Chinese Proficiency Test (HSK)

China's Hanyu Shuiping Kaoshi, known as HSK or the Chinese Proficiency Test is a standardized test at the state level designed and developed to measure the Chinese proficiency of foreigners, overseas Chinese and students from Chinese national minorities.

Introduction

In order to better satisfy the demand for adequate Chinese language tests in overseas countries, HANBAN has applied the latest research methodology in foreign-language testing to develop a new HSK test, which initiated on May 30, 2009 and will continue on November 8, 2009 and onward throughout 2010.

The new HSK is an international standardized exam that 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. The new HSK consists of a writing test and a speaking test, which are independent of each other.

Application Requirements

HSK (Basic) applies to learners with basic Chinese proficiencies, namely, those who have taken 100 to 800 hours of regular modern Chinese learning (including those with the equivalent learning experiences). HSK (Elementary-Intermediate) is for those who are at the elementary and intermediate level in Chinese proficiency, i.e. those who have taken 400-2000 regular hours of modern Chinese courses (including those whose proficiency in Chinese is similar to that standard). The HSK (Advanced) is designed to measure the Chinese proficiency of those who are proficient in Chinese, i.e. who have taken 3000 regular hours or more modern Chinese learning (including those whose proficiency in Chinese is similar to that Standard).

Procedures of Registration

1. On-line registration

2. Register on the spot

When registering in person, candidates must bring two recent 30 x 40 mm photos (without headwear) and present one piece of photo identification, such as a passport or a residence permit.

After registering, every candidate will get an admission ticket and a handbook about the HSK. Candidates should arrive at the site before the time specified on your admission ticket.

3. Register by mail

Candidates living where there are no local test centers may register by mail. Applications must be sent to the test center by registered mail at least one week before the final registration deadline and enclose a photocopy of an official piece of identification, a resume (including Chinese and English names, sex, nationality, and date of birth), a detailed mail address, and two recent 30 x 40 mm photos (without headwear). In addition, fees for the test and registration must be sent to the registration site by mail. Telephone registration is not accepted. The admission ticket will be given to the candidate in person upon his or her arrival at the testing site.

Issuing and validity

The HSK certificate and score report will be mailed to the HSK centers or agencies by the sponsoring institution within two months after the test date. The candidates may get the certificate and score report either by collecting themselves at the test center or by mail from the test center. 

The HSK certificate has permanent validity, whereas the period of validity of the score report, as a certification for foreign students to enter a college or university in China, is two years (beginning from the date when the test is administered).

Test Time schedule

For those who take HSK tests in Mainland China. Below is a reference for test fees and relative dates of different levels of HSK