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2010 Test Of Proficiency-Huayu (TOP) is now accepting applications

The Test Of Proficiency-Huayu (TOP) is Taiwan's national standardized test designed and developed by the National Taiwan Normal University to evaluate and certify the Chinese language proficiency of non-native speakers, such as foreigners and overseas Chinese. TOP test is administrated by the Ministry of Education through the Steering Committee for the Test Of Proficiency-Huayu (SC-TOP). Overseas, the SC-TOP co-proctors test administration with local Taiwan representative offices and/or educational institutions.

Three types of TOP test have been developed, including TOP Listening & Reading, TOP Speaking, and TOP Writing. The SC-TOP had launched the overseas TOP Listening & Reading test services in 2006 to meet the high demand of international Chinese learners. In 2009, the test services were widespread in 20 countries and 28 locations, including Taiwan.

TOP Listening & Reading is divided into four levels: For Beginners, Basic, Intermediate, and Advanced, and is available in both traditional and simplified character versions. Examinee are not required to write Chinese characters while taking the test, all answers are to be marked on the Answer Sheet with a 2B pencil.
Successful examinee will receive a Chinese Proficiency Certificate as a credential for the followings:

 Become eligible for the “Taiwan Scholarship” and “Ministry of Education Huayu Enrichment Scholarship” sponsored by government for studying in Taiwan.

 Qualify for admission to the academic programs at colleges or universities in Taiwan

 Serve as a job-required proof of Chinese language proficiency for individuals who wish to obtain Chinese-inclusive, bilingual employment globally

 Provide an incentive to those who are interested in learning Chinese

TOP Listening & Reading is a great way to challenge yourself as a learner of Chinese, also to assess your abilities in reading, listening, grammar, and vocabulary. In addition, it can be a powerful proof of language capability for individuals who wish to study, work, or do business in Chinese-speaking countries. Please join the thousands of Chinese learners in the world by signing up for TOP Listening & Reading and be an efficient and TOP-notch learner of Mandarin Chinese!
Things you need to know when sign up for TOP……

 When and where will the TOP Listening & Reading test be held?
The Cultural Division of TECO in Los Angeles will be holding the 2010 TOP Listening and Reading test at 2:00pm on Saturday, March 27, 2010 in Pasadena City College.

 How to sign up for TOP Listening & Reading test?
Applications can be submitted by mail or in person at the Cultural Division, TECO (3731 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 770, Los Angeles, CA 90010) before March 10, 2010. Related information and the application form can be found at (temporarily unavailable) . Sign up before March 5, 2010, you will receive an Early-Bird / Group discount and pay only US $30 for registration.

 What to include with the application?
To sign up for TOP Listening & Reading test, please include the followings:
1. a completed Application Form
2. a copy of picture ID
3. Application fee: Regular fee is US $40. Sign up before March 5, 2010 to receive an Early-Bird / Group discount and pay only US $30 (All fees are non-refundable; please pay by check and make it payable to “Cultural Division, TECO”)

 Which level of TOP Listening & Reading is suitable?
Examinee can choose the test level that is most suitable for them. The following chart provides a helpful reference to different levels of TOP Listening & Reading requirement:
Level Learning Hours Vocabulary Base
Beginners 480-720 hours (1-2 years) 800 words
Basic 720-960 hours (2-3 years) 1500 words
Intermediate 960-1920 hours (3-4 years) 5000 words
Advanced More than 1920 hours 8000 words

 Where to find the TOP Listening & Reading mock-test?
Applicants can try the On-line Mock Test to familiarize with the test format. Download a complete Mock test for free at www.tw.org/top or at www.sc-top.org.tw/mocktest_e.php.

 What to bring to the TOP Listening & Reading test?
A Notification of Entry which includes the location of the test center, registration number, seat number, and other test-related information will be sent to each examinee via email before March 25, 2010. Please log onto www.tw.org/top for more info. Please bring a print-out of the Notification of Entry, a picture ID, some 2B pencils and an eraser with you to the test.

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Taiwan Scholarship Program

Ministry of Education Huayu Scholarship (HES) Program
Study in Taiwan. Invest in your Future.

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Cultural Division, Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) in Los Angeles
-- a representative office of the Ministry of Education of the Republic of China (Taiwan)