HSK Test - Hanyu Shuiping Kaoshi
Introduction
HSK (Hanyu Shuiping Kaoshi) or the Chinese Proficiency Test is an international standardized exam which tests and rates Chinese language proficiency. It assesses non-native Chinese speakers' abilities in using the Chinese language in their daily, academic and professional lives. HSK test was developed in 1984 and the first HSK test was held overseas in 1991. Since then, the Chinese testing centers have spread all over domestic and foreign lands.
New HSK Test 3.0
In March 2021, Ministry of Education released the new Chinese Proficiency Grading Standards for International Chinese Language Education. The new standards have been officially implemented on July 1, 2021. The new HSK test 3.0 will be divided into three levels and nine bands.
New HSK Test 3.02025 HSK Test Dates
HSK Test Vocabulary List
HSK Test Practice Materials
HSK Test 2.0
Comparison of HSK Test 3.0 and 2.0
HSK Admission Requirements
HSK Test Levels
HSK (Level 1)
Test takers have beginner level listening, speaking, reading and writing skills. Be able to have simple communication on familiar topics and have basic knowledge of Chinese culture. (Details and Download)
HSK (Level 2)
Test takers have basic listening, speaking, reading and writing skills. Be able to have a brief conversation on relatively familiar topics and tasks or reply to others for basic social purposes. (Details and Download)
HSK (Level 3)
Test takers have average listening, speaking, reading and writing skills. Be able to communicate and complete daily social interactions on basic topics such as daily life, study and work. (Details and Download)
HSK (Level 4)
Test takers have good listening, speaking, reading and writing skills, as well as beginner level translation skills. Be able to have complete and effective conversation on the topics such as daily life, study and work. (Details and Download)
HSK (Level 5)
Test takers have good listening, speaking, reading and writing skills, as well as basic translation skills. Be able to have complete fluent and effective conversation on topics such as complicated situations related to daily life, study and work. (Details and Download)
HSK (Level 6)
Test takers have good listening, speaking, reading and writing skills, as well as average translation skills. Be able to have complete fluent and decent discussion on topics such as work related subjects and professional level studies. (Details and Download)
HSK (Level 7)
Test takers have excellent listening, speaking, reading and writing skills, as well as elementary professional translation skills. Be able to handle conversation such as social relationships, culture and arts, sports, emotions and affections. Be able to communicate with participants at a formal conference or understand the learning materials of a professional subject and complete assignments. (Details and Download)
HSK (Level 8)
Test takers have excellent listening, speaking, reading and writing skills, as well as elementary professional translation skills. Be able to handle conversation such as language and literature, economy and politics, legal affairs, philosophy, history, etc. Be able to deliver profound conversation and discuss topics of philosophy, religions and current events. Be able to do basic professional interpreting works. (Details and Download)
HSK (Level 9)
Test takers have excellent listening, speaking, reading and writing skills, as well as professional translation skills. Be able to handle conversation such as academic research, policy and regulation, trade, international affairs, etc. Be able to debate and negotiate with business partners in formal settings and be able to understand files related to policy, regulations and research reports. Be able to make decent comments on the topic. (Details and Download)
HSK Speaking Test
PrimaryIntermediate
Advanced
HSK Test Fees
Test fees might differ due to exchange rates of different countries. Test takers need to contact with the test centers they wish to take the test for test fees.
Registration
You can register for the HSK test online: www.chinesetest.cn
Testing Purposes
The HSK test retains the former HSK's orientation as a general (or universal) Chinese language abilities test for adult learners. The results of the test can serve several purposes:
(1) A reference for an educational institution's decision-making concerning recruiting students, assigning students to different classes, allowing students to skip certain courses and giving student academic credits;
(2) A reference for employers’ decision-making concerning the recruitment, training and promotion of test takers;
(3) A method for Chinese language learners to assess and improve their proficiency in Chinese;
(4) A method for Chinese language training institutions to evaluate training results.
Results Certificate
Test takers will receive the results for the HSK test issued within three weeks after the test.
Functions of HSK Certificate
(1) Offers a reference for educational institutions to recruit students, classify students, exempt students from some courses and grant credits;
(2) Offers a reference for employers to employ, train and promote employees;
(3) Offers a reference for Chinese language learners to understand and improve their ability to apply Chinese;
(4) Offers a reference for related Chinese teaching institutions or training organizations to evaluate teaching standards and the effectiveness of different training.
HSK test began to be designed by Beijing Language and Culture University (BLCU). In March 2010, the HSK test 2.0 was introduced. The test is the result of coordinated efforts by experts from different disciplines including Chinese language teaching, linguistics, psychology and educational measurement. The HSK test 2.0 combines the advantages of the original HSK while taking into consideration recent trends in Chinese language training by conducting surveys and making use of the latest findings in international language testing.
The HSK test 2.0 has a new test structure and style of language tested. When the HSK test 1.0 structure was often criticized for testing the formal and impractical language, the HSK test 2.0 format is designed to test usage of more daily and practical language.
The HSK test 2.0 has contributed to the current popularity of the HSK among Chinese language learners. However, many teachers argue that the HSK test 2.0 is too easy. Test takers who pass the highest level, HSK 6, are still far from fluent. In 2021, the new HSK test 3.0 was introduced. This new test is more difficult than HSK test 2.0, requiring more vocabulary, grammar concepts, and handwriting.
(Contribution Source: www.chinesetest.cn)
