The HSK test was launched by Hanban in an effort to better serve Chinese language learners. The test is the result of coordinated efforts by experts from different disciplines including Chinese language teaching, linguistics, psychology and educational measurement. The new exam 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.
I. Test Structure
The new HSK is an international standardized exam that 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. The new HSK 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 (beginner level), HSK (intermediate level), and HSK (advanced level). During the speaking test, test takers’ speeches will be recorded.
Writing Test |
|
Speaking Test |
HSK (Level VI) |
|
HSK (Advanced Level) |
HSK (Level V) |
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HSK (Level IV) |
|
HSK (Intermediate Level) |
HSK (Level III) |
|
HSK (Level II) |
|
HSK (Beginner Level) |
HSK (Level I) |
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II. Test Levels
The different levels of the new HSK are similar to some of the levels in the Chinese Language Proficiency Scales for Speakers of Other Languages (CLPS) and the Common European Framework of Reference (CEF); details are as follows:
New HSK |
Vocabulary |
CLPS |
CEF |
HSK (Level VI) |
Over 5,000 |
Level V |
C2 |
HSK (Level V) |
2500 |
C1 |
HSK (Level IV) |
1200 |
Level IV |
B2 |
HSK (Level III) |
600 |
Level III |
B1 |
HSK (Level II) |
300 |
Level II |
A2 |
HSK (Level I) |
150 |
Level I |
A1 |
Test takers who are able to pass the HSK (Level I) can understand and use very simple Chinese phrases, meet basic needs for communication and possess the ability to further their Chinese language studies.
Test takers who are able to pass the HSK (Level II) 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.
Test takers who are able to pass the HSK (Level III) 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.
Test takers who are able to pass the HSK (Level IV) can converse in Chinese on a wide range of topics and are able to communicate fluently with native Chinese speakers.
Test takers who are able to pass the HSK (Level V) can read Chinese newspapers and magazines, enjoy Chinese films and plays, and give a full-length speech in Chinese.
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.
III. Test Principles
The new HSK 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 new HSK emphasizes the objectivity and accuracy of the evaluation and stresses the learners’ actual Chinese language abilities.
The new HSK sets clear test objectives to allow the test takers to be able to improve their Chinese language abilities in a systematic and efficient way.
IV. Testing Purposes
The new HSK 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 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.
V. Results Certificate
Test takers will receive the results for the new HSK issued by Hanban within three weeks after the test.
HSK Speaking Test(HSKK)
HSK Speaking Test (HSKK) assesses the test takers’ oral Chinese abilities. HSKK consists of three levels, HSKK (Primary level), HSKK (Intermediate level) and HSKK (Advanced level). HSKK is conducted in the form of audio recording.
I. Test Target
The HSK Speaking Test (Beginner Level) is intended for the students who have studied Chinese 2-3 class hours per week for 1-2 semesters. These students have mastered about 200 commonly used words.
The HSK Speaking Test (Intermediate Level) is intended for students who have studied Chinese 2-3 hours per week for 1-2 academic years. These students have mastered about 900 commonly used words.
The HSK Speaking Test (Advanced Level) is intended for the students who have studied Chinese 2-3 class hours per week for more than 2 academic years. These students have mastered about 3,000 common words.
II. Test Levels
The different levels of HSKK are correspond to some of the levels in the Chinese Language Proficiency Scales For Speakers of Other Languages (CLPS), and its correspondence to HSK are showed as follows:
HSKK |
HSK |
CLPS |
HSK (Advanced Level) |
HSK (Level VI) |
Level V |
HSK (Level V) |
HSK (Intermediate Level) |
HSK (Level IV) |
Level IV |
HSK (Level III) |
Level III |
HSK (Primary level) |
HSK (Level II) |
Level II |
HSK (Level I) |
Level I |
Test takers who are able to pass the HSK (Beginner Level) can understand and use oral expressions in Chinese on familiar and routine matters, and meet basic needs for communication.
Test takers who are able to pass the HSK (Intermediate Level) can understand and converse in Chinese fluently with native Chinese speakers.
Test takers who are able to pass the HSK (Advanced Level) can understand and express him/herself fully, fluently and with ease.
III Test Content
The HSK Speaking Test (Beginner Level) is comprised of three parts, containing 27 items in total. The duration of the test is about 17 minutes (including 7 minutes for preparation).
There are 15 items in Part I. For each item, a sentence recording will be played. The test takers should repeat the sentence. The duration of this part is 4 minutes.
There are 10 items in Part II. For each item, the recording of a question will be played. The test takers should provide a brief answer. The duration of this part is 3 minutes.
There are 2 items in Part III. There will be two questions on the test paper (with pinyin). The test takers should answer these questions using a minimum of 5 sentences per answer. The duration of this part is 3 minutes.
The HSK Speaking Test (Intermediate Level) is comprised of three parts, containing 14 items in total. The duration of the test is about 21 minutes (including 10 minutes for preparation).
There are 10 items in Part I. For each item, a sentence recording will be played. The test takers should repeat the sentence. The duration of this part is 3 minutes.
There are 2 items in Part II. Each item consists of an image. The test takers should say something based on the picture. The duration of this part is 4 minutes.
There are 2 items in Part III. The test takers should answer the two questions (with pinyin). The duration of this part is 4 minutes.
The HSK Speaking Test (Advanced Level) is comprised of three parts, containing 6 items in total. The duration of the test is about 24 minutes (including 10 minutes for preparation).
There are 3 items in Part I. For each item, the recording of a passage will be played, and the test takers should repeat the content. The duration of this part is 7 minutes.
There is 1 item in Part II. There will be a passage on the test paper, and the test takers should read it out aloud. The duration of this part is 2 minutes.
There are 2 items in Part III. The test takers should answer the two questions on the test paper. The duration of this part is 5 minutes.
V. Results Certificate
Test takers will receive the results for the HSKK issued by Hanban one month after the test. The test result is 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).
The full scores of HSKK beginner, intermediate and advanced levels are 100, and passing scores are 60.
Full Score |
Passing Score |
Your Score |
100 |
60 |
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