What is HSK?
The HSK (Hanyu Shuiping Kaoshi) test is China's only official test of Chinese language proficiency for non-native speakers. It is open to other nationalities, overseas Chinese, and members of ethnic minority groups in China, and provides the global standard for Chinese language proficiency from beginner to advanced level. It also provides a concrete demonstration of your ability to prospective employers, foreign institutions and other international organisations.
The HSK test consists of a writing test and a speaking test. There are six levels of writing tests, running from 1-6. And there are three levels of speaking tests, namely the HSK Beginner Level, HSK Intermediate Level, and HSK Advanced Level. During the speaking test, test takers’ speeches will be recorded.

• The HSK (Level I) is intended for students who have studied Chinese for a semester (half an academic year). 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.
• The HSK Speaking Test (Beginner Level) is intended for students who have studied Chinese 2-3 class hours per week for 1-2 semesters. These students have mastered about 200 commonly used words.
• The HSK Speaking Test (Intermediate Level) is intended for students who have studied Chinese 2-3 class hours per week for 1-2 academic years. These students have mastered about 900 commonly used words.
• The HSK Speaking Test (Advanced Level) is intended for students who have studied Chinese 2-3 class hours per week for more than 2 academic years. These students have mastered about 3,000 commonly used words.

For further information and to register, please contact the Confucius Institute on Email: confuciusinstitute@ncl.ac.uk