Introduction
HSK (Hanyu Shuiping Kaoshi) or the Chinese Proficiency Test is an international standardized exam which 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. HSK test was developed in 1984 and the first HSK test was held overseas in 1991. Since then, the Chinese testing centers have spread all over domestic and foreign lands.
| Level | Vocabulary | Written test | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Words | Characters | Listening | Reading | Writing | |||
| 1 | 150 | 150 | 174 | 174 | 20 questions, 15 min | 20 questions, 17 min | Not tested |
| 2 | 300 | 150 | 347 | 173 | 35 questions, 25 min | 25 questions, 22 min | Not tested |
| 3 | 600 | 300 | 617 | 270 | 40 questions | 30 questions | 10 items |
| 4 | 1200 | 600 | 1064 | 447 | 45 questions | 40 questions | 15 items |
| 5 | 2500 | 1300 | 1685 | 621 | 45 questions | 45 questions | 10 items |
| 6 | 5000 | 2500 | 2663 | 978 | 50 questions | 50 questions | 1 composition |
HSK 1
Designed for learners who can understand and use some simple Chinese characters and sentences to communicate, master 150 commonly used words and basic grammar patterns. In HSK 1 all characters are provided along with Pinyin. The exam includes a listening section and a reading section and is 40 minutes in length.
HSK 2
Designed for learners who can use Chinese in a simple and direct manner, applying it in a basic fashion to their daily lives, master 300 commonly used words and related grammar patterns. In HSK 2 all characters are provided along with Pinyin.The exam includes a listening section and a reading section and is 55 minutes in length
HSK 3
Designed for learners who can use Chinese to serve the demands of their personal lives, studies and work, and are capable of completing most of the communicative tasks they experience during their Chinese tour.
HSK 4
Designed for learners who can discuss a relatively wide range of topics in Chinese and are capable of communicating with Chinese speakers at a high standard.
HSK 5
Designed for learners who can read Chinese newspapers and magazines, watch Chinese films and are capable of writing and delivering a lengthy speech in Chinese.
HSK 6
Designed for learners who can easily understand any information communicated in Chinese and are capable of smoothly expressing themselves in written or oral form.