT1 to YCT3) and YCT Intermediate Level (YCT4).

The YCT1 to YCT3 have a similar format: Listening and Reading. YCT4 has Listening, Reading and Writing. You can find out more information here.

Should Kids Take the YCT Test?

We currently have YCT1 to YCT3 classes for students from 6 to 15 years.

We use the YCT Standard Course Textbook and Activity Book to help our students learn Mandarin Chinese step by step and with fun.

We don’t encourage young students to take the official YCT1 and YCT2 tests. We want them to learn Chinese for fun without pressure. When they completed YCT1 and YCT2 studies, we will give them a mock test (past YCT Test Paper) and sign the YCT Awards at the back of their Textbook.

After they finish YCT3 and reached the age over 10 years old, we will suggest they sit for the official YCT test. The best way is to let them sit for YCT2 first and give them confidence and take YCT3 after that.

What difference between YCT and HSK?

While YCT is for young students, HSK (Hanyu Shuiping Kaoshi) is for students and professionals.

Below is the comparison of YCT, HSK and other language proficiency test levels.

Our students will start HSK2 after they finish the YCT3 study.

If you want your child to take the YCT test, please visit the 2023 HSK and YCT dates in Brisbane.

If you want to join our YCT classes, please enrol Weekend Mandarin & Japanese Classes (languagetutor.com.au)

If you want to buy the YCT Standard Course Textbook & Activity Book, please visit our eBay Store.