HSK

HSK Levels and for Whom They Are

The Chinese Proficiency Test (HSK) is China's national standardized test designed and developed by the HSK Center of Beijing Language and Culture University to assess the Chinese language proficiency of non-native speakers (including foreigners, overseas Chinese and students from Chinese national minorities).

HSK is divided into three categories: beginning level (HSK Basic), elementary to intermediate level (HSK Elementary-Intermediate), and advanced level (HSK Advanced).

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).

Chinese Proficiency Certificates

Successful examinees are issued a Chinese Proficiency Certificate for the examination they took. There are three levels of certificates for the beginners' HSK, namely, the levels of C, B and A.

There are six levels of certificates for the elementary and intermediate HSK, C, B and A for the elementary HSK and C, B and A for the intermediate HSK. There are also three levels of certificates for the advanced HSK, namely, the levels of C, B and A.

Within two months of the test, the HSK sponsor will send by mail the Chinese proficiency certificates and score reports to the HSK organizers. These organizers will forward the certificates and score reports to the examinees.

The examinees may also collect their certificates and score reports from the place where they registered.

The Advantage of Chinese Proficiency Certificates

Chinese proficiency certificates issued by the State Committee for the Chinese Proficiency Test of China are:

1. 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;

2. Certificates fulfilling admission requirements when applying to different types of schools at various levels in China;

3. Certificates allowing their holders to be exempt from Chinese courses at the corresponding level at educational institutions.

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.

Content and Duration of the HSK

1. The content of the beginners' HSK includes listening comprehension, grammar, and reading comprehension. The test lasts 135 minutes.

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

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

HSK Dates

The HSK is held in China and in foreign countries every year.

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

Note: For HSK dates in Hong Kong and Macao, please contact local HSK centers.

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. For details, please contact the HSK examination places abroad according to our website.