CSCA Registration (2026): Step-by-Step + Troubleshooting

What is the CSCA?

CSCA stands for China Scholastic Competency Assessment (来华留学本科入学学业水平测试). For 2026 intake, some universities/programs may require CSCA or treat it as a useful additional signal. Always confirm your exact requirement on the official portal and your target university notice.

What You Need to Prepare

• Passport (name must match across all forms).
• Email you can reliably receive verification codes on.
• Personal info: date of birth, passport number, country, phone.
• Education info: school name, level, graduation/expected dates.
• Plan A/Plan B: two acceptable test cities/centers in case one fills up.

Step‑by‑Step Registration

1. Visit the official website — csca.cn/home (language toggle available at top right).
   Check the homepage banner for registration windows and maintenance notices.
2. Create a personal account — click 注册 (Register), enter your email and password, and verify your email.
   If you don't see the email: check spam/junk, whitelist the sender, or retry with another email provider.
3. Complete the application form — provide accurate personal details, academic background, and contact information.
   Double‑check passport number/date of birth; typos can delay your admission ticket.
4. Choose test date and center — select from upcoming dates and use the 考点查询 tool to find a convenient test center.
   Seats can fill quickly. If your first choice is full, switch city/center and keep proof of availability changes (screenshots).
5. Pay the fee and confirm — follow the payment steps; save the confirmation from your email or account dashboard.
   Keep a PDF/screenshot of payment and the confirmation page for your records.

How to pick a date/center (strategy)

• Earlier is safer if your target university has early review rounds.
• Pick a backup center within travel range in case seats disappear.
• Don’t guess dates: use the portal listing as the live source.

After You Register

• Exam syllabus — review scope and format in the CSCA 2026 Syllabus.
• Full test papers — practice with CSCA Full Test Papers.
• Math (no‑calculator) — see pacing and strategies in the Math Test Guide.
• Key facts — eligibility, difficulty, and scoring in CSCA Facts 2026.

Common Issues (Quick Fixes)

• Portal won’t send verification email — try resending, use a different provider, or lowercase your email.
• Payment fails — retry later or use an alternative card; keep browser pop‑ups enabled for the gateway.
• Center not visible — switch language, clear cache, or check if seats are fully booked.
• Name mismatch — use the passport name exactly; keep spacing and capitalization consistent everywhere.
• Upload/submit errors — try another browser (Chrome/Edge), and avoid mobile if the portal is unstable.

Quick Tips

• Use a consistent passport name; double‑check dates and center before paying.
• Monitor your email and portal messages for updates and admission ticket info.
• Start practice early; simulate timed conditions and review solutions.

If you’re in a rush (7-day plan)

1. Day 1: Read CSCA Facts + skim Syllabus.
2. Day 2–3: Do 2 timed subject sets + build an error log.
3. Day 4–6: Patch weak topics + do one full paper simulation.
4. Day 7: Retake your weakest section timed.