HSK test is an efficient tool to evaluate your Chinese proficiency after learning Chinese Mandarin for a while. HSK is the abbreviation of Hanyu Shuiping Kaoshi ( Chinese: 汉语水平考试; pinyin: Hànyǔ Shuǐpíng Kǎoshì) that interpreted as the Chinese proficiency Test. It’s used in China as the standardized examination of Standard Chinese (Chinese Mandarin) language proficiency in daily life, studying, and working occasions for non-native speakers such as international students and overseas Chinese. This language test is organized and managed by the Hanban, an agency of the Ministry of Education of the People’s Republic of China. 

Test Levels

The examination is graded and ranked into six levels based on its duration, testing goals, and requirements. 

HSK-1: this level is equal to the A1 level of CEF (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages). A qualified test taker should be able to understand and practice straightforward Chinese words and sentences. The test taker can have basic communication and possess the ability to further their Chinese language studies.

The minimum score to pass this test is 120 points.

Test Paper sample of HSK-1

HSK-2: this level is equal to the A2 level of CEF (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages). Passed this test means you can use Chinese to communicate daily with common topics and routine tasks directly and simply. 

The minimum score to pass this test is 120 points.

Test Paper sample of HSK-2

HSK-3: this level is equal to the B1 level of CEF (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages). Qualified in HSK-3 test means you can use the Chinese language to complete basic communicating tasks in your daily life, in academic and professional circumstances. You would be able to deal with most of the communicating problems during your traveling time in China.   

The minimum score to pass this test is 180 points.

Test Paper sample of HSK-3

HSK-4: this level is equal to the B2 level of CEF (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages). People who passed this level can discuss a wide range of topics in Chinese and communicate fluently with native speakers.  

The minimum scores to pass this test is 180 points.

Test Paper sample of HSK-4

HSK-5: this level is equal to the C1 level of CEF (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages). With a Chinese proficiency of HSK-5, you would be able to read newspapers and magazines in the Chinese language, watch films and TV programs produced in Chinese, and deliver a full-length speech in the Chinese language.   

The minimum scores to pass this test is 180 points.

Test Paper sample of HSK-5

HSK-6: this level is equal to the C2 level of CEF (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages). If you passed this test, it indicates that you can easily comprehend the Chinese content in both written and spoken forms. Also, you could express your own opinions efficiently in Chinese both orally and on paper. 

The minimum scores to pass this test is 180 points.

Test Paper sample of HSK-6

The content and duration of the HSK test on different levels

Your test paper would be divided into 2 to 3 sections in the HSK test, and each section contains several questions. All of the content on the test paper will be in the form of the Chinese language.

The test paper content of both HSK-1 and HSK-2 includes two sections: listening and reading. The HSK-1 test lasts for about 35 minutes, and the HSK-2 test lasts for about 50 minutes.

The writing section is added to the paper from the level from HSK-3 to HSK-6. HSK-3 test lasts for about 85 minutes; both HSK-4 and HSK-5 tests last for around 120 minutes; HSK-6 test lasts for around 135 minutes.

There are two available channels for you to attend the HSK test. You can take the exam at the scene or take it online.

How long does it take to know my scores and to have my certificate?

Test takers can check their score reports in 2 weeks ( if you take it online) or 1 month (if you take it at a scene) after attending the test. Log on to this website: www.chinesetest.cn, you can check your results by typing your test number and name in. It takes around 1 to 2 months to deliver the certificate to the address appointed by you. 

All certificates are invalid within 2 years.

How much does it cost to attend the HSK test?

The charges for taking an HSK test are different from these six levels. Besides, this price is only available and adaptable for students registering and taking the Exam in China.

You could search for more official information on the official web page of Hanban: http://www.chinesetest.cn/index.do. 

You can also try the practice test provided by Hanban on the page below

http://39.106.164.10:16168/PracticeExamPoint/client.action

Enrolling in Keats’s HSK test preparation course

If you’re unsure about how to prepare for the HSK test, then the HSK test preparation course conducted by Keats School could be very helpful and informative for you.

By following this course, you would have an intensive and systematic Chinese study program to help you pass the test within a short period of time.

Keats’s teaching team would use their professions and techniques to share these efficient test-taking skills with you and help you master the trick of getting passed.

As an expert in the HSK test preparation program, Keats has taught many foreign students and has helped them successfully pass the test. We are highly professional in helping students master different Chinese language points and various test-taking techniques for the HSK test.

There are more tricks and advice about Chinese learning on Keats Blog.

Through social media platform below you could enjoy more free resources for learning and practising Chinese Mandarin:

Facebook: @keatschinese

Instagram: keats.school

YouTube: Keats Chinese School

WeChat Channel: Keats Chinese