Complete Guide for Australians: The Test of Chinese as a Foreign Language (TOCFL)
What is the TOCFL?
The Test of Chinese as a Foreign Language (TOCFL) is Taiwan’s official Mandarin proficiency test for non-native speakers run by the Steering Committee for the Test Of Proficiency-Huayu.
Proficiency Levels
The TOCFL has six levels from beginner to native-equivalent. Level-3 or above is required to work and study in most Mandarin speaking environments in Taiwan.
Test types
There are three test types with both traditional and simplified character options: Listening & Reading, Speaking, and Writing. Many test takers begin with Listening & Reading as this is the minimum requirement for most scholarships and university courses, and add Speaking and Writing as needed.
Many Listening & Reading tests use a Computerized Adaptive Test (CAT) format, which is open to all levels and adjusts difficulty according to performance. TOCFL also offers a free Listening & Reading ‘speedy screening’ mock test on their website. It goes for about 30min and allows you to gauge your level and prepare for a formal test.
Where can you sit the TOCFL in Australia?
The Steering Committee for the Test of Proficiency–Huayu runs regular TOCFL sessions in Taiwan and around the world. In Australia, TOCFLs are held annually in Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth around Sept-Oct with test dates announced on the TECO website every year around June. General and children test fees are $45 and $20 respectively.
Online TOCFL
The TOCFL ‘home edition’ is available for those who cannot make the in-person tests. It is held virtually for about 2.5 hours and cost a flat fee of NTD$3,000. The home edition covers Listening & Reading bands A, B and C. Test slots are published monthly on the TOCFL website.
What can you use TOCFL for?
A TOCFL certificate is accepted in Taiwan for study, work and scholarships language requirements (e.g. Taiwan Scholarship, Huayu Enrichment Scholarship). Beyond this, TOCFL is a credible way to benchmark your progress, set learning goals, and communicate your level to schools and employers worldwide.
