New Chinese Proficiency Test (HSK
To better serve Chinese language learners, the Confucius Institute Headquarters (Hanban) in China has organized experts from fields such as Chinese language teaching, linguistics, psychology, and educational measurement. Based on thorough investigations and an understanding of actual Chinese language teaching overseas, while incorporating the strengths of the original HSK and drawing on the latest research findings in international language testing, the new HSK has been introduced.
The new HSK is an international standardized test of Chinese proficiency, focusing on assessing non-native speakers’ ability to use Chinese for communication in daily life, study, and work.
The new HSK consists of two parts: a written test and an oral test, which are conducted independently of each other.
Written TestIt includes HSK (Level 1), HSK (Level 2), HSK (Level 3), HSK (Level 4), HSK (Level 5), and HSK (Level 6);
Oral TestIt includes HSKK (Elementary Level), HSKK (Intermediate Level), and HSKK (Advanced Level), with the oral test conducted via audio recording.
HSK (Level 1) assesses candidates’ ability to use everyday Chinese. It corresponds to Level 1 of the “International Standards of Chinese Language Competence” and Level A1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). Candidates who pass HSK (Level 1) can understand and use very simple Chinese words and sentences to meet specific communicative needs and have the capacity to continue learning Chinese.
HSK (Level 2) assesses candidates’ ability to use everyday Chinese. It corresponds to Level 2 of the “International Standards of Chinese Language Competence” and Level A2 of the CEFR. Candidates who pass HSK (Level 2) can engage in simple and direct communication in Chinese on familiar daily topics, reaching an advanced beginner level of Chinese proficiency.
HSK (Level 3) assesses candidates’ ability to use Chinese. It corresponds to Level 3 of the “International Standards of Chinese Language Competence” and Level B1 of the CEFR. Candidates who pass HSK (Level 3) can complete basic communicative tasks in daily life, study, and work, and handle most communication situations when traveling in China.
HSK (Level 4) assesses candidates’ ability to use Chinese. It corresponds to Level 4 of the “International Standards of Chinese Language Competence” and Level B2 of the CEFR. Candidates who pass HSK (Level 4) can discuss topics across a wide range of fields in Chinese and communicate relatively fluently with native Chinese speakers.
HSK (Level 5) assesses candidates’ ability to use Chinese. It corresponds to Level 5 of the “International Standards of Chinese Language Competence” and Level C1 of the CEFR. Candidates who pass HSK (Level 5) can read Chinese newspapers and magazines, enjoy Chinese films and television programs, and deliver relatively comprehensive speeches in Chinese.
HSK (Level 6) assesses candidates’ ability to use Chinese. It corresponds to Level 5 of the “International Standards of Chinese Language Competence” and Level C2 of the CEFR. Candidates who pass HSK (Level 6) can easily comprehend spoken or written Chinese information and express their opinions fluently in Chinese, both orally and in writing.
HSK scores remain valid indefinitely. As proof of Chinese language proficiency for foreign students applying to study at Chinese institutions, HSK scores are valid for two years (calculated from the date of the exam).
Registration website: http://www.chinesetest.cn/goliuchengtu.do
The Chinese Proficiency Speaking Test HSKK primarily assesses candidates’ spoken Chinese proficiency. It includes HSKK (Elementary Level), HSKK (Intermediate Level), and HSKK (Advanced Level), with the test conducted via audio recording.
HSKK (Elementary Level) assesses candidates’ spoken Chinese proficiency. It corresponds to Levels 1 and 2 of the “International Standards of Chinese Language Competence” and Level A of the CEFR. Candidates who pass HSKK (Elementary Level) can understand and express themselves verbally in Chinese on familiar daily topics, meeting basic communicative needs.
HSKK (Intermediate Level) assesses candidates’ spoken Chinese proficiency. It corresponds to Levels 3 and 4 of the “International Standards of Chinese Language Competence” and Level B of the CEFR. Candidates who pass HSKK (Intermediate Level) can understand and communicate relatively fluently in Chinese with native speakers.
HSKK (Advanced Level) assesses candidates’ spoken Chinese proficiency. It corresponds to Level 5 of the “International Standards of Chinese Language Competence” and Level C of the CEFR. Candidates who pass HSKK (Advanced Level) can understand and express their opinions fluently in Chinese.
HSKK scores remain valid indefinitely.
As proof of Chinese language proficiency for foreign students applying to study at Chinese institutions, HSKK scores are valid for two years (calculated from the date of the exam).
Registration websitehttp://www.chinesetest.cn/goliuchengtu.do