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Introduction

HSK Test Guide

What is HSK?

The HSK test measures your ability to use and understand the Chinese language as it’s read, written, heard and spoken with Chinese people. It`s the most accepted Chinese language test in the world.

In order for the HSK test to measure how well you read, listen, speak and write in Chinese, and how well you use these skills together, you’ll be asked to integrate these skills for the test. For example, you may read a passage or listen to a dialogue, and to write about what you learned. The HSK test measures your ability to integrate the four Chinese skills you need in an Chinese related setting.

HSK test is held regularly in China and other countries each year. Certificates of HSK will be issued to those who have secured the required scores.

HSK Levels

HSK LevelVocabularyChinese Language Proficiency Scales for Speakers of Other Languages (CLPS)The Common European Framework Reference for Language (CEF)
Level 1150Level IA1
Level 2300Level IIA2
Level 3600Level IIIB1
Level 41200Level IVB2
Level 52500Level VC1
Level 65000+Level VC2

 

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 travelling 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.

For Who

Non-native speakers (foreigners, overseas Chinese and students of Chinese national minorities).

Why Take HSK Test

The new HSK test retains the former HSK’s orientation as a general (or universal) Chinese language abilities test for adult learners. The results of the HSK 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 granting students 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.

HSK Organizer and Certificate Issuer

The Chinese Ministry of Education has established China National Committee for Chinese Proficiency Test (HSK)(CNCCPT). The Committee is the supervisor of HSK and the issuer of the Chinese proficiency certificates. CNCCPT has an office called Office of China National Committee for Chinese Proficiency Test (HSK), which takes care of the HSK affairs together with the HSK Center of BLCU.

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.

HSK Test Date (2024)

HSK Test DateTest FormDeadline of Test RegistrationScore announcement
Paper-based TestInternet-based Test at-centerPaper-based TestInternet-based Test  at-center
JanuaryJan-13(Saturday)PBT+IBTDec-17, 2023Jan-3, 2024Feb-20※Jan-29
MarchMar-16(Saturday)PBT+IBTFeb-18Mar-6Apr-16Apr-1
AprilApr-21(Sunday)PBT+IBTMar-25Apr-11May-28※May-13※
MayMay-19(Sunday)PBT+IBTApr-22May-9Jun-19Jun-3
JuneJun-22(Saturday)PBT+IBTMay-26Jun-12Jul-22Jul-8
JulyJul-21(Sunday)PBT+IBTJun-24Jul-11Aug-21Aug-5
AugustAug-18(Sunday)PBT+IBTJul-22Aug-8Sep-18Sep-2
SeptemberSep-8(Sunday)PBT+IBTAug-12Aug-29Oct-15※Sep-23
OctoberOct-19(Saturday)PBT+IBTSep-22Oct-9Nov-19Nov-4
NovemberNov-16(Saturday)PBT+IBTOct-20Nov-6Dec-16Dec-2
DecemberDec-8(Sunday)PBT+IBTNov-11Nov-28Jan-8, 2025Dec-23

※ Score announcement delayed for one week due to festival vacation.

New Change in China about HSK

From Jan 2023, if you take the HSK (Chinese Proficiency Test)test in China (including the mainland, Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan), the HSKK (Chinese Proficiency Speaking Test) has to be completed at the same time. For the following HSK levels, the corresponding HSKK test needs to be done. And the test results will be released in combination together.

Listening + WritingSpeaking
HSK 3HSKK Primary Test
HSK 4HSKK Intermediate Test
HSK 5HSKK Advanced Test
HSK 6HSKK Advanced Test

For other overseas areas, the HSK and HSKK are still separated so far.

You can check it here more about the HSKK.

Registration for the HSK test

On-line registration:

Website: www.chinesetest.cn

Official site -> User registration -> Test registration -> Pay-> Receive registration confirmation -> Print the admission ticket

1. User registration

Register to become a user of the Chinese testing service website, and remember your user name (mailbox) and password. To register, you need to fill in your E-mail address, nationality, date of birth, native language and other information.

2. Test registration

Select the test level, form (paper-based or Internet-based test), test center and date. Before registration, you must first know about what are the organizing forms available at the selected test center.

3. Upload a photo

Upload a standard, 2-ich identification photo in a JPG format not larger than 100KB. Test takers who register and choose to take the test at the test centers in mainland China are required to submit an electronic photo. If no photo has been uploaded or the uploaded one does not meet the requirements, test takers will not be admitted to take the test.

4. Confirm the registration information

After verifying the information, select “Confirm and Submit”.

5. Pay the test

Please complete the payment before the registration deadline; otherwise the registration is invalid. After you have successfully paid the test fee, the test cannot be cancelled. For test centers with online payment, test takers can directly pay online.

6. Receive the test registration confirmation

Test takers who have competed the registration and payment, and have filled in a valid E-mail address, will receive a registration confirmation 10 days before the test. If no confirmation is received, please contact the test site.

7. Collect/Print the test admission ticket

You may either log into the Chinese testing service website and print your test admission ticket or collect it at the test center. On the test date, you must bring and present your test admission ticket and identity certificate.

*If online registration is not available at the selected test center, you can go to the test center to complete on-site registration and payment.

Register Link:

HSK 1:http://www.chinesetest.cn/gosign.do?id=2&lid=826485

HSK 2:http://www.chinesetest.cn/gosign.do?id=2&lid=826486

HSK 3:http://www.chinesetest.cn/gosign.do?id=2&lid=828635

HSK 4:http://www.chinesetest.cn/gosign.do?id=2&lid=828636

HSK 5:http://www.chinesetest.cn/gosign.do?id=2&lid=828637

HSK 6:http://www.chinesetest.cn/gosign.do?id=2&lid=828638

OFF-line registration

1. You could possibly apply for your HSK at a nearby HSK center.

2. You will need two 2-inch bareheaded, full-faced pictures (40mm x 30mm) and show a valid identification card with your photo on it, such as your passport, driving license or residence permit.

