TOCFL – Test of Chinese as a Foreign Language

When it comes to choosing a Mandarin exam, most prefer HSK. Many don’t even know or consider TOCFL (Test of Chinese as a Foreign Language). 

But probably, you should rethink.

How is this different from HSK? Is there any actual benefit? What are the test centers, dates, exam structure, fee, and syllabus for 2025? How can you apply and prepare?

Everything you want to understand about this Chinese exam is here. Let’s start!

What is the TOCFL Chinese Test?

TOCFL stands for “Test of Chinese as a Foreign Language.” This is the standardized Mandarin exam promoted by the Republic of China (ROC), i.e., Taiwan.

The test measures the Mandarin ability of non-native speakers and overseas Chinese worldwide.

This means anyone who is not a valid citizen of Taiwan can take the test to check their Chinese ability.

Who conducts the exam?

The Steering Committee for the Test Of Proficiency-Huayu (SC-TOP) manages the test.

It operates under the Ministry of Education of the Republic of China.

When it started in 2005, it was TOP, i.e., Test Of Proficiency-Huayu. The latest version came into existence in 2013.

Recognition of TOCFL worldwide

The government of Taiwan approves TOCFL as proof of the Chinese language.

Thus, all universities, academic institutions, and foreign and government organizations in Taiwan accept it.

Approximately one hundred educational and business organizations in Australia, Japan, Indonesia, South Korea, Switzerland, the USA, Vietnam, Thailand, etc., use it to check students’ Chinese competence.

Many companies are looking to hire people for jobs requiring Chinese. They accept the TOCFL scores, which have recently earned a favorable reputation.

Remember that this certification is not recognized in mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macau.

In these places, one has to take HSK. Likewise, it is not available and supported in Taiwan.

Benefits of the TOCFL Mandarin Test

There are many obvious advantages. Here are some well-known ones.

1. You can get scholarships in Taiwan

The Taiwan government annually gives scholarships, grants, and fellowships to deserving international students.

This scholarship includes a monthly allowance and other perks during your stay in Taiwan so that you can get a quality education at an affordable price or for free.

Who would like to miss such a once-in-a-lifetime possibility?

There are many scholarships, such as the “Taiwan Scholarship,” “The Ministry of Education Huayu Enrichment Scholarship (HES) for learning Mandarin,” and “The MOFA Taiwan Fellowship.”

There are hundreds of scholarships from Government-sponsored bodies to various companies and educational establishments for studying in Taiwan.

You can take TOCFL to be eligible. This is the most significant benefit of this exam.

Not all scholarships expect you to pass this. It depends on many factors like course, academic performance, and profile. Yet, many do demand it. In any case, it increases your chances to a large extent.

You might also need a certain level to get admission to different colleges and universities in Taiwan. The situation varies, so check with them.

2. It increases career and job prospects

Do you want to work as a Mandarin language expert in a company that trades and deals with Chinese people or businesses?

This can add tremendous value to your resume. The certification, along with your other skills and experience, will prepare you for the interview.

Although HSK is more popular, many companies still accept TOCFL scores for jobs involving Chinese skills.

And if you desire to work in Taiwan, you’re in luck. That is because it is the only Chinese certification accepted in the country.

3. You will know your Chinese ability

If you’re learning Chinese and would like to know your current language skills, the TOCFL is an excellent option.

You will identify your present strengths and your weaknesses.

This test can help you focus on shortcomings that need improvement, which can encourage you to prepare better for the next exam.

Plus, the exam structure is comparable to HSK. In fact, TOCFL is more complex. Hence, you will prepare for it and enhance your motivation.

Which test to take? — TOCFL or HSK

There are a few key differences between these two Chinese exams.

1. Importance depends on the country

HSK is useful when you apply for scholarships at universities in China. Also, TOCFL is helpful for universities in Taiwan.

This is also applicable when applying for jobs at companies in each region.

For political reasons, HSK is not available in Taiwan. Similarly, TOCFL is unavailable in Mainland China, Macao, and Hong Kong.

So, pick the test based on your study destination.

The good thing is you can take both since the exam format and levels are similar. Learning takes time, not appearing for the test. 

2. Different tests to check language skills

Both tests measure candidates’ speaking, reading, writing, and listening language skills. Still, they don’t assess all four abilities through a single test.

For example, HSK checks writing, listening, and reading skills through the standard exam. They have a separate HSKK (Hanyu Shuiping Koushi Kaoshi) for speaking.

TOCFL checks 4 skills by 3 different tests — writing, speaking, and listening & reading.

