China National English Examinations
Hub for ZhongKao, GaoKao, CET-4, and CET-6. Structure references, scoring logic, reform notes, and preparation guidance.
Core examinations
Four major English assessments in the Chinese education system, administered by education authorities and NEEA.
ZhongKao English
Junior secondary entrance exam. Provincial administration; format varies by region.
Overview →GaoKao English
National college entrance exam. NEEA-administered; structure varies by province.
Overview →CET-4
College English Test Band 4. 710-point scale; listening, reading, writing, cloze.
Overview →CET-6
College English Test Band 6. Higher difficulty than CET-4; same structure.
Overview →Assessment & reform
English examinations in China have undergone policy reforms. In some regions, GaoKao English reform has introduced the option to take the exam twice per year, with the higher score counting; this is not universal nationwide. CET moved from a 100-point to a 710-point scale and introduced CET-SET (spoken English) as a separate, optional component. ZhongKao is administered at provincial and municipal levels; format varies by region. NEEA administers GaoKao and CET under the Ministry of Education.
Preparation resources
Preparation materials are published by education presses and commercial publishers. Official NEEA resources exist for CET and GaoKao. Provincial education departments may release ZhongKao practice materials. Module pages below include structure breakdowns, scoring logic, and common weakness patterns to support targeted preparation. Confirm current formats with official sources before test day.
FAQ
- Who administers these exams?
- NEEA (National Education Examinations Authority) administers GaoKao and CET under the Ministry of Education. ZhongKao is administered by provincial and municipal education examination institutes.
- Do formats differ by province?
- Yes. ZhongKao and GaoKao English formats can vary by province. CET-4 and CET-6 are standardised nationally.
- Is there an official passing score?
- CET has no official pass mark formally published; many institutions use 425 as a benchmark for progression. ZhongKao and GaoKao use provincial cut-offs for placement and admission.
China National English Examinations are administered by education authorities. EduZMS is not affiliated with NEEA, the Ministry of Education, or provincial examination bodies. This content is for informational purposes only.