The full name of the college entrance examination is the national unified entrance examination for ordinary colleges and universities. It is a selective examination for China people's qualified high school graduates or candidates with equivalent education. It's a senior high school entrance examination.

College entrance examination is not the only way for China citizens to obtain diplomas. There are also national unified entrance examination for adult colleges, self-study examination for higher education, RTVU and distance education, all of which are recognized by the state.