International Business Chinese Test
An international standardised test of Chinese language proficiency
Last updated 10 June 2025
What is the International Business Chinese Test?
Mastering the Chinese language is increasingly important in our global business environment. It can become the winning edge in enabling the speed and effectiveness of business negotiations when working with the Chinese market.
Business Chinese is:
A nationally recognised programme
Certified by the Centre for Language Education and Cooperation, affiliated with the Ministry of Education, China
Supported with Government Funding
The International Business Chinese Test (BCT), assesses non-native Chinese speakers’ abilities in using the Chinese language in real business or common working environments.
Overview of test details and requirements
Test Package | Skills Tested | Number of Questions | Test Duration* |
BCT (A) | Listening | 30 | 70 min |
Reading | 30 | ||
Writing | 10 | ||
BCT (B) | Listening | 50 | 145 min |
Reading | 40 | ||
Writing | 2 | ||
BCT (Speaking) | Speaking | 15 | 25 min |
* Test Duration refers to the estimated amount of time taken to complete the test, including administrative procedures
How does the International BCT work?
It consists of three independent tests: BCT (A), BCT (B), and the BCT (Speaking) tests. Test-takers will be tested in four skills of the language, namely Listening, Speaking, Reading, and Writing. The structure of the three tests is shown in the table.
Trainees undergoing Business Chinese training will be advised by their training providers on the type of International BCT they should attempt, based on the skills and level of training covered in the training programmes.
Signing up for the International BCT
You can sign up with CI-NTU to take up both the Chinese Workplace Literacy (CWPL) Programme/Business Chinese training and the International BCT.
Individuals who are interested to take the International BCT without taking up CWPL/Business Chinese training may also approach CI-NTU.
Assessment centre
The Confucius Institute, Nanyang Technological University (CI-NTU) is the appointed assessment centre for the International BCT.
Confucius Institute, NTU
11 Slim Barracks Rise (off North Buona Vista Road),
NTU@one-north campus, Executive Centre, #08-01,
Singapore 138664
Learn more about the Confucus Institute.
Assessment fees
Singaporeans, Permanent Residents or Long-Term Visit Pass-Plus holders will enjoy 50% subsidies for the assessment fees.
Overview of assessment fee and subsidies available
Singaporeans, | Foreigners | |||||
Test | Assessment Fee | Subsidy (50%) | Amount Payable* | Assessment Fee | Subsidy | Amount Payable* |
BCT (A) | $200 | $100 | $100 | $200 | - | $200 |
BCT (B) | $200 | $100 | $100 | $200 | - | $200 |
BCT (Speaking) | $200 | $100 | $100 | $200 | - | $200 |
*The above assessment fees are exclusive of 9% GST charges.
*Enhanced funding subsidy of up to 70% of course fees will be available to:
Singapore Citizens aged 40 years old and above under SkillsFuture Mid-Career Enhanced Subsidy.
SMEs and SME-sponsored trainees who meet the criteria under Enhanced Training Support for SMEs.
Payment
For modes of payment and payment policy, please contact CI-NTU.
Rescheduling of test date
Please note that all registrations and payments made are strictly non-transferable between different organisations and individuals.
Requests to reschedule test dates are subjected to compliance with CI-NTU's policy. CI-NTU reserves the right at all times to request for additional information to support the rescheduling of a test date. A penalty will be imposed for non-compliance with CI-NTU's policy.
Results and certificates
The International BCT e-certificate (which contains your test results) will be ready within 3 months of successful completion of the International BCT
Three-month lock-out period
Test-takers who have not undergone or completed the CWPL/Business Chinese training prior to taking the International BCT have to observe a three-month lock-out period between tests. This policy would not apply to those who have attended and completed the recommended CWPL/Business Chinese training.
Test-takers are subjected to the non-subsidised fee if they re-take the International BCT within 3 months of sitting for the previous test without attending any CWPL/Business Chinese training.
Refund/Cancellation Policy
Prior to registration, please ascertain your eligibility as no refunds will be made. Similarly, there will be no refund for test-takers who are barred from taking the assessments due to violation of the assessment centre’s rules and regulations.
For refund and cancellation policy, please contact CI-NTU.
Certifications
Upon completion of the tests, test-takers will be awarded an e-certificate from the Centre for Language Education and Cooperation, China, which is recognised internationally. The e-certificate is a score report which records the test-taker’s sub-test scores and total score, without setting any passing score.
The e-certificate will also provide competence descriptions for all levels of test-takers and indicate the test date. There is no expiry date for the International BCT e-certificate.
The table below outlines the language proficiency descriptors of the International BCT.
Level | Test | General Language Proficiency Descriptors | |
5 | BCT (B) | BCT (Speaking) |
|
4 |
| ||
3 | BCT (A) |
| |
2 |
| ||
1 |
| ||