The Test Of Chinese as a Foreign Language (TOCFL) is Taiwan's national standardized test designed and developed by the National Taiwan Normal University to evaluate and certify the Chinese language proficiency of non-native speakers, such as foreigners and overseas Chinese. TOCFL test is administrated by the Ministry of Education through the Steering Committee for the Test Of Proficiency-Huayu (SC-TOP). Overseas, the SC-TOP co-proctors test administration with local Taiwan representative offices and/or educational institutions.Besides, the SC-TOP also designed Children's Chinese Competency Certification (CCCC) for children aging 7-12.
The SC-TOP had launched the overseas TOCFL Listening & Reading test services in 2007 to meet the high demand of international Chinese learners. In 2015, the test services were widespread in 25 countries and 132 locations, and more than 220000 people have taken TOCFL. In southern California, there have been more than 4000 people taking TOCFL and CCCC so far.
TOCFL Listening & Readinghas level name change from January 1, 2014 in order to correspond to levels used by CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages: Learning, Teaching, and Assessment ) and ACTFL (American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages). This can provide a basis for recognizing language qualifications across the national boundaries. TOCFL consists of band A, B and C, which corresponds to 6 levels, while CCCC consits of 3 levels: sprouting, seedling and blossoming. TOCFL has 100 questions and the testing time is 2 hours. The testing time of CCCC is 40, 50, and 60 minutesand it consits of 40, 50 and 60 questions respectively for the 3 different levels.
The 2 tests are available in both traditional and simplified character versions.
Examinee are not required to write Chinese characters while taking the test, all answers are to be marked on the Answer Sheet with a 2B pencil.
Successful examinee will receive a Chinese Proficiency Certificate as a credential for the followings:
Become eligible for the “Taiwan Scholarship” and “Ministry of Education Huayu Enrichment Scholarship” sponsored by government for studying in Taiwan.
Qualify for admission to the academic programs at colleges or universities in Taiwan
Serve as a job-required proof of Chinese language proficiency for individuals who wish to obtain Chinese-inclusive, bilingual employment globally
Provide an incentive to those who are interested in learning Chinese
In order to encourage those tatking the test, here are some extra
benefits in 2016: ( applicants should show TOCFL/CCCC transcripts)
1. National Taiwan Ocean University offer 3 quotas for free Mandarin Chinese courses for 3 months.
2. Mandarin Chinese Center in Tamkang University offers free tuition for courses of the first month overseas.
3. National Chengchi University : Registration fee for formal courses is waived in Mandarin Chinese Learning Center
4. Others such as National Taiwan Normal University , etc will also offer benefits soon.
TOCFL Listening & Reading is a great way to challenge yourself as a learner of Chinese, also to assess your abilities in reading, listening, grammar, and vocabulary. In addition, it can be a powerful proof of language capability for individuals who wish to study, work, or do business in Chinese-speaking countries. Please join the thousands of Chinese learners in the world by signing up for TOCFL Listening & Reading and be an efficient and TOP-notch learner of Mandarin Chinese!
Things you need to know when signing up for TOCFL……
When and where will the TOCFL Listening & Reading test be held?
The Education Division of TECO in Los Angeles will be holding the 2016 TOCFL Listening and Reading test on Saturday, April 2, 2016 in Pasadena City College.
2016 Test Dates and Sites
How to sign up for TOCFL Listening & Reading test?
Applications can be submitted by mail or in person at the Education Division, TECO (3731 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 770, Los Angeles, CA 90010) before Frubuary 29, 2016.
