BCT: A Guide to the Business Chinese Test
The BCT (Business Chinese Test, 商务汉语考试) measures how well you can use Chinese in real work situations — meetings, phone calls, emails, schedules and negotiations. If your goal is a career that uses Chinese, it can be a more relevant certificate than a general exam. This guide explains the formats, who should take it and how to prepare.
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What is the BCT?
The BCT is an international test of business Chinese for non-native speakers, administered by Chinese Testing International (CTI), the organisation behind the HSK. Instead of general topics, its tasks come from the workplace: understanding a colleague on the phone, reading a notice or a chart, writing a short business message, or explaining a plan.
According to the official 2026 exam calendar, the BCT is held five times a year, in paper-based and internet-based formats depending on the test centre.
BCT formats
The current BCT is organised into separate tests for different levels and skills. In outline:
| Test | Who it is for | What it covers |
|---|---|---|
| BCT (A) | Learners with basic Chinese who use it in simple work situations | Listening and reading in everyday workplace contexts |
| BCT (B) | Learners at intermediate to advanced level | Listening, reading and writing in a wider range of business contexts |
| BCT (Speaking) | Learners who need to prove spoken business Chinese | Speaking tasks based on workplace situations |
Overview based on the established BCT structure. Check the official site for the current formats, scoring and levels before you register.
Who should take the BCT?
The BCT is useful for anyone who wants to show employers practical Chinese for work rather than general proficiency.
- Professionals working with Chinese clients, suppliers or colleagues
- Students of business, trade or tourism who plan careers involving China
- Employees of Chinese companies abroad, or international companies in China
- Job seekers who want a work-focused certificate alongside the HSK
BCT or HSK?
The HSK measures general Chinese and is the certificate universities usually ask for. The BCT measures Chinese in work contexts, so it tells an employer more about how you will cope in the office. If you are applying to study in China, take the HSK; if you want to strengthen a job application, the BCT — or both — can make sense.
Key business vocabulary
Business Chinese draws on a recognisable set of words. Here are some you will meet early, in meetings, documents and messages.
| Chinese | Pinyin | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 会议 | huìyì | meeting |
| 客户 | kèhù | client; customer |
| 合同 | hétong | contract |
| 报价 | bàojià | quotation; to quote a price |
| 发票 | fāpiào | invoice; receipt |
| 预算 | yùsuàn | budget |
| 谈判 | tánpàn | negotiation |
| 出差 | chūchāi | to go on a business trip |
| 名片 | míngpiàn | business card |
| 销售 | xiāoshòu | sales; to sell |
| 交货 | jiāohuò | to deliver goods |
| 日程 | rìchéng | schedule; agenda |
How to prepare
Solid general Chinese comes first: for BCT (B), a vocabulary around the HSK 4–5 range is a sensible base. On top of that, focus on the situations the test is built around.
- Practise workplace listening: phone calls, voicemails, meeting summaries and announcements.
- Read real business texts: notices, emails, simple reports, charts and tables.
- Write short messages: confirming a meeting, replying to a client, summarising a decision.
- Rehearse speaking tasks: introducing your company, explaining a plan, handling a complaint.
- Learn the vocabulary of your own industry alongside the general business words.
Prepare for the BCT with CNLingo
CNLingo's business Chinese lessons are 1-on-1 and built around your job: your teacher uses the situations you actually face — meetings, client calls, emails, presentations — and adds BCT task practice before the test. Lessons can be scheduled around your working hours.
Frequently asked questions
Is the BCT harder than the HSK?
Not necessarily — it is different. The BCT uses workplace situations and business vocabulary, so a learner with a strong general level may still need specific preparation.
What level of Chinese do I need before taking the BCT?
BCT (A) suits learners with basic Chinese. For BCT (B), a vocabulary in the HSK 4–5 range is a sensible base, plus practice with business topics.
How often is the BCT held?
The official 2026 calendar lists five BCT sittings. Availability depends on your test centre.
Do employers recognise the BCT?
The BCT is an official test from the organisation behind the HSK. Its usefulness depends on the employer; many also look at the HSK, so check what your target employers ask for.
Can I prepare for the BCT while working full-time?
Yes. Two or three short lessons a week focused on your work situations, plus daily vocabulary review, fit most schedules.