CET-4 is a national English test sponsored by the Higher Education Department of the Ministry of Education. The main target of the examination is college students, undergraduates or graduate students who have completed CET-4 according to the educational syllabus. Standardized grades 4 and 6 were prepared at the end of 1986 and formally implemented at 1987.

The purpose of CET-4 is to promote the implementation of college English syllabus, objectively and accurately measure college students' English ability, and serve to improve the teaching quality of college English courses in China. The Ministry of Education entrusts the National College English Band 4 and Band 6 Examination Committee (1993 named "College English Band 4 and Band 6 Standardized Examination Design Group") to design, organize, manage and implement the College English Band 4 and Band 6 Examination.