We got a lot of questions from our students asking what the HSK exam is, whether it’s worth taking, how much it costs, the HSK levels, structure, time, etc. Have no fear if you are confused. In this one-stop guide, we’ll iron out all the frequently asked questions about HSK exam.
What Is HSK Exam?
HSK is the abbreviation of Hanyu Shuiping Kaoshi (汉语水平考试), literally Chinese Level Test. It is an international standardized test that assesses non-native Chinese speakers’ abilities in using the Chinese language in their daily, academic and professional lives. It is open to foreign students, overseas Chinese, and members of ethnic minorities in China.
HSK was made in 1992 as a proficiency exam for Mandarin Chinese. The exam is organized by Hanban (汉办), part of China’s Education Ministry.
Why Take HSK? (Is HSK Worth Taking?)
There are generally 3 purposes for taking HSK:
1. Comply with the requirements for admission to a Chinese university. Almost all universities in China require non-native Chinese students to submit HSK certificate as part of the admissions process for their Chinese-taught degree programs.
Regarding what HSK level you have to be at to study at a Chinese university, it depends on the university and the subject you’ll be taking. If you’re going to top universities, you’ll probably need a HSK 5 or 6. Other universities may require HSK 4 or 5.
2. Obtain a certificate for career development. Even though not all employers require an HSK certificate, having it in hand will definitely add credits to your CV. Rather than a certificate, most employers will require a certain level of fluency in Mandarin speaking.
3. Evaluate your Mandarin abilities. You often hear people say their Chinese level is beginner, intermediate or advanced, or in their words “I only know some basic words”, but the fact is that one person’s “beginner” may be another person’s “intermediate”. And some people’s “basic words” may be “many words” for others. So, you need HSK as an actual proof that says you actually have reached a certain level in Chinese.
The HSK exam is a valued tool to assess how you have progressed over time. At the same time, you can receive official recognition for your language skills.
In conclusion, if you need it for school admission, for a potential job or to reach a certain level of Chinese, the HSK Exam is definitely worth taking.
How Much Does HSK Exam Cost?
The fees for both HSK and HSKK range from $35 to $75, but vary a little bit depending on which level you choose and which country you’ll be taking the test in.
How To Register HSK Exam
Test takers must register for the test no later than 1 month prior to the test. Any incomplete registration beyond this date will be invalid. Now we will lead you to register for HSK step by step.
Step 1: Visit the only HSK registration website: www.chinesetest.cn and create an account. The registration form requires you to fill in your username, password, e-mail address, nationality, mother tongue, birth date, etc.
Step 2: Choose the test level, test format (paper-based test or internet-based test), test center and test date.
Step 3: Fill in your personal information like name (consistent with your valid certificate), gender, birthday, nationality, ID type, and ID card number, etc.
Step 4: Upload a standard ID photo (two-inch form) in JPG format within 100kb. If you do not upload or the uploaded photo does not meet the requirements, you will not be allowed to enter the test center to take the test. After filling in all the information, select “Confirm and Submit”.
Step 5: Now you can select a payment method and pay the test online. The options include Union Pay, Union Pay Express, Visa, Mastercard, and Wechat Pay. If the test center you have chosen doen’t offer online payment, you’ll have to go to the center and make the payment in person.
Step 6: Usually you will receive a confirmation of your registration 10 days before the test. If you do not receive it, contact the registered test center.
Step 7: Log in to the website to print your test admission ticket, or pick it up at the registration test center. You must bring your ticket and original valid ID on the day of the test.
HSK Test Levels
The HSK test consists of two separate tests: the Chinese Proficiency Test (HSK) and the Speaking Test (HSKK). You are free to take only the HSK, only the HSKK, or both the HSK and the HSKK. It depends on what your needs are by taking the tests.
HSK consists of 6 levels: HSK Level 1, HSK Level 2, HSK Level 3, HSK Level 4, HSK Level 5 and HSK Level 6.
HSKK consists of 3 levels: Primary level, Intermediate level and Advanced level. HSKK is conducted in the form of audio recording.
How Can I Know My HSK Level?
If you are considering taking HSK, but don’t know which level you are currently at, then you can work out your HSK level with our HSK sample tests. There is a free test to each of the 6 HSK levels. All the sample tests feature real questions from past HSK exams.
