The direct determination method of trace composition, Fe2O3, TiO2, MnO, K2O, Na2O, CaO and MgO, and impurity elements, Pb, Cr, Cd, Cu and As, in kaolin was studied by using inductive coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). After the samples were dissolved completely in HF-HNO3 at low temperature, silicon was volatilized in the form of SiF4 and separated from the solution. Then the solution was continually evaporated to dry to get the solid substance which was dissolved by the nitric acid (1+3). The internal elements 45Sc, 115In and 205Tl were added on line and the effect of matrix, interface and fluctuation of instrument was overcome effectively by using internal standard calibration method. By choosing the optional operating parameters and appropriate isotopes of element to be detected, the influence of mass spectrometry interference was conquered effectively. The effect of temperature in samples preparation on the determination of arsenic was tested. The recovery for spiking sample is in the range from 95.0% to 101.0% and the relative standard deviation is in the range from 1.1% to 2.01%. In order to check the accuracy of the method, the kaolin standard reference material GBW03122 was also analyzed, and the analytical values conformed to standard values. This method has the characteristics of being simple, rapid and accurate, and can be used in the testing of trace composition and impurity elements in kaolin and ceramic product.