3. Simplified Vs. Simplified & Traditional

Another significant difference between HSK vs. TOCFL is the usage of Chinese characters.

HSK uses simplified Chinese characters. In contrast, candidates can choose either simplified or traditional in the TOCFL.

4. Difficulty level

Although both follow a similar format and test structure, TOCFL is more complex than HSK.

For instance, HSK VI requires knowledge of roughly 5,000 words. However, the highest TOCFL level requires you to know about 8000.

The new HSK version with 9 levels from the earlier 6 might have the same difficulty level.

Everything about the TOCFL test

Let’s find out everything about the test.

The types of TOCFL test

There are three types:

• Listening & Reading,
• Speaking, and
• Writing

Candidates can choose either simplified or traditional characters when registering for it.

Children’s Certification (CCCC)

Children aged 7-12 can take the Children’s Chinese Competency Certification (CCCC) test. It is the standard test for measuring the Chinese skills of young learners.

They designed this test to impart cognitive and linguistic aspects to Children. The topics focus on daily routines, hobbies, and the basic Mandarin language. This inspires them to continue studying Chinese in the future.

It has 3 levels — Sprouting, Seedling, and Blossoming that take 40, 50, and 60 minutes to finish the exam. The test covers only the reading and listening sections.

TOCFL (Computerized Adaptive Test)

The TOCFL Computerized Adaptive Test (CAT) has two modules — listening and reading.

CAT’s concept came from the Rasch model and Item Response Theory (ITR). Here, the computer decides the following question based on the previous response.

This takes less time as questions depend on your abilities, and results are more accurate.

A single multilevel test grades your Chinese from 0 to 100. So, you won’t pass or fail, but you will find your exact level.

How many levels are there?

There are four TOCFL test bands: Novice (Pre-Beginners), Band A (Beginner), Band B (Intermediate), and Band C (Advanced).

Each of these bands is further subdivided into 2 sublevels. Thus, there are eight levels in total.

Level 8 is the hardest one, whereas level 1 is the easiest.

They claim it matches CERF. For example, levels 1 and 2 are like A1 and A2, 3 and 4 are like B1 and B2, and 5 and 6 are comparable to C1 and C2.

Test structure

You can find the 2025 guidelines and test format on the site. It also includes information on speaking, writing, listening, reading, speedy screenings, and novices. — LINK

Testing centers in the world

In addition to Taiwan, SC-TOP has conducted the test in several countries since 2006.

The number of testing centers is few compared to the HSK test. Still, new exam centers are added every year.

According to SC-TOP’s official website, there are 205 test centers across dozens of countries (January 2025). They also organize exams at 20 centers in Taiwan. Here is the list.

• Asia Pacific — Japan (Tokyo, Osaka), Indonesia, Australia, Thailand (Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Bangkok), Vietnam (Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang), Malaysia, India (Delhi), Korea.
• North America — U.S.A (Los Angeles, San Francisco, New York, Washington, Boston, Chicago, Houston, Atlanta), Canada (Vancouver, Ottawa).
• Central and South America — Paraguay, Nicaragua, Panama.
• Europe — UK, France, Poland, Russia, Germany, Sweden, Switzerland, Austria, Slovenia, Belgium, the Netherlands, Hungary, Luxembourg.
• Africa — Burkina Faso.

TOCFL test centers in India

It has several testing centers in India, such as Delhi, Assam, Greater Noida, IIT Jammu, IIT Indore, and IIT Madra.

Taipei Economic & Cultural Center, Delhi.
Address: 34, Paschimi Marg, Vasant Vihar, New Delhi.
Phone: 011-26150226
Email: [email protected]
Website: LINK

2025 TOCFL Test Dates

The dates differ by country. Usually, they hold the test 4 to 8 times annually.

They conduct TOCFL in India four to six times yearly, depending on the center.

Examination fee

The registration fee varies depending on the country where you sign up. 

For example, the price is between INR 1050 and 1400 in India and RM 120 in Malaysia. The cost is the same for each level.

Get in touch with your nearest test center.

How to apply?

Test-takers must choose a specific level based on their current Chinese language ability.

If you are in Taiwan, you can apply online through the website.

Check the specific sites in other countries, as every country has a different procedure.

In most cases, make the payment and send the scanned form to the official email address before the last date.

How to prepare?

Chinese is a difficult language, so it would help if you joined formal Mandarin courses in your city— Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, for example.

The official website offers many valuable resources for teachers, academics, and learners. Here is a list.

1. Teaching Resources — LINK
2. Study Materials — LINK
3. Forms, References, and Downloads — LINK
4. Recommended Books — LINK