CSCA Registration Guide: Step-by-Step for First-Time Test Takers

Everything you need to know about registering for the CSCA exam—from creating an account to selecting your test center.

RR
Dr. Rupesh Regmi
PhD, Tsinghua University
Updated February 2026
Flash-Pass TL;DR
  • Create a CSCA account, complete your profile, select test date/center, upload documents, and pay the fee to register.
  • You'll need a valid passport, recent photo, and payment method. Registration closes 1 month before each test date.
  • After registration, you'll receive a confirmation email with your admission ticket 1 week before the exam.

What Do You Need Before Starting Registration?

Before you begin the CSCA registration process, gather these items to ensure a smooth experience:

Registration Requirements Checklist
ItemRequirements
Valid PassportMust be valid for at least 6 months after test date
Digital PhotoRecent, white background, 480x640 pixels, JPG format
Email AddressValid email for all communications
Payment MethodCredit card, debit card, or bank transfer details
University ListUp to 5 universities to receive your scores

Step-by-Step CSCA Registration Process

How do I actually register for the CSCA exam?

flowchart LR
    A[Create Account] --> B[Complete Profile]
    B --> C[Select Test Date]
    C --> D[Choose Test Center]
    D --> E[Upload Documents]
    E --> F[Select Score Recipients]
    F --> G[Make Payment]
    G --> H[Receive Confirmation]
                    
CSCA Registration Flow

Step 1: Create Your Account
Visit the official CSCA portal and click "Register." Enter your email address, create a password, and verify your email through the link sent to you.

Step 2: Complete Your Profile
Fill in your personal information exactly as it appears on your passport. This includes your full name, date of birth, nationality, and passport number. Any discrepancies can cause issues on test day.

Step 3: Select Test Date and Center
Choose your preferred test date from available options. Then select the most convenient test center from the list of locations in your country or region.

What Documents Do You Need to Upload?

During registration, you'll need to upload the following documents:

🔬Scientist's Note

The most common registration delay is due to poor quality document uploads. Ensure your passport scan is clear, all corners are visible, and text is readable. Blurry or cropped documents will be rejected.

How to Select Score Recipients

During registration, you can designate up to 5 universities to receive your scores automatically and for free. Choose wisely:

You can add more universities later for $20 each, but it's more cost-effective to include your top 5 during registration.

What Happens After You Register?

After completing registration and payment, here's what to expect:

Print your admission ticket and bring it to the test center along with your original passport. No admission ticket means no entry to the exam.

Common Registration Mistakes to Avoid

Here are the most common errors that cause registration problems:

🎯
Check Your Knowledge
How many universities can receive your CSCA scores for free during registration?
2 universities
3 universities
5 universities
Unlimited

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, you can change your test center up to 2 weeks before the test date, subject to availability. A $30 fee may apply.
You must update your passport information in your CSCA account at least 2 weeks before the test. Bring your new passport to the test center.
No, you can only have one active registration at a time. After taking a test, you can register for another date.
Check your spam folder first. If not found, log into your CSCA account to verify your registration status or contact support.

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