HSK/HSKK (Chinese Proficiency Test)
- Dec 6, 2016
- 3 min read
The Hanyu shuiping kaoshi（汉语水平考试）, also known as HSK or the Chinese Proficiency Test, is a national standardized test designed and developed to assess the Chinese language proficiency of non-native speakers including foreigners, overseas Chinese and students from Chinese national minorities. Supervised by the Office of Chinese Language Council International (also known as Hanban) under the PRC Ministry of Education, HSK is held regularly in China and other countries each year.
About the HSK
Testing Purpose
Major Uses of Testing Certifications
Fees & Payment
About the HSK
The HSK measures the proficiency level of non-native speakers of standard Chinese and is used as a guideline for admission to colleges and universities in China and Southeast Asia. Test-takers are issued certificates when they meet the minimum level of proficiency required within each level of testing. Because the HSK has developed a prominent status in assessing Chinese language proficiency, it is commonly used as a reference standard in job recruiting, both within China and in countries around the world where Chinese language skills are necessary.
The new HSK consists of two independent parts: written test and oral test. The written test can be divided into six levels from HSK Level 1 to HSK Level 6. As a test of general language proficiency, HSK is differentiated by six new levels of difficulty, while the oral test can be divided into three levels of HSKK (Beginner), HSKK (Intermediate), HSKK (Advanced), and the candidates’ on-site performance will be recorded.
HSK Level 1: can understand and use very simple Chinese words and phrases, meet basic needs for communication and possess the ability to further their Chinese language studies.
HSK Level 2: have an excellent grasp of basic Chinese and can communicate in simple and routine tasks requiring a simple and direct exchange of information on familiar and routine matters.
HSK Level 3: can communicate in Chinese at a basic level in their daily, academic and professional lives. They can manage most communication in Chinese when traveling in China.
HSK Level 4: can converse in Chinese on a wide range of topics and are able to communicate fluently with native Chinese speakers.
HSK Level 5: can read Chinese newspapers and magazines, enjoy Chinese films and plays, and give a full-length speech in Chinese.
HSK Level 6: can easily comprehend written and spoken information in Chinese and can effectively express themselves in Chinese, both orally and on paper.
Testing Purpose
The new HSK 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:
A reference for an educational institution’s decision-making concerning recruiting students, assigning students to different classes, allowing students to skip certain courses and granting students academic credits.
A reference for employers’ decision-making concerning the recruitment, training and promotion of test takers.
A method for Chinese language learners to assess and improve their proficiency in Chinese.
A method for Chinese language training institutions to evaluate training results.
Major Uses of HSK/HSKK Testing Certifications
Certifying the necessary proficiency to enter a Chinese college or university as a graduate or undergraduate student
Demonstration of competence in application for an HSK scholarship for support in academic studies
Certification of exemption from taking Chinese language courses
Admission to mainland companies for employment
Fees and Payment
HSK
Level 1$20 Level 2$30 Level 3$40
Level 4$50 Level 5$60 Level 6$70
HSKK
Beginner$20 Intermediate$30 Advanced$40
PAYMENT
When registering online, you will be asked to pay via credit cards.
Fees and registration for the HSK are NON-REFUNDABLE. If an applicant cancels his/her registration more than 48 hours in advance of the test date, the registration and fees may be applied to a test date in the same calendar year, if available. Any registrations cancelled after the 48-hour deadline will not be rescheduled and all fees will be forfeit.
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