HSK

Hanyu Shuiping Kaoshi:
The Chinese Proficiency Test

The HSK (Hanyu Shuiping Kaoshi) is China's national standardized test designed to assess the Chinese language proficiency of speakers whose first language is not Chinese. The HSK measures the proficiency level of non-native speakers of standard Chinese, which may include foreigners, overseas Chinese, and students from Chinese national minorities. It is used as a guideline for admission to colleges and universities in China and Southeast Asia, as well as a reference standard in job recruiting, both within China and in countries around the world where Chinese language skills are necessary. It enjoys great international prestige. There are more than 100 HSK centers in 40 different nations and regions worldwide. More than 680,000 people have already taken the HSK as of 2006, and number increases greatly every year.

HSK is divided into three levels: basic, elementary-intermediate, and advanced. All HSK tests are designed by the HSK Center of the Beijing Language and Culture University located in Beijing, China. The Center's entire work, from devising tests to issuing certificates, is supervised by the National Commission for the Testing of Chinese Proficiency under the Ministry of Education.

Upon completing the test and meeting the required minimum scores for a given level, the National Commission for the Testing of Chinese Proficiency will issue an official HSK Certificate. The HSK Certificates are recognized as authentic Chinese proficiency certificates worldwide. Job seekers and students who have obtained the HSK Certificate are widely accepted in the international human resources market as well as at educational institutions.

Contents and Duration of the HSK

• Basic level includes listening comprehension, grammar, and reading comprehension. The test lasts 135 minutes. Elementary-intermediate level includes listening comprehension, grammar, reading comprehension, and filling in blanks. The test lasts 145 minutes.
• Advanced level includes listening comprehension, reading comprehension, comprehensive expression, composition, and an oral examination. The test lasts 155 minutes.

The answer sheets of the test will be sealed and forwarded to Beijing immediately to be graded at the HSK Headquarters. Test scores will be mailed to examinees.

The Effectiveness of the HSK Certificate

Successful examinees are issued an HSK Certificate. There are three levels of certificates for the beginners? HSK, six levels of certificates for the elementary and intermediate HSK, and three levels of certificates for the advanced HSK. Within two months of the test, the HSK sponsor will mail the Chinese proficiency certificates and score reports to the HSK organizers. These organizers will forward the certificates and score reports to the examinees. The examinees may also collect their certificates and score reports from the place where they registered.

The Chinese proficiency certificates issued by the State Committee are useful in:

• certifying the possession of Chinese language skills when applying for a job in the international human resources market for which these skills are necessary;
• fulfilling admission requirements when applying to different types of schools at various levels in China;
• allowing their holders to be exempt from Chinese courses at the corresponding level at educational institutions;
• applying for possible scholarships in Chinese language studies in China for applicants who take and successfully pass the HSK test at the University of San Francisco.

The Chinese proficiency certificates are permanently valid. As proof of Chinese proficiency for foreign students applying for enrollment into different types of schools at various levels in China, HSK scores are valid for two years from the date of examination.

For more information about the HSK, please visit The Office of Chinese Language Council International.