2012 Test of Chinese as a Foreign Language (TOCFL) is accepting applications.

 

The Test of Chinese as a Foreign Language (TOCFL, formerly TOP) is a standardized test developed for non-native speakers of Chinese who wish to know their level of Chinese proficiency and/or want to study, work, or do business in Chinese-speaking countries. TOCFL test is administrated by the Ministry of Education through the Steering Committee for the Test Of Proficiency-Huayu (SC-TOP), an affiliated organization of the National Taiwan Normal University. Overseas, the SC-TOP co-proctors test administration with local Taiwan representative offices and/or educational institutions. 

 

TOCFL test aims to measure test takers' listening and reading abilities and the 2012 new version is administered on five different levels: Level 1 to Level 5. Level 1 is a pilot test, free of charge in the year 2012. Level 2 (formerly For Beginners), Level 3 (formerly Basic), Level 4 (formerly Intermediate), and Level 5 (formerly Advanced), each corresponds to A2, B1, B2, and C1 in Common European Framework Reference for Languages (CEFR) respectively. Examinees can choose the test levels best suited to them based on their Chinese language proficiency and learning background.

 

Applicants who pass the test (level 2 - level 5) will receive a certificate, which can serve as a Chinese proficiency credential for:

1.      Application for the Taiwan Scholarship （Degree Program）, for which a certificate of  Chinese-language proficiency must be submitted with the application;

2.      Application to academic programs at colleges or universities in Taiwan;

3.      A credit reference to be applied towards Chinese course equivalencies by the University Entrance Committee for Overseas Compatriot Students;

4.      Proof of language ability when pursuing employment;

5.      Providing an incentive to those students' interest in learning Chinese.

 

The Cultural Division of Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) in Los Angeles will hold the 2012 test on Saturday, March 24, 2012.  All applications must be submitted by mail or in person to the Cultural Division, TECO (3731 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 770, Los Angeles, CA 90010) before February 28, 2012. Detailed information and the application form can be found at http://www.tw.org/tocfl/.

 

The Application fee: US $40 can be paid by cash or check (payable to "Cultural Division, TECO"). Register for 2 or more persons or sign up for Traditional Chinese Character Version, you will receive a group discount and pay only US $30. Level 1 is pilot test this year and is free of charge; we will welcome the first 25 people sending in their application to take this test, however test takers will only receive test report, not official certificate will be issued for pilot test takers. The score report or/and certificate issued by SC-TOP for test Level 2~5 will be sent to the Cultural Division, TECO three weeks after the test, and shall then be forwarded to the individual test-taker.

 

The Cultural Division TECO in Los Angeles welcomes mainstream/heritage schools to work with us. We will bring in the test materials and set up a group test right at your school site, at the time of your choice. To serve the growing population of young Chinese learners all over the world, we also administer the Children's Chinese Competency Certification (CCCC) for non-native Chinese learners of ages 7-12. Interested applicants/schools located outside of Southern California, Arizona, New Mexico, Hawaii and Guam, please contact the Cultural Division, TECO Office located in your state or check this website (www.tw.org/scholarships/) for your designated office.