All You Need to Know about HSK Test
What is HSK? HSK (Hanyu Shuiping Kaoshi -汉语 水平 考试) , is the standard exam for measuring Chinese proficiency.
Taking the HSK test is a very important part of your Mandarin learning journey. Mandarin Zone School hopes that the infomation below will help you learn more about the HSK test.
Q1, What is the HSK exam?
“HSK” stands for 汉语水平考试 Hànyǔ Shuǐpíng Kǎoshì, which means “Chinese Level Test”.
Hànyǔ 汉语 – Chinese
Shuǐpíng 水平 – level
Kǎoshì 考试 – test
HSK (Hanyu Shuiping Kaoshi -汉语 水平 考试) , is Chinese Proficiency Test (HSK), an international standardized test of Chinese language proficiency,assesses non-native Chinese speakers’ abilities in using the Chinese language in their daily, academic and professional lives.
Q2, How many levels are there in HSK exam?
There are six levels,
HSK 1, HSK 2,
HSK 3, HSK 4,
HSK 5 and HSK 6.
HSK 6 is the most advanced (HSK 2.0)
*HSK 9 is the most advanced (HSK 3.0)
HSK vocabulary list ( HSK 4 ) level 1-6
Q3, What are the six HSK levels?
HSK1 and HSK2 Basic Chinese skills.
HSK3 and HSK4 More sophisticated knowledge of Chinese.
HSK5 and HSK6 High proficiency and fluency in Chinese.
Q4, Why should I take the HSK?
1) HSK is a great way to measure your progress, taking the HSK can help you see the strides you are making.
2) HSK certificate will help your chances during the hiring process.
3) Many universities require and HSK 5 certificate to be admitted.
4) The certification is helpful for acquiring a Chinese work visa. Having an HSK certification gives you additional points and increases your chance of success.
Q5, What is the cost of the HSK test?
Level 1 costs 150 RMB Level 2 costs 250 RMB
Level 3 costs 350 RMB Level 4 costs 450 RMB
Level 5 costs 550 RMB Level 6 costs 650 RMB
Q6, What can you do per level? What are the HSK requirements?
| Level |
Characters |
Vocabulary |
| HSK 1 | 150 | 150 |
| You can understand and use very simple Chinese phrases, meet basic needs for communication and possess the ability to further Chinese language studies. | ||
*All characters are provided along with pinyin.
| Level |
Characters |
Vocabulary |
| HSK 2 | 300 | 300 |
| You can communicate in simple and routine tasks requiring a simple and direct exchange of information on familiar and routine matters. | ||
*All characters are provided along with pinyin.
| Level |
Characters |
Vocabulary |
| HSK 3 | 600 | 600 |
| You can handle basic communication in daily life, study, work, and travel with ease in Chinese. | ||
| Level |
Characters |
Vocabulary |
| HSK 4 | 1000 | 1200 |
| You can discuss a relatively wide range of topics and communicate with native speakers. | ||
| Level |
Characters |
Vocabulary |
| HSK 5 | 1500 | 2500 |
| You can read Chinese newspapers and magazines, enjoy Chinese films and plays and give a full-length speech in Chinese. | ||
| Level |
Characters |
Vocabulary |
| HSK 6 | 2500 | 5000 |
| You can easily comprehend written and spoken information in Chinese and can express yourself both written and orally. | ||
*HSK 6 is the most advanced (HSK 2.0)
HSK 9 is the most advanced (HSK 3.0)
Q7, How many formats are there in HSK?
Two formats: Paper-based and Internet-based
They are identical in difficulty level, test content, and scoring criteria.
Q8, Can i attend internet-based HSK test at my place?
Students have to go to an official test center.
Q9, How does the paper-based HSK test work?
– Test in an official HSK test center.
– You sit at a desk with the question papers and answer sheets for the listening, reading and writing sections (level 3-6 only).
– You will need to write your answers in either 2B-pencil or pen.
Q10, How does the internet-based HSK test work?
– Test in an official HSK test center.
– You sit in front of a computer connected to Hanban servers with the questions presented on the screen.
– You will need to submit your answers through the use of a keyboard and a mouse.
To be continued…
Any question about HSK exam, contact us!
