The College English Test (), better known as CET, is a national English as a foreign language test in the People's Republic of China. It examines the English proficiency of undergraduate and postgraduate students in China. It is meant to ensure that Chinese undergraduates and postgraduates reach the required English levels specified in the National College English Teaching Syllabuses (NCETS). This test has existed in China for 26 years and now 18 million people take it annually. It includes two levels: CET4 (四级) and CET6 (六级). Another kind of national English as a foreign language test is Test for English Majors (), better known as TEM. It includes two levels — TEM4 (四级) and TEM8 (八级). 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 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 mandatory for university students in China who are not English majors. It is also a prerequisite for a bachelor's degree. Many 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