1、About HSK and HSKK

Chinese Proficiency Test (HSK), an international standardized test of Chinese language proficiency, assesses non-native Chinese speakers’ abilities in using the Chinese language in their daily, academic and professional lives. The HSK consists of a writing test and a speaking test, which are independent of each other. There are six levels of writing tests, namely the HSK (level I), HSK (level II), HSK (level III), HSK (level IV), HSK (level V), and HSK (level VI). There are three levels of speaking tests, namely the HSK (beginner level), HSK (intermediate level), and HSK (advanced level). During the speaking test, test takers’ speeches will be recorded.

Table 1 Test Structure 

The different levels of the HSK are similar to some of the levels in the Chinese Language Proficiency Scales for Speakers of Other Languages (CLPS) and the Common European Framework of Reference (CEF); details  are as follows:

Table 2 Test Levels 

2、Test Targets

The HSK (Level I) is intended for students who have studied Chinese for a semester (half an academic year), with 2-3 class hours in each week. These students have mastered 150 commonly used words and basic grammar patterns.

The HSK (Level II) assesses test takers’ abilities in the application of everyday Chinese. It is the counterpart of the Level II of the Chinese Language Proficiency Scales for Speakers of Other Languages and the A2 Level of the Common European Framework of Reference (CEF). Test takers who are able to pass the HSK (Level II) 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.

The HSK (Level III) assesses test takers’ abilities in the application of everyday Chinese. It is the counterpart of the Level III of the Chinese Language Proficiency Scales for Speakers of Other Languages and the B1 Level of the Common European Framework of Reference (CEF). Test takers who are able to pass the HSK (Level III) can communicate in Chinese at a basic level in their daily, academic and professional lives. They can manage most communication in Chinese when travelling in China.

The HSK (Level IV) assesses test takers’ abilities in the application of everyday Chinese. It is the counterpart of the Level IV of the Chinese Language Proficiency Scales for Speakers of Other Languages and the B2 Level of the Common European Framework of Reference (CEF). Test takers who are able to pass the HSK (Level IV) can converse in Chinese on a wide range of topics and are able to communicate fluently with native Chinese speakers.

The HSK (Level V) assesses test takers’ abilities in the application of everyday Chinese. It is the counterpart of the Level V of the Chinese Language Proficiency Scales for Speakers of Other Languages and the C1 Level of the Common European Framework of Reference (CEF). Test takers who are able to pass the HSK (Level V) can read Chinese newspapers and magazines, enjoy Chinese films and plays and give a full-length speech in Chinese.

The HSK (Level VI) assesses test takers’ abilities in the application of everyday Chinese. It is the counterpart of the Level V of the Chinese Language Proficiency Scales for Speakers of Other Languages and the C2 Level of the Common European Framework of Reference (CEF). Test takers who are able to pass the HSK (Level VI) can easily comprehend written and spoken information in Chinese and can effectively express themselves in Chinese, both orally and on paper.

The HSKK (Primary Level) assesses the test takers’ ability to express themselves in oral Chinese. It is the counterpart of the Level I and Level II of the Chinese Language Proficiency Scales for Speakers of Other Languages and the A Level of the Common European Framework of Reference (CEF). Test takers who are able to pass the HSKK (Primary Level) can understand and use familiar everyday expressions and meet specific needs for communication.

The HSKK (Intermediate Level) assesses the test takers’ ability to express themselves in oral Chinese. It is the counterpart of the Level III and Level IV of the Chinese Language Proficiency Scales for Speakers of Other Languages and the B Level of the Common European Framework of Reference (CEF). Test takers who are able to pass the HSKK (Intermediate Level) can understand intermediate Chinese and converse fluently with native Chinese speakers.

The HSKK (Advanced Level) assesses the test takers’ ability to express themselves orally in Chinese. It is the counterpart of the Level V of the Chinese Language Proficiency Scales for Speakers of Other Languages and the C Level of the Common European Framework of Reference (CEF). Test takers who are able to pass the HSKK (Advanced Level) can understand spoken Chinese and fluently express their ideas in Chinese.

3、Results Certificate 

Test takers will receive the results for the HSK issued by  Hanban within three weeks after the test.

Score & Certificate：  http://www.chinesetesting.cn/goquery.do

As a Chinese language certificate for foreign students’ entry into Chinese colleges, the results of the HSK are valid for two years (beginning from the test date).