3. You will have to pay an HSK fee and registration charge, both of which are nonrefundable (your HSK center will tell you how much you’ll pay). If you are unable to consider the scheduled HSK because of an occasion of force majeure, you need to explain to your HSK center prior to the HSK takes place to ensure that the center will make it possible for you personally to take the next HSK without paying the HSK charge once more, however you’ll have to shell out the registration fee.

4. If there’s no HSK center near you, you could register for the HSK by correspondence. You need send a copy of your passport to the center, your CV including your Chinese and English names, nationality, sex and postal address, and two pictures of you. You’ll also require to remit the necessary expenses to the center by postal cash order. Shortly after the center processes your application for registration, it’ll issue you the HSK Permit as well as the “HSK Examinees’ Handbook.” The time and venue of the HSK will likely be specified on the HSK Permit.

5. The “HSK Outline,” sample HSK examination papers and pertinent tapes for listening comprehension can be found from your HSK center.

Test Center Search:

http://www.chinesetest.cn/goKdInfoOrPlan.do

Faqs

How can I view my test score?

One month after the end of the test, you can visit the HSK test service website, www.chinesetest.cn. Input the nu mber of your Test Admit Card and name in the “Score” field on the home page, and then you can view your test score. Please note that the information you input must match that on the Test Admit Card.

How to get the test score report?

About 45 days after the end of the test, the test score report will be mailed to your testing centre. Please bring your Test Admit Card to receive it there.

How long scores are valid?

The test result is a long term available, but the score report to be used for the application to Chinese universities and colleges is valid within two years (from the test date).

When is the the deadline of registration for the HSK(iBT)?

You have to register and pay for the test 10 days before the test date. If you’d like to register for the test, you may call the test center.

What’s the difference between the Paper Test and Internet Based Test?

Except the Internet Based Test is computer-based, these two types of test are held at the same time, and offer the same test paper and test results report.

How much is charged for taking HSK?

Due to different exchange rates in various countries or regions, the registration fee for HSK differs. For details, please contact the testing center.

Chinese Testing International Co.,Ltd.
Tel: 86-10-59307630 59307634
Fax: 86-10-59307600
Email: [email protected]
Address: 17/F,B tower Desheng International Center Building,83 Deshengmenwai Street,Xicheng District,Beijing China
Postal Code:100088

Is the Internet Based Test more expensive than the Paper Test?

No. The payment is just the same. You may contact your test center for more details.

After the completion of registration, can I change the test date?

Before 27 days before the test, you can change the test date, without paying any fees; but if you want to change it during the period between 27 and 10 days before the test, an extra fee will be charged at 30% of the test fee. After the registration deadline, you cannot change the test date.

After the completion of registration, can I change the test level?

If the test fee has not been paid, you can cancel your registration before its deadline and re-apply for a new level. If the payment has been completed, you cannot change the test level.

How can I change my personal information that is found to be incorrect after I’ve received the report of test score?

If you, after receiving the report of test score, find such information as your name, nationality and gender is incorrect, you can log in the HSK test service website, www.chinesetest.cn, opt to apply for additional HSK test score reports on the “Personal Center” page, edit the item(s) that needs to be modified, and upload a copy of your relevant identification (passport or identity card). After the modification has passed the review by the CTI, you need to pay a certain fee before the CTI sends a remade test score report to your designated address.

How to correct registration information?

Before the registration deadline, you can log in the HSK test service website, www.chinesetest.cn, by inputting your user name and password. Then on the “Personal Center” page, edit your registration information in the “Test Record” option. The registration-related modification is limited to your personal information only and your test level and testing center cannot be modified. If it’s later than the registration deadline, please contact the testing center of your registration to make changes.

How can I get my Test Admit Card?

You may either log in the HSK test service website, www.chinesetest.cn, by inputting the user name and password, and then print your Test Admit Card on the “Personal Center” page, or receive the card at the testing center. Printing of the card is available 7-10 days before the test in general. If you fail to print it, please contact your testing center of registration.

How to pay the test fee after I completed the online registration?

Test takers who register at testing centers in mainland China can pay the test fee online. Please log in the HSK test service website, www.chinesetest.cn, and select online payment in the “Test Record” option on the “Personal Center” page. Test takers who register at testing centers in other countries and regions, if online payment for the test is not available, need to pay the test fee directly at the testing centers before the registration deadline. After successfully pay for the test, the test cannot be canceled.

How can I make up for a lost test score report? How to apply for multiple copies of the report?

You can log in the HSK test service website, www.chinesetest.cn, and apply for additional HSK test score reports on the “Personal Center” page and pay a certain fee online, then the Chinese Testing International (CTI) will send you the test score reports to your designated address.

It's been a year since I took the HSK, but I haven’t received my test results report. Can I get it now?

The validity period of test results report for the HSK 1-6 is two years (calculated from the test date). The reports will be kept at the test center within the validity period (two years). Your test results report will be kept at the test center for that time, so you can contact the test center and obtain your report.

If the test taker changes his/her address after the test, can he/she still receive his/her test results report?

According to HSK rules and regulations, test takers should contact the test center to obtain their test results reports, and address changes won’t have an influence on their obtaining the test results report. If the test center offers test results report mailing service, the test taker should contact the administrator in charge of the test center as soon as possible to change the mailing address. If the test center has already sent the test results report out, the test taker will have to retrieve his/her test results report at the original address.

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