The Test Of Proficiency-Huayu (TOP, previously known as CPT) is a standardized test that aims to measure the Chinese proficiency for non-native speakers of the Chinese language.
In drawing up level descriptions, designing test tasks, testing, and scoring, TOP has been standardized and developed under the strict scrutiny of researchers and scholars in the field of linguistics, and language teaching and testing. The authentic materials used in TOP are extracted from materials in daily life. In addition, these diversified texts are derived from a variety of fields, including literature, science, art, astronomy, and history.
TOP is divided into three different three levels: basic, intermediate and advanced. The test aims to measure Chinese learners' listening and reading comprehension. TOP is a 110-minute test which consists of 120 multiple choice items. It is divided into three sections, listening, vocabulary & grammar, and reading. Test results are ranked from 1 to 7. Moreover, from November 2007, SC-TOP will offer another low level test named "For Beginners". This is a test designed especially for non-native Chinese speakers at the beginning level.
TOP test takers who meet the requirements will receive a certificate. This certificate can serve as a Chinese proficiency credential for various purposes, such as applying for the "Taiwan Scholarship", for admission to academic programs at colleges or universities in Taiwan, serving as a reference regarding applicants’ level for the subject of Chinese for the University Entrance Committee for Overseas Chinese Students, or a job-required proof of Chinese language proficiency.
Currently, TOP is offered two times each year on the first Saturday in May and November in Taiwan. The domestic test sites are available in northern, central, and southern Taiwan. Additionally, since 2006, TOP is available worldwide, except in Japan, Korea, Thailand, Vietnam, UK, USA, and France in 2007, TOP will be administrated in Indonesia, Malaysia, Russia, Poland, Canada, Australia and Paraguay in 2008. For more information, please refer to http://www.sc-top.org.tw/, e-mail service@sc-top.org.tw or call 886-2-3343-3900 during office hours.
