The self-study examination of higher education has dual nature: it is not only a national examination system, but also a new form of education. As a national examination system, it is formulated by the state, and government examination institutions exercise examination rights on behalf of the state. In accordance with the goals and standards set by the state, strict national examinations are carried out for all self-taught candidates, which is a nationally recognized academic qualification.

College entrance examination is the abbreviation of the national unified entrance examination for colleges and universities, and it is the most important college entrance examination in People's Republic of China (PRC) (except Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan).

Self-taught examination for higher education, referred to as self-taught examination for short, was established with the approval of 198 1 the State Council. This is a self-study exam for higher education. It is a form of higher education that combines individual self-study, social assistance and national examination, and it is an important part of China's socialist higher education system. Self-taught examination is an important part of China's higher education. It is a national examination system for higher education based on academic qualifications. It is a form of higher education that combines individual self-study, social assistance and national examination. After systematic study, students who have passed graduation thesis defense and degree English examination can apply for granting adult bachelor's degree, take postgraduate examination and continue to study for master's and doctoral degrees.