Preparing for the CSCA Home-based Test: the first step is to confirm whether this exam format is available to you, and the second is to prepare your equipment. Below, the items to check are set out in order, with the wording kept as simple as possible so that students and parents can read it together.
First, confirm whether you can choose the Home-based Test
The CSCA has two formats: the Home-based Test and the centralised computer-based exam. Their content, duration and question types are completely identical. In other words, whichever format you choose, the exam itself does not change; the only differences are the exam location and the equipment used.
However, the Home-based Test is not something you can simply choose because you prefer it. The official website states clearly that candidates whose city has an offline test centre cannot apply for the Home-based Test. So before you apply, check clearly whether your city has an offline test centre, and only then decide whether to prepare equipment to the Home-based Test standard. Official information can be checked on csca.cn.
The Home-based Test requires two devices: a computer as the main position, used for answering questions and for front-facing monitoring; and a phone or tablet as the secondary position, monitoring from the side and behind. The whole exam is remotely invigilated throughout, and both devices must be set up as required.
You can use the following three questions to confirm things for yourself:
- Does my city have an offline test centre?
- If there is an offline test centre, does that mean I cannot apply for the Home-based Test?
- If there is no offline test centre, do I have a computer that meets the requirements, and a phone or tablet?
Once all three questions are answered clearly, reading on about the equipment requirements will not be wasted preparation.
Computer (main position)
The main position is the computer you use to answer the questions, and it has the most requirements, so check it item by item before the exam rather than discovering on exam day that it does not meet them.
System and monitor
- System: Windows 10/11, or a genuine 64-bit installation of Windows 7 SP1 or later; MacOS is not supported
- Only one physical monitor may be used; external monitors are prohibited
- Remote desktop and cloud computers are prohibited, and virtualisation features such as Hyper-V, Windows Sandbox and WSL must be turned off
- The official website notes that some devices (such as Microsoft Surface) may be unable to run the exam client
Pay particular attention to this point: students using a Mac need to prepare another Windows computer that meets the requirements, and students using a tablet or a thin-and-light laptop should first confirm that their device can run the exam client properly.
Screen and hard disk space
- Screen resolution no lower than 1366×768
- Memory no less than 4GB
- At least 2GB of free space on the partition where the client is located; it is recommended not to install it on the C drive
Camera
- Use the laptop's built-in camera, or a USB camera installed directly above the screen
- Camera resolution no lower than 720P; 1080P is recommended
The camera's position is crucial: it must film the candidate's front clearly, so do not casually clip it to the side, and do not place it on the desk filming upwards.
Sound
- Desktop computers require external speakers and a microphone
- Wireless earphones are strictly prohibited
Students using desktop computers should connect the speakers and microphone in advance and complete a test; whichever computer you use, do not use wireless earphones.
Other
- No privacy film or anti-reflection film may be attached to the screen
- Keep the power connected throughout the exam
Screen film affects the monitoring picture, so it is recommended to remove it in advance; keep the power plugged in throughout the exam to avoid a power cut midway. Once these items have been checked, the main position is basically ready.
Besides the main position, students and parents can continue by checking the following items: the secondary position, the network, the room and the desk. Confirm them in advance and exam day will be more relaxed.
Phone or tablet (secondary camera)
The secondary camera uses a phone or tablet that can open the CSCA secondary camera monitoring page in a browser. Secure it with a stand or tripod and place it about 45 degrees to the side and rear, at a distance of about 1 to 1.5 meters, with the lens slightly above shoulder height. The frame must show your upper body, the computer screen and both hands.
- First turn on airplane mode, then manually connect to Wi-Fi.
- Turn on Do Not Disturb.
- Keep it connected to power throughout.
Network
The network must be stable. A wired broadband connection is recommended, with a 4G hotspot as a backup.
- Symmetric upload and download bandwidth of no less than 20 Mbps.
- The exam system connection speed must be no less than 500 KB/s.
- VPNs, proxies and network accelerators are not allowed.
Room and desk
The room must be independent, quiet, well lit and enclosed. No one may enter or leave during the exam. You may not take the exam in a park, internet cafe, restaurant or open office area, or in multi-person venues such as a school computer lab or dormitory.
- Sit in a corner of the room, with the desk against two walls and facing the wall.
- Use a standard desk and chair; do not sit on a bed or sofa.
- Do not place phones, books or notes on the desk.
Drafting tools
Your drafting tools may consist only of a small whiteboard, or blank paper inside a transparent document bag, together with erasable whiteboard markers and an eraser.
The following items are not permitted:
- Regular scratch paper
- Sticky notes
- Tissues
- Wet wipes
- Pencils
- Ballpoint pens
Before the exam, show your blank drafting tools to the proctor; after the exam, erase everything on them on the spot, as instructed by the proctor.
Two required pre-exam tests
You must complete both of the following tests before the exam:
- Exam system personal test: check the client, camera, microphone and network.
- At least one centralized mock test: go through the full exam process.
If you do not complete these two tests and are therefore unable to take the exam on exam day, you are responsible, and fees will not be refunded.
Exam day
- The exam system opens 60 minutes before the exam starts, and device checks, facial recognition and identity verification must be completed 15 minutes before the start. You cannot enter once the exam has started.
- Place your original passport and printed admission ticket on the desk; the admission ticket contains the login account and password.
- Scan the code to connect the secondary camera and, as instructed by the proctor, show your ID, pan the room 360 degrees and present your blank drafting tools.
- If a problem occurs, first use the "Call Proctor" button on the secondary camera.
- When time is up, the system submits automatically. Exit only after you see "Submission successful"; do not delete the client files yet, and wait until results are published before doing anything with them.
Once your equipment is ready, preparing your content matters just as much: for math, you can start with CSCA.PRO's 15-minute diagnostic.