2014 CCCC Test Held at Unionville High School in Markham

The CCCC test is designed for non-native Chinese-speakers between the ages of 7 to 12. The tests can be taken at one of three levels: Sprouting, Seedling, and Blossoming. These are suitable for test takers who have been learning Chinese for approximately 150, 300, and 450 hours respectively, and who have a corresponding vocabulary base of 400, 700, and 1,100 words. It is available in traditional Chinese characters and in simplified Chinese characters. The test content covers typical everyday life experiences of children, such as their daily and leisure activities, transportation, people’s characteristics, the body and health, school life, time and space, and weather and the seasons. The test material is taken from a wide range of authentic situations and is full of variety, to inspire the enthusiasm and interest of young learners, as well as help them and their teachers to track their learning progress.

Beginning in 2014, the CCCC test results will be presented in the form of scaled scores, calculated using a mathematical formula taking into account the number of questions that a candidate answers correctly, and the difficulty index of the test items attempted. This scoring method is based on the Rasch model of item response theory. The passing scores for the three levels are 117, 116, and 118 respectively, out of a potential maximum of 200. All the examinees will receive their transcripts six to eight weeks after the testing, and if they pass the level they sat for, they will receive a Chinese Proficiency Certificate.