Chinese Proficiency Test (HSK)

The Chinese Proficiency Test (HSK) is China's national standardised test. It is designed and developed by the HSK Center of Beijing Language and Culture University. The HSK's objective is to assess the Chinese language proficiency of non-native speakers.

Scoring of the HSK

The test is best taken when the student has acquired 400 ~ 3,000 basic Chinese words.

Each section of the HSK has a set time allocated. During the time allowed for each section, examinees must work on that section only and are not permitted to work beyond the time limit for the section. Examinees are also not permitted to turn to a section that has not been announced or turn to a previous section.

There are 3 levels that can be achieved:

  1. Basic
  2. Elementary-Intermediate
  3. Advanced
LEVEL TEST LENGTH MASTERY REQ'D FUNCTION
Basic 2 hr 15 min 400 ~ 3,000 words Study as an undergraduate student in certain fields only
Elementary - Intermediate 2 hr 25 min 2,000 ~ 5,000 words Study as an undergraduate student
Advanced 2 hr 35 min 5,000 ~ 8,000 words Study as a graduate student

The Chinese Proficiency Test can also exempt students from taking language course in China. It is also used for the basis of job hiring decisions.

For more detailed information on the HSK Test, please click on Chinese Proficiency Test.

When can I take the test?

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

  1. Basic: May and December
  2. Elementary - Intermediate: May, July and December
  3. Advanced: May

The HSK is held once a year in foreign countries in either March, May, September or October 25. The specific date is set by the HSK organiser of the relevant country.