Adult Chinese Tests
The Tourism Confucius Institute (TCI) is the test centre for Chinese tests authorised by Hanban and
organises the HSK, HSKK, BCT and YCT. The tests can be held on both the Gold Coast and Nathan campuses.
I. Chinese Proficiency Test (HSK)
The new HSK test was launched by Hanban in an effort to better serve Chinese language learners. Details
are as follows:
1. Test Structure
The new HSK is an international standardised exam that tests and rates Chinese language proficiency. It
assesses non-native Chinese speakers’ Chinese language abilities in their daily, academic and professional
lives. The HSK consists of six levels, namely the HSK (level I), HSK (level II), HSK (level III), HSK (level IV), HSK
(level V), and HSK (level VI).
2. Test Levels
The levels of the new HSK correspond to the levels of the Chinese Language Proficiency Scales for Speakers
of Other Languages (CLPS) and the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEF).
Details are as follows:
New HSK
Vocabulary
HSK (Level VI)
Over 5,000
CLPS
CEF
C2
Level V

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 pass the HSK (Level I) can understand and use very simple Chinese words and
phrases and meet basic needs for communication.
 Test takers who pass the HSK (Level II) have a good grasp of basic Chinese and can communicate in
tasks requiring a simple and direct exchange of information on simple and routine matters.
 Test takers who 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 pass the HSK (Level IV) can converse in Chinese on a wide of topics and are able to
communicate fluently with native Chinese speakers.
 Test takers who 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 pass the HSK (Level VI) can easily comprehend written and spoken information in
Chinese and can effectively express themselves in oral and written Chinese.
3. Test Principles
The new HSK follows the principle of “test-teaching correlation” and is closely related to textbooks. The
purpose of the test is to “promote training through testing” and “promote learning through testing”. The
new HSK emphasises the objectivity and accuracy of the evaluation and stresses the learners’ Chinese
language competence.The new HSK sets clear test objectives to enable the test takers to improve their
Chinese language competence in a systematic and efficient way.
4. Testing Purposes
The new HSK is a general (or universal) Chinese language competence test for adult learners. The results of
the test can serve several purposes:
 A reference for an educational institution’s decision-making concerning recruiting students, assigning
students to different classes, allowing students to skip certain courses and granting students’ academic
credit.
 A reference for employers’ decision-making concerning the recruitment, training and promotion of test
takers.
 A reference for Chinese language learners to assess and improve their proficiency in Chinese.
 A reference for Chinese language training institutions to evaluate training results.
5. Results Certificate
Test takers will receive the results for the new HSK issued by Hanban within one month after the test.
II．Oral Chinese Proficiency Test (New HSKK）
The new HSKK is an international standardised exam that tests and rates oral Chinese proficiency. It
assesses non-native Chinese speakers’ competence in using the Chinese language in their daily, academic
and professional lives. The HSKK consists of three levels, namely the HSKK (Beginner Level), HSKK
(Intermediate Level), HSKK (Advanced Level). Details are as follows:
HSKK
CLPS
CEF
C2
HSKK (Advanced Level)
HSKK (Intermediate Level)
Level V
C1
Level IV
B2
Level III
B1
Level II
A2
Level I
A1
HSKK (Beginner Level)
1. HSKK (Beginner Level)
The HSKK (Beginner Level) assesses the test takers’ competence to express themselves in oral Chinese. It is
the counterpart of the Level I and Level II of the CLPS and the A Level of the CEF. Test takers who pass the
HSKK Test (Beginner Level) can understand and use simple everyday expressions and meet specific needs
for communication.
 Test Target
The HSKK (Beginner Level) is intended for those who have studied Chinese 2-3 class hours per week for 1-2
semesters. They have mastered about 200 commonly used words.
 Test Content
The HSKK (Beginner Level) is comprised of three parts, containing 27 items in total.
Section
Number of Items
Duration (Min)
Part I
Listen and Repeat
15
4
Part II
Listen and Reply
10
3
Part III
Answer Questions
2
3
Total
27
10
The duration of the test is 17 minutes (including 7 minutes for preparation).
 There are 15 items in Part I. For each item, a sentence recording will be played. The test taker should
repeat the sentence.
 There are 10 items in Part II. In each item, the recording of a question will be played. The test taker
should give a brief answer.
 There are 2 items in Part III. There will be two questions on the test paper (in pinyin). The test taker
should answer these questions using a minimum of 5 sentences per answer.
 Results Certificate
The maximum score of the HSKK (Beginner Level) is 100. Test takers will receive the results for the new
HSK issued by Hanban within one month after the test.
Max Score
Passing Score
100
60
Your Score
2. HSKK (Intermediate Level)
The HSKK (Intermediate Level) assesses the test takers’ ability to express themselves in oral Chinese. It is
the counterpart of the Level III and Level IV of the CLPS and the B Level of the CEF. Test takers who pass
the HSKK (Intermediate Level) can understand intermediate Chinese and converse fluently with native
Chinese speakers.
