What is HSK?

(Hanyu Shuipin Kaoshi) is an international standardized Chinese language ability test based on the Chinese Language Proficiency Scales for Speakers of Other Languages. It is launched by Hanban (Chinese International Language Council).

It is the only official general Chinese language ability test in China and one of the most authoritative and recognized Chinese test all over the world.

According to regulations by China’s Ministry of Education, Passing the examination certifies that the holder has attained the required proficiency in Chinese to enter a college or university as an undergraduate or graduate student.

It is also used as a basis for employers to evaluate the Chinese proficiency of job applicants. It is similar to the TOEFL, IELTS, or TOEIC tests.

HSK level description

There are 6 levels in HSK.

The HSK (Level I) is intended for students who have studied Chinese for a semester (half an academic year), with 2-3 class hours in each week. These students have mastered 150 commonly used words and basic grammar patterns.

The HSK (Level II) is intended for students who have studied Chinese for two semesters (an academic year), with 2-3 class hours in each week. These students have mastered 300 commonly used words and related grammar patterns.

The HSK (Level III) is intended for students who have studied Chinese for three semesters (one and a half academic years), with 2-3 class hours in each week. These students have mastered 600 commonly used words and related grammar patterns.

The HSK (Level IV) is intended for students who have studied Chinese for four semesters (two academic years), with 2-4 class hours in each week. These students have mastered 1,200 commonly used words.

The HSK (Level V) is intended for students who have studied Chinese for 2-4 class hours per week for more than two academic years. These students have mastered 2,500 commonly used words.

The HSK (Level VI) is intended for students who have mastered 5,000 or more commonly used words.