Formal imperial examinations consisted of three levels: provincial, metropolitan and final imperial examination.

The provincial examination was held triennially at the provincial city. Those admitted were called Juren (elevated men). The first place is called Jieyuan, the second, Yayuan.

The metropolitan examination was held in the following spring after the provincial examination at the Ministry of Rites in the capital. Those admitted were called Gongshi and the first place, Huiyuan.

The final imperial examination was under direct supervision of the emperor of the dynasty. Only Gongshi were qualified to take the exam. The matriculation had three levels of excellence. The first level was granted to three candidates, conferred Jinshi. The first three names set apart. The candidate ranking first was called Zhuangyuan (primus), the second, Bangyan, the third, Tanhua.

The second level was conferred the Jinshi status, the first place called Chuanlu. The third level was conferred the Jinshi status alike.