Editing College English Test (section)

==College English Test==
Generally, all non-English-major university students are allowed to take the College English Test.

===Before 2005 reform===
Before the 2005 reform, the maximum score was 100 points. A test score higher than 85 is graded as "Excellent", and a test score higher than 60 but below 85 is graded as "Pass" in the certificate. This test was held nationally twice a year in summer and winter. The CET consisted of the non-English-specialized "Band 4" (CET4), in which certificate-holders have reached the English level of non-English major undergraduate students, and "Band 6" (CET6), in which the certificate-holders have reached the English level of non-English major postgraduates. The test included listening, reading and writing sections. The spoken test was optional.

===2005 reform===
[[File:CET-6 Score Report.jpg|thumb|250px|CET-6 Score Report for non-English-Major students]]
The CET was reformed in 2005. Several changes were made, including:

*Re-ordered and re-organized sections; more listening and spoken sections; new "Skimming & Scanning" and "Translation" sections;
*New grading system: scores are graded on a curved scale, so that the highest score possible is 710, while the lowest mark is a score of 290 (finish all questions but all wrong);
*Passing grades and qualification certificate elimination; 
*A more detailed score report on each section;
*Public service elimination: only university students need to take the test.

The CET-4 is important for university students in China who are not English majors. It is not a prerequisite for a [[bachelor's degree]] but some universities in China require students get 425 scores in CET4 to get the degree. Many postgraduate universities also require CET4 at least 425 or CET6 at least 425. In some universities, if students want to get the qualification to be enrolled as a master student without an exam(Bishi),that is to say, he or she can Baoyan, they should get CET6 certification. Many [[Economy of China|employers in China]] prefer applicants with CET-4 or even CET-6 certification.

Passing the CET is important for Chinese college students. Graduates may only be able to get a degree or a good job if they can pass the CET with a high score.

While the CET tests reading, writing and listening, it does have a separate test for speaking. The speaking test is held twice a year and only students with a CET Band-4 score higher than 550 or a CET Band-6 higher than 485 are eligible for the test.