The growing economy in China that has stimulated business exchanges, trade, technology development and educational and cultural programs between China and the world has also prompted keen interest in Chinese as a second language studies.

In recent years, Chinese studies have become increasingly important for Canada, especially in British Columbia. Being the gateway to China, Vancouver has traditionally acted as the hub for trans-Pacific cultural and economic exchanges. It has also naturally become the home for an increasing number of Chinese language learners through the years.

HSK (a.k.a. Hanyu Shuiping Kaoshi or Chinese Proficiency Test), Business Chinese Test (BCT) and Youth Chinese Test (YCT) are the three standardized official Chinese language tests that are held at national level in China and worldwide. The goal of these tests is to access the Chinese proficiency level of non-Native Chinese speakers.

The Confucius Institute at BCIT is a non-profit institution aiming to promote the teaching, learning, testing and certification of the Chinese language, as well as to enhance the cross-cultural exchanges between Canada and China.

By establishing the Chinese Language Testing Center, we hope to provide more opportunities for Chinese language learners in Greater Vancouver area.

Dr. Lawrence Gu
Dean, The Confucius Institute at BCIT