HSK Frequently Asked Questions

HSK is a standardized Chinese proficiency test for non-native speakers, you want to know more about the test, this article —HSK frequently asked questions will help you. HSK Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is the HSK Test?

One of the HSK frequently asked questions is what is the HSK test?
The HSK, China’s Hànyǔ Shuǐpíng Kǎoshì (汉语水平考试), is a standardized international Chinese proficiency test for non-native speakers that assesses their abilities in using Chinese language in their studies, work and personal life.
Hanyu    = 汉语 (han4 yu3) which means “Chinese language”
Shuiping = 水平 (shui3 ping2) which means “level (of achievement etc)”
Kaoshi    = 考试 (kao3 shi4) which means “exam”
The HSK test was launched by Hanban, known as the Confucius Institute Headquarters which is an institution that is affiliated with the Chinese Ministry of Education. The purpose of the test is to measure a person’s proficiency in Mandarin, through a series of sections that focus on listening comprehension, speaking and writing.

  • How many levels of HSK are there?

HSK Frequently Asked Questions

There are two kinds of test, one is Paper-based Test, the other one is Internet-based Test.
HSK consists of a writing test and a speaking test, which are independent of each other. The Written   test is comprised of Level 1, Level 2, Level 3, Level 4, Level 5 and Level 6. The Speaking test is       comprised of the HSK (Elementary), HSK (Intermediate), and HSK (advanced). During the              speaking test, test takers’ speeches will be recorded.

  • Level 1, Vocabulary: 150; CEF A1 –You can understand and use some simple Chinese characters, sentences to communicate and prepares them for continuing their Chinese studies.
  • Level 2, Vocabulary: 300; CEF A2 – You have an excellent grasp of basic Chinese and can communicate in a simple and direct manner, applying it in a basic fashion to their daily lives.
  • Level 3, Vocabulary: 600; CEF B1 – You can use Chinese to serve the demands of their personal lives, studies and work, and are capable of completing most of the communicative tasks they experience during their Chinese tour.
  • Level 4, Vocabulary: 1200; CEF B2 – You can discuss a relatively wide range of topics in Chinese and are capable of communicating with Chinese speakers at a high standard.
  • Level 5, Vocabulary: 2,500; CEF C1 – You can read Chinese newspapers and magazines, watch Chinese films and are capable of writing and delivering a lengthy speech in Chinese.
  • Level 6, Vocabulary: over 5,000; CEF C2 – You can easily understand any information communicated in Chinese and are capable of smoothly expressing themselves in written or oral form.
  • What is the exam content of HSK?
Level Quantity of commonly used words Listening Reading Writing Total Score(100 for each section) Passing Score Exam duration
HSK Level 1 150 yes yes no 200 120  40mins
HSK Level 2 300 yes yes no 200 120  55mins
HSK Level 3 600 yes yes yes 300 180  90mins
HSK Level 4 1200 yes yes yes 300 180  105mins
HSK Level 5 2500 yes yes yes 300 180  125mins
HSK Level 6 5000+ yes yes yes 300 180  140mins

 

HSK Speaking Test

Level Quantity of commonly used words Listening Reading Writing Total Score(100 for each section) Passing Score Exam duration
HSK Speaking (Beginner) 200 N/A N/A N/A 100 60  20mins
HSK Speaking (Intermediate) 900 N/A N/A N/A 100 60  23mins
HSK Speaking (Advanced) 3000 N/A N/A N/A 100 60  25mins
  • How to register HSK Test?

Online Registration, you can choose Internet-based Test or Paper-based Test and the test center.

  1. Go to www.chinesetest.cn  and register for a new account ( the top right corner of the page ).
  2. Then, go to the “Test Registration” button at the top of the page.
  3. You can select your test centre, date and information and click submit. (Please note that some test centers do not offer online testing, so if you select online testing, there might be no test centers available).
  4. Then follow the steps and submit your personal information, and you will be registered for the test.
  5. Pay the registration fee.
  • Where can I find out HSK Test date?

Every month the test hold  http://www.mandarinzone.com/news/

  • How do I know what level of HSK I should be studying for?

Mandarin Zone School offer free test to see your Hsk level.
HSK Self-Assessment http://www.chinesecio.com/page/testhome?test=53 You can choose                 the level it is fine for you,don’t need to start from level 1.

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  • How to attend Hsk test?
    1, Registration online or the test center and pay registration fee.
    2, Test center confirmation by email;
    3, Print the entrance ticket, taking the HSK Model test before one day;
    4, Big day – take test in center.
  • Where can I find out my HSK Test results?
    The test results dates are also on the official website on the same page as the exam dates. You can visit the official website  http://www.chinesetest.cn/index.do.
  • Materials about preparing HSK?
    HSK Level 1 to 6 vocabulary list and sample test paper.  http://www.chinesetest.cn/godownload.do
  • How can I get my HSK Test certificate?
    You will receive email about Hsk score report and pick the certificate in the test center.
  • How long is the HSK test score and the associated certificate valid for?
    Chinese proficiency certificates are permanently valid. As a proof of Chinese proficiency for   international students applying for enrollment into different types of schools at various levels in China, HSK scores are valid for two years from the date of examination.