HSK [Shuiping]

What is HSK and why do I need it?

Everything you need to know about the Chinese Proficiency. Test Hanyu Shuiping Kaoshi [HSK]. Definition of HSK , HSK is the

Everything you need to know about the Chinese Proficiency Test Hanyu Shuiping Kaoshi [HSK].

Definition of HSK

HSK is the abbreviation of Hanyu Shuiping Kaoshi and is an international standard skill test for persons who are not native Chinese Language speakers. HSK is the official Chinese exam for foreigners, similar to Cambridge for English. The test was introduced in 2010 by the Chinese government. The HSK exam consists of two separate sections : a written and oral examination. The written exam consists of six levels form HSK level1 to HSK level6, and the oral exam is sub-divided into three stages of HSK Basic, HSK intermediate to HSK advanced. As you apply to study in China, this is one of the requirements for Chinese taught Master’s and Bachelor’s Degrees.

What is the HSK Chinese exam like?

HSK is know as the internationally standardized test of Chinese language proficiency, which focuses on the ability of non-first language candidates to communicate in their lives, studies, and work. Chinese universities require HSK certification to allow international students study Chinese taught programs. Some companies also make HSK a requirement for hiring international talents to work in their China office.

First, Consider the examination structure.

HSK has several levels to indicate the number of Chinese characters you can write, remember, and read.

>HSK Level1, You will Master 150 Chinese Characters

>HSK Level2, You will Master 300 Chinese Characters

>HSK Level3, You will Master 600 Chinese Characters

>HSK Level4, You will Master 1200 Chinese Characters

>HSK Level5, You will Master 2500 Chinese Characters

>HSK Level6, You will Master 5000 Chinese Characters

Second, the examination level

The correspondence between the HSK levels and the International Chinese Competence Standard is show in the table below ;

>Candidates on HSK [level1] can understand and use some simple Chinese words and sentences to meet specific communication needs, with the ability to further learn Chinese

>On HSK [HSK2] candidates can use Chinese on the familiar daily topics for direct and straightforward communication, to achieve the junior Chinese excellence level.

>On HSK [HSK3] candidates can use Chinese to complete the basic communication tasks in life, study, work, and so on, when traveling in China, can cope with most of the communicative tasks encountered.

>Candidates on HSK [HSK4] can talk in Chinese on a wide range of topics and communicate more fluently with native speakers of Chinese.

> Candidates on HSK [HSK5] can read Chinese newspapers and magazines, enjoy Chinese film and television programs, and give more complete speeches in Chinese.

> Candidates on HSK [HSK6] can easily understand what they hear or read in Chinese and express their views fluently in Chinese, either verbally or in writing.

New HSK Test3.0

There has been much speculation about the new HSK test3.0 At this point, most information about the new HSK test3.0 are based on the new Chinese Proficiency Grading Standards for Internation Chinese Language Education released by Ministry of Education. The new HSK test3.0 will be divided into three levels and nine bands.

The current HSK levels 1-6 test will remain unchanged in the near future. The current test contents, certificates and learning materials are still valid for the foreseeable future. HSK level 1-6 test will be gradually adjusted according to the new standards based on the actual situation of Chinese leaners in different countries in the next 3 to 5 years.

>>HSK Test Levels