 Test Target
The HSKK (Intermediate Level) is intended for students who have studied Chinese 2-3 hours per week for 12 academic years. These students have mastered about 900 commonly used words.
 Test Content
The HSKK (Intermediate Level) is comprised of three parts, containing 14 items in total.
Section
Number of Items
Duration (Min)
Part I
Listen and Repeat
10
3
Part II
Picture Description
2
4
Part III
Answer Questions
2
4
14
11
Total
The duration of the test is 21 minutes (including 10 minutes for preparation).
 There are 10 items in Part I. For each item, a sentence recording will be played. The test taker should
repeat the sentence.
 There are 2 items in Part II. Each item consists of an image. The test taker should say something based
on the picture.
 There are 2 items in Part III. The test taker should answer the two questions (in pinyin).
 Results Certificate
The maximum score of the HSKK (Intermediate Level) is 100. Test takers will receive the results for the new
HSK issued by Hanban within one month after the test.
Max Score
Passing Score
100
60
Your Score
3. HSKK (Advanced Level)
The HSKK (Advanced Level) assesses the test takers’ competence to express themselves orally in Chinese. It
is the counterpart of the Level V of the CLPS and the C Level of the CEF. Test takers who pass the HSKK
(Advanced Level) can understand spoken Chinese and fluently express their ideas in Chinese orally.

Test Target
The HSKK (Advanced Level) is intended for the students who have studied Chinese 2-3 class hours per
week for more than 2 academic years. These students have mastered about 3,000 Chinese words.
 Test Content
The HSKK (Advanced Level) is comprised of three parts, containing 6 items in total.
Section
Number of Items
Duration (Min)
Part I
Listen and Repeat
3
7
Part II
Read Aloud
1
2
Part III
Answer Questions
2
5
6
14
Total
The duration of the test is 24 minutes (including 10 minutes for preparation).
 There are 3 items in Part I. The recording of a passage will be played, and the test taker should repeat
the content.
 There is 1 item in Part II. There will be a passage on the test paper, and the test taker should read it out
loud.
 There are 2 items in Part III. The test taker should answer the two questions on the test paper.
 Results Certificate
The maximum score of the HSKK (Advanced Level) is 100. Test takers will receive the results for the new
HSK issued by Hanban within one month after the test.
Max Score
Passing Score
100
60
Your Score
III. Business Chinese Test (BCT)
The Business Chinese Test (BCT) is a standardised test designed to assess the Chinese proficiency of nonnative speakers engaged in business activities. The BCT assesses the communicative ability of test takers
using Chinese in a wide range of business-related career occasions, daily life and social interaction. The test
focuses on communication. This test consists of two relatively independent tests: BCT (Listening & Reading)
and BCT (Speaking & Writing). Test takers may sit for one or both of them at a time. The BCT is held in two
forms, i.e. Paper-Based Test and Computer-Based Test. The BCT Computer-Based Test is presently only
held in Singapore. Hanban is the issuer of the “BCT Certificate”.
1. Test Takers
The BCT is held for the non-native speakers. Any person who is a non-native speaker may sit the BCT. There
is no limitation regarding the candidate’s age, education or length of learning Chinese.
2. Test Purposes
The BCT serves all the institutions and individuals who want to assess the business Chinese proficiency of
relevant persons. Its main purposes include:
 A reference for employers to assess the business Chinese proficiency of relevant persons when making
decisions related to employee recruitment, selection, placement and promotion
 A reference for the teaching and training institutions to assess the business Chinese proficiency of
candidates in recruitment and class division
 A reference for teaching and training institutions to assess the effects of teaching and training
 A reference of business Chinese proficiency for any person who seeks a job, undertakes an interview or
wants to be promoted
 A reference for Chinese learners to understand and improve their business Chinese competence
3. Test Content
 The BCT mainly covers business activities and business-related daily and social activities. See “Business
Chinese Communicative Function Items” in “The BCT Outlines”, a guide book for exam preparation,
covering Introduction to the BCT, level standards, scoring standards, samples, communicative function
items and vocabulary (accompanied by a CD of a sample listening test).
 4. Standards for BCT Levels
The BCT has five levels that describe the business Chinese proficiency of test takers.
5. Test Scores and Certificate
The BCT consists of two relatively independent examinations: the BCT (Listening & Reading) and the BCT
(Speaking & Writing). The score for each specific skill (Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing) is 0-500,
100 for each level. The total score for listening and reading constitutes the overall score of the BCT
(listening & reading) ranging from 0 to 1000 points and each level consisting of 200 points. The scheme is
similar for calculating the overall score of the BCT (speaking & writing). Any test taker can receive a score
report if he/she attends listening & reading or speaking & writing test in line with the requirements. If the
total score for listening and reading is 201-400 points, Level 2 "BCT Certificate (listening & reading) "will be
awarded; if the total score for speaking and writing comes to 201-400 points, Level 2 "BCT Certificate
(speaking & writing) "will be awarded. Level