The new HSK test was launched by Hanban in an effort to better serve Chinese language learners. The test is the result of coordinated efforts by experts from different disciplines including Chinese language teaching, linguistics, psychology and educational measurement. The new exam combines the advantages of the original HSK while taking into consideration recent trends in Chinese language training by conducting surveys and making use of the latest findings in international language testing.

I. Test Structure
The new HSK is an international standardized exam that tests and rates Chinese language proficiency. It assesses non-native Chinese speakers' abilities in using the Chinese language in their daily, academic and professional lives. The new HSK consists of a writing test and a speaking test, which are independent of each other. There are six levels of writing tests, namely the HSK (level I), HSK (level II), HSK (level III), HSK (level IV), HSK (level V), and HSK (level VI). 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.

Writing Test		Speaking Test
HSK (Level VI)		HSK (Advanced Level)
HSK (Level V)
HSK (Level IV)		HSK (Intermediate Level)
HSK (Level III)
HSK (Level II)		HSK (Beginner Level)
HSK (Level I)

 

II. Test Levels
The different levels of the new HSK are similar to some of the levels in the Chinese Language Proficiency Scales for Speakers of Other Languages (CLPS) and the Common European Framework of Reference (CEF); details are as follows:

New HSK	Vocabulary	CLPS	CEF
HSK (Level VI)	Over 5,000	Level V	C2
HSK (Level V)	2500		C1
HSK (Level IV)	1200	Level IV	B2
HSK (Level III)	600	Level III	B1
HSK (Level II)	300	Level II	A2
HSK (Level I)	150	Level I	A1

Test takers who are able to pass the HSK (Level I) can understand and use very simple Chinese phrases, meet basic needs for communication and possess the ability to further their Chinese language studies.

Test takers who are able to pass the HSK (Level II) have an excellent grasp of basic Chinese and can communicate in simple and routine tasks requiring a simple and direct exchange of information on familiar and routine matters.

Test takers who are able to pass the HSK (Level III) can communicate in Chinese at a basic level in their daily, academic and professional lives. They can manage most communication in Chinese when travelling in China.

Test takers who are able to pass the HSK (Level IV) can converse in Chinese on a wide range of topics and are able to communicate fluently with native Chinese speakers.

Test takers who are able to pass the HSK (Level V) can read Chinese newspapers and magazines, enjoy Chinese films and plays, and give a full-length speech in Chinese.

Test takers who are able to pass the HSK (Level VI) can easily comprehend written and spoken information in Chinese and can effectively express themselves in Chinese, both orally and on paper.  

III. Testing Purposes
The new HSK retains the former HSK's orientation as a general (or universal) Chinese language abilities test for adult learners. The results of the test can serve several purposes:

1. A reference for an educational institution's decision-making concerning recruiting students, assigning students to different classes, allowing students to skip certain courses and giving students academic credits.

2. A reference for employers' decision-making concerning the recruitment, training and promotion of test takers.

3. A method for Chinese language learners to assess and improve their proficiency in Chinese.

4. A method for Chinese language training institutions to evaluate training results.

IV. Results Certificate
Test takers will receive the results for the new HSK issued by Hanban within three weeks after the test

 

Teaching Materials Introduction
 

《新汉语水平考试大纲HSK一级》华语出版社
《新汉语水平考试大纲HSK二级》华语出版社
《新汉语水平考试大纲HSK三级》华语出版社
《新汉语水平考试大纲HSK四级》华语出版社
《新汉语水平考试大纲HSK五级》华语出版社
《新汉语水平考试大纲HSK六级》华语出版社
《新汉语水平考试真题集HSK四级》华语出版社
《新汉语水平考试真题集HSK五级》华语出版社
《新汉语水平考试真题集HSK六级》华语出版社
 

The Chinese Language Level (HSK) is state-level standard examination arranged for testing the Chinese language level of candidates whose native language is not Chinese language (including foreigners, overseas Chinese and national minorities).

It includes basic examination of Chinese language level [abbreviated as HSK (basic)], primary and medium examination of Chinese language level [abbreviated as HSK (primary and medium)] and advanced examination of Chinese language level [abbreviated as HSK (advanced)]. The examination of Chinese language level (HSK) is held periodically every year at home and abroad, once the examination performance of examinee has been reached to stipulated standard, he will obtain the "Proficiency Certificate of Chinese Language" with relevant grade.

Content of Old HSK

There are three test questions in the HSK (basic): 1. listening comprehension; 2. grammatical structure; 3. reading comprehension.
There are four test questions in the HSK (primary and medium): 1. Listening comprehension; 2. Grammatical structure; 3. Reading and comprehension; 4. Comprehensive completion.
There are four test questions in the HSK (advanced): 1. listening comprehension; 2. reading and comprehension; 3. comprehensive expression; 4. oral examination and writing.
Term of Validity of "Chinese Proficiency Certificate"
The Proficiency Certificate of Chinese Language is valid in the long term.
As the testify of foreign student for studying in Chinese colleges and universities, the validity period of HSK examination result is two years (it is started from the date of examination).
 

 

Teaching Materials of old HSK
 

《HSK汉语水平考试大纲》初中等/高等/北京语言文化大学出版社
《HSK汉语水平考试模拟习题集》初中等/高等/北京大学出版社
《HSK中国汉语水平考试模拟试题集》初中等/高等/北京语言大学出版社
《HSK中国汉语水平考试应该指南》初中等/高等/北京语言大学出版社
基础级教材