Jump to the main content block

Introduction of TOCFL

🌏 Introduction to the Test of Chinese as a Foreign Language (TOCFL)

The TOCFL is a standardized test designed for non-native Chinese speakers. It is aligned with the CEFR levels and promoted by the Steering Committee for the Test of Proficiency-Huayu (SC-TOP), under the Ministry of Education, Taiwan. The test is internationally recognized and credible.

πŸ§ͺ Test Levels and Recommended Learning Hours

πŸ“˜ Table 1. Recommended Learning Hours and Vocabulary Size per Level
Band Level Name CEFR Equivalent Recommended Hours Vocabulary Size
Band A Novice (Level 1) A1 240–480 hours 500 words
Beginner (Level 2) A2 480–720 hours 1,000 words
Band B Intermediate (Level 3) B1 720–960 hours 2,500 words
Upper Intermediate (Level 4) B2 960–1,920 hours 5,000 words
Band C Advanced (Level 5) C1 1,920–3,840 hours 8,000 words
Superior (Level 6) C2 Over 3,840 hours 8,000 words

🎧 Listening Test Components (60 minutes)

πŸ“˜ Table 2. Listening Test Item Comparison
Band Picture-Based Questions Q&A Comprehension Dialogue Comprehension Dialogues Passage Comprehension
Band A βœ… βœ… βœ… βœ… -
Band B - - - βœ… βœ…
Band C - - - βœ… βœ…

πŸ“– Reading Test Components (60 minutes)

πŸ“˜ Table 3. Reading Test Item Comparison
Band Single Sentence Comprehension Picture-Based Explanation Paragraph Completion Cloze Test Reading Comprehension
Band A βœ… βœ… βœ… βœ… -
Band B - - - βœ… βœ…
Band C - - - βœ… βœ…

βœ… Passing Scores and CEFR Comparison

πŸ“˜ Table 4. Passing Scores and CEFR Level Comparison
Level Listening Pass Reading Pass Total Score CEFR Level
Novice 45 42 160 A1
Beginner 60 60 160 A2
Intermediate 46 48 160 B1
Upper Intermediate 61 64 160 B2
Advanced 50 52 160 C1
Superior 61 69 160 C2

TOCFL Score Certificate and Its Uses

After completing the TOCFL, candidates will receive a score report issued by Taiwan's SC-TOP. Those who meet the score standards will also receive a Chinese Proficiency Certificate issued by Taiwan's Ministry of Education. The certificate can be used for the following purposes:

  • Proof of Chinese proficiency for corporate recruitment
  • Reference standard for corporate Chinese language bonuses
  • Language proficiency reference for universities or colleges
  • Chinese subject proficiency standard for university admission by Taiwan's University Entrance Committee for Overseas Chinese Students
  • Language proficiency requirement for applying to Taiwanese universities and scholarships
  • Proof of language proficiency for Taiwan Scholarships and Huayu Enrichment Scholarships
Click Num: