HSK Preparation

  1. What is HSK?
  2. What are the proficiency levels of HSK?
  3. How does the HSK score system work?
  4. Who will need HSK?
  5. What advantages to have a HSK certificate?
  6. What is the question format of HSK Test? How long the HSK test last?
  7. What are the terms of validity of Chinese Proficiency Certificates?
  8. Where I can get HSK Test?
  9. What are HSK scholarships?
  10. Why do I need HSK?
  11. How to register a HSK exam?

  1. What is HSK?
    The Chinese Proficiency Test (HSK) is China's national standardized test to assess the Chinese language proficiency of non-native speakers. It is also commonly known as the Chinese Proficiency Test. HSK tests are held regularly both at domestic test centers and at overseas test centers each year. HSK Certificates are issued to those who have obtained the required scores. More than 140 HSK centers have been set up, and 300,000 people have taken the test.
  2. What are the proficiency levels of HSK?
    HSK is divided into three categories:
    • HSK Basic is a standardized test designed for beginners. It is most appropriate for those who have acquired 400-3000 basic Chinese words (referring to level A and B in the Outline of HSK Grammar)
    • HSK Elementary-Intermediate is suitable for persons who have mastery of 2000-5000 Chinese words (referring to levels A, B and C in the outline of HSK Vocabulary) and certain rules of grammar (referring to levels A, B and C in the outline of HSK Grammar)
    • HSK Advanced applies to those who have mastery of 5000-8000 Chinese words (referring to level A, B, C and D in the Outline of HSK Vocabulary) and the corresponding rules of grammar (referring to level A, B, C and D in the Outline of HSK Grammar).
  3. How does HSK score system work?
    HSK is scored on a scale of 1 to 11. The elementary test covers levels 1-3, the intermediate test covers levels 3-8, and the advanced test covers levels 9-11. One of the primary and most common uses of the test is for international students who wish to enroll in a Chinese university as a full time student to demonstrate the required Chinese proficiency. Generally, a score of six is necessary to enroll in a Chinese university.
  4. Who will need HSK?
    The HSK test approximates the English TOEFL. The test aims to be a certificate of language proficiency for further educational (foreign students who study in China’ Universities and professional purposes (foreign employees workin in China).

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  5. What are the advantages of HSK certificate?
    Chinese proficiency certificates issued by the State Committee for the Chinese Proficiency Test of China are:
    • Certificates certifying the possession of Chinese language skills when applying for a job on the international human resources market for which these skills are necessary;
    • Certificates fulfilling admission requirements when applying to different types of schools at various levels in China;
    • Certificates allowing their holders to be exempt from Chinese courses at the corresponding level at educational institutions.
  6. What is the question format of HSK Test? How long the HSK test last?
    The content of the beginners' HSK includes listening comprehension, grammar, and reading comprehension. The test lasts 135 minutes.

    The content of the elementary and intermediate HSK includes listening comprehension, grammar, reading comprehension, and filling in blanks. The test lasts 145 minutes.

    The content of advanced HSK includes listening comprehension, reading comprehension, comprehensive expression, composition, and an oral examination. The test lasts 155 minutes.

    Download sample test:
    http://www.hsk.org.cn/english/Intro_sample.aspx
  7. What are the terms of Validity of Chinese Proficiency Certificates?
    Chinese proficiency certificates are permanently valid. As a proof of Chinese proficiency for foreign 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.

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  8. Where I can get HSK Test?
    HSK in China
    1. Beginners' HSK: twice a year
      First time: 9 a.m. (Beijing time), 2nd Sunday of May
      Second time: 9 a.m. (Beijing time), 3rd Sunday of December
    2. Elementary and intermediate HSK: three times a year
      First time: 9 a.m. (Beijing time), 2nd Sunday of May
      Second time: 9 a.m. (Beijing time), 1st Sunday of July
      Third time: 9 a.m. (Beijing time), 3rd Sunday of December
    3. Advanced HSK: once a year
      Beijing: 9 a.m. (Beijing time), 4th Sunday of May
      Shanghai and other cities: 9 a.m. (Beijing time), 2nd Saturday of May
    HSK abroad
    The HSK is held once a year in foreign countries on either March 15, May 17, September 20 or October 25. The specific date is set by the HSK organizer of the relevant country in light of its local conditions. Here is the contact for the test center in San Francisco:
  9. What are HSK Scholarships?
    In order to encourage foreign nonnative speakers of Chinese to take the HSK, the Ministry of Education of China and the National Office for Teaching Chinese as a Foreign Language offer HSK scholarships to foreigners with excellent HSK scores.

    Foreigners who are awarded HSK scholarships are invited to China for long-term or short-term academic programs so as to improve their understanding of the Chinese language and China's glorious history and culture.

    After the completion of HSK every year, the State Committee for the Chinese Proficiency Test of China will determine the number of examinees to receive scholarships at each HSK center. The HSK centers will recommend nominees for the scholarships on the basis of their HSK scores. Examinees granted scholarships will be invited to China for an academic program in the following year. China will cover their tuition fees and accommodation fees and give them stipends for living expenses during their stay in China.

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  10. Why you need HSK?
    If you:
    • Are foreigners who want to study in any of Universities of China
    • Are young foreign professionals what are seeking working opportunities in China
    • Are oversee Chinese who want to study or work in China
    • Students from Chinese national minorities
  11. How to register HSK?
    You can register for HSK test wherever you are in the world. Please just complete the following steps:
    1. You may apply for the HSK at a nearby HSK center.
    2. You will need two 2-inch bareheaded, full-faced photos (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 need to pay an HSK test fee and registration fee, both of which are nonrefundable (your HSK center will tell you how much you need to pay). Should you be unable to take the scheduled HSK because of an event of force majeure, you need to explain to your HSK center before the HSK takes place so that the center will make it possible for you to take the next HSK without paying the HSK fee again, though you will have to pay the registration fee.
    4. If there is no HSK center near you, you may register for the HSK by correspondence. You will need to send to the center a copy of your passport, your CV including your Chinese and English names, nationality, sex and postal address, and two photos of you. You will also need to remit the necessary fees to the center by postal money order. After the center processes your application for registration, it will issue you the HSK Permit and the "HSK Examinees' Handbook." The time and venue of the HSK will be specified on the HSK Permit.
    5. The "HSK Outline," sample HSK exam papers and relevant tapes for listening comprehension are available from your HSK center.

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