How to Master the 2024 Soft Exam and Boost Your Career

Results for the May 2024 Soft Exam became available on June 25, 2024. The author passed the multiple‑choice and case‑analysis sections but failed the essay, so the overall score did not meet the 45‑point requirement for all subjects.

1. Understanding the Soft Exam

The Computer Technology and Software Professional Qualification (Level) Exam, commonly called “软考”, is divided into three levels—Junior, Intermediate, and Senior—each containing multiple subjects.

The senior level most people refer to is the Senior‑Information System Project Management (高级‑信息系统项目管理师). Since 2024 the exam is held only in May and has switched to computer‑based testing.

2. Why Take the Soft Exam

Improves career prospects and can be used for employee evaluation, promotion, and salary increase, especially in government and public institutions.

Certificates help apply for talent programs and residence permits in major cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Hangzhou.

Can be used for professional title evaluation, e.g., qualifying for associate‑senior titles.

Enhances personal competitiveness and proves capability for related job positions.

3. Choosing Exam Subjects

The exam has three levels and you can directly choose a senior‑level subject without passing the intermediate level. If your current work aligns with a senior subject, select it; otherwise you can still attempt a senior subject even if unfamiliar.

4. Registration Requirements and Exam Format

There are no restrictions on occupation, age, education, or major—anyone willing can register.

The senior exam consists of three parts: multiple‑choice (75 questions, 70 Chinese, 5 English), case‑analysis (one calculation problem and two analysis problems), and an essay (minimum 2000 words on a given topic).

5. Study Tips

Watch a concise introductory video, take screenshots of key points, and store them in an online note‑taking tool. For multiple‑choice, practice post‑2017 real questions, focus on knowledge points, and review related textbooks. For case analysis, study the “Top Ten Management” topics, practice calculations, and watch solution videos. For the essay, read excellent sample essays and practice writing.

6. Controlling Pass Rate

The overall pass rate is roughly 10 %. Examiners may adjust essay scores to keep the pass rate within the target range.

7. Obtaining Study Materials

Materials can be downloaded for free from the “龙虾编程” homepage (link provided in the original article).

Join the community to prepare together for the May 2025 Soft Exam.