Standardizing “Yikao”: An analysis of the reform in Arts College Entrance Examination (ACEE) in China in 2024

In November 2023, the Ministry of Education of China issued a new document concerning the reform of the Yikao, also known as the Arts College Entrance Examination (ACEE), marking a new phase in the examination for all arts majors across mainland China. This study aims to explore the historical background, core changes, and implications of this reform, particularly focusing on the changes and impact on music candidates through an examination of the reformed “province-level examinations” of 30 provinces in China. Employing content analysis, we coded all data using emergent coding methodology. The findings revealed five key themes regarding the core changes of the new NACEE: (a) two streamlined categories—music performance and music education; (b) elevated standards for music literacy and professional competence in province-level examinations; (c) demands for music candidates to demonstrate robust musical skills; (e) higher requirement in academic scores; and (f) the intent to increase fairness and avoid corruption. The research emphasizes the trend toward standardized assessment in the field of music and underscores the potential challenges it may present for music candidates. While the reform of the Yikao aims to enhance fairness and standardization, it also raises concerns for non-standardized highly creative candidates.