Can I take HSK Test Online?
Before, there are generally two ways of taking HSK test. One is to do the Paper & pen test at local test centers. The other way is to do the test on Internet. The Internet test doesn’t mean you can do the test from the comfort of home. You still need to go to the test center and do the test on a computer that is connected to Hanban servers.
The computer test was popular because the exams from HSK3 to HSK6 include “writing”, which is a lot more difficult than using Pinyin on a computer. Another benefit is that you receive your scores from after two weeks, whereas a paper exam takes longer.
Now, due to the COVID-19 pandemic situation, some overseas test centers allow you to do the HSK exam online from home with remote monitoring, as long as you meet equipment and environment requirements.
HSK Test Structure, Content & Time
All HSK levels include listening and reading sections, but only HSK 3 to HSK 6 include writing sections.
HSK 1
Get to know HSK 1 test structure, content and question types in a free HSK 1 Sample Test.
HSK 2
Get to know HSK 2 test structure, content and question types in a free HSK 2 Sample Test.
HSK 3
Get to know HSK 3 test structure, content and question types in a free HSK 3 Sample Test.
HSK 4
Get to know HSK 4 test structure, content and question types in a free HSK 4 Sample Test.
HSK 5
Get to know HSK 5 test structure, content and question types in a free HSK 5 Sample Test.
HSK 6
Get to know HSK 6 test structure, content and question types in a free HSK 6 Sample Test.
How Long Is HSK Score Valid For?
Like a bachelor certificate, the HSK certificate is valid permanently, but if you use it for admission to university in China, the HSK result is valid for 2 years, beginning from the test date.
Unless you plan to use your HSK scores for admission purpose, you don’t need to worry too much about the validity.
What Needs To Know About The New HSK Test 3.0?
You might have heard of the New HSK or the HSK 3.0, the new version of the current HSK testing system.
In March 2021, the new Chinese Proficiency Grading Standards were released officially. Based on the new standards, the new HSK test is expected to be more difficult than the old version. HSK 3.0 requires more vocabulary volume, grammar structures and put more focus on handwriting skills. For example, the current HSK level 1 only requires a mastery of 150 words, whereas the New HSK vocabulary Band 1 requires 500 words.
The new HSK test 3.0 will be divided into three levels and nine bands.
This is the biggest reform of HSK exam since it was created, but no matter how it changes, it still tests the basic communication abilities of the test takers, including listening, speaking, reading, writing and translation skills.
Having said that, the current HSK test (levels, structure, content, time etc) will remain unchanged in the foreseeable future. If you are preparing for HSK, you don’t necessarily need to change your roadmap to the test.
How To Prepare For HSK Test
Learn HSK Grammar
Even though there is no grammar section in HSK exam, grammar testing is everywhere through the whole test. The truth is you won’t pass it without having a good mastery of Chinese grammar.
To start with, test your HSK grammar ability. If you achieve a low score with the grammar test, you may need to spend more time doing HSK grammar exercises. With each of these grammar exercises built on the previous one, the grammar point is introduced with easy-to-understand explanations and practical audio-based examples.
Improve Your Listening Skills
Listening comprehension is a major part of the exam. Getting a low score from HSK listening will make you fail the whole HSK test.
Audio and video resources can be extremely beneficial to improve your Mandarin proficiency, especially for pronunciation and speech development. Luckily, there are numbers of Chinese videos available online.
Practice with a Dedicated Teacher
If you are looking for a fast and effective way to improve your HSK skills and Mandarin fluency, we suggest taking HSK Prep course with an online Chinese tutor. As you follow a comprehensive HSK course, you will build up your Mandarin skills in all aspects. At the same time, you will naturally become ready for different levels of the HSK.
iChineseLearning is an online tutoring service that provides high-quality HSK prep course at affordable prices and with flexible hours. You can try a free 30-minute trial session and decide if you want to continue.
Besides what was mentioned above, there are surely a lot more other ways to prepare for HSK. The thing is that some methods that work well for one person may not work for another. It is important to know your situation and find out your own roadmap to succeed HSK!
If you have any other questions or confusions about HSK, don’t hesitate to leave us a comment below!