Introduction
HSK (Hanyu Shuiping Kaoshi) or the Chinese Proficiency Test is an international standardized exam which 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. HSK test was developed in 1984 and the first HSK test was held overseas in 1991. Since then, the Chinese testing centers have spread all over domestic and foreign lands.
New HSK Test 3.0
There has been much speculation about the new HSK test 3.0. At this point, most information about the new HSK test 3.0 are based on the new Chinese Proficiency Grading Standards for International Chinese Language Education released by Ministry of Education. The new HSK test 3.0 will be divided into three levels and nine bands. The new advanced level (band 7-9) test was scheduled to launch in March 2022.
The current HSK levels 1-6 test will remain unchanged in the near future. The current test contents, certificates and learning materials are still valid for the foreseeable future. HSK levels 1-6 test will be gradually adjusted according to the new standards based on the actual situation of Chinese learners in different countries in the next 3 to 5 years.
New HSK Test 3.0 2023 HSK Test Dates HSK Test Vocabulary List HSK Test Practice Materials Comparison of HSK Test 3.0 and 2.0 HSK Admission Requirements
HSK Test 2.0
The HSK test 2.0 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 Speaking Test (beginner level), HSK Speaking Test (intermediate level), and HSK Speaking Test (advanced level). During the speaking test, test takers’ speeches will be recorded.
HSK Test Levels
HSK (Level I)
Test takers can understand and use very simple Chinese phrases, meet basic needs for communication and possess the ability to further their Chinese language studies. (Details and Download)
HSK (Level II)
Test takers 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. (Details and Download)
HSK (Level III)
Test takers 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. (Details and Download)
HSK (Level IV)
Test takers can converse in Chinese on a wide range of topics and are able to communicate fluently with native Chinese speakers. (Details and Download)
HSK (Level V)
Test takers can read Chinese newspapers and magazines, enjoy Chinese films and plays, and give a full-length speech in Chinese. (Details and Download)
HSK (Level VI)
Test takers can easily comprehend written and spoken information in Chinese and can effectively express themselves in Chinese, both orally and on paper. (Details and Download)
HSK Speaking Test
Beginner Level Intermediate Level Advanced Level
HSK Test Fees
Test fees might differ due to exchange rates of different countries. Test takers need to contact with the test centers they wish to take the test for test fees. The following is the HSK test fees for test centers in Beijing and Shanghai in RMB (Chinese yuan):
Level Writing Test Speaking Test 1 150 200 (Beginner Level) 2 250 200 (Beginner Level) 3 350 300 (Intermediate Level) 4 450 300 (Intermediate Level) 5 550 400 (Advanced Level) 6 650 400 (Advanced Level)
Registration
You can register for the HSK test online: www.chinesetest.cn
Test Principles
The HSK test 2.0 follows the principle of “test-teaching correlation”, bases the design of the test on the current trends in international Chinese language training, and is closely related to textbooks. The purpose of the test is to “promote training through testing” and “promote learning through testing”. The HSK test 2.0 emphasizes the objectivity and accuracy of the evaluation and stresses the learners’ actual Chinese language abilities. The HSK test 2.0 sets clear test objectives to allow the test takers to be able to improve their Chinese language abilities in a systematic and efficient way.
Testing Purposes
The HSK test 2.0 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: (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 giving student 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.
Results Certificate
Test takers will receive the results for the HSK test issued within three weeks after the test.
Functions of HSK Certificate
(1) Offers a reference for educational institutions to recruit students, classify students, exempt students from some courses and grant credits; (2) Offers a reference for employers to employ, train and promote employees; (3) Offers a reference for Chinese language learners to understand and improve their ability to apply Chinese; (4) Offers a reference for related Chinese teaching institutions or training organizations to evaluate teaching standards and the effectiveness of different training.
HSK test began to be designed by Beijing Language and Culture University (BLCU). In March 2010, the HSK test 2.0 was introduced. The test is the result of coordinated efforts by experts from different disciplines including Chinese language teaching, linguistics, psychology and educational measurement. The HSK test 2.0 combines the advantages of the original HSK while taking into consideration recent trends in Chinese language training by conducting surveys and making use of the latest findings in international language testing.
The HSK test 2.0 has a new test structure and style of language tested. When the HSK test 1.0 structure was often criticized for testing the formal and impractical language, the HSK test 2.0 format is designed to test usage of more daily and practical language.
HSK Test is held by Center for Language Education and Cooperation (CLEC). It is committed to providing Chinese language and cultural teaching resources and services worldwide, it goes all out in meeting the demands of foreign Chinese learners and contributing to the development of multiculturalism and the building of a harmonious world.
(Contribution Source: www.chinesetest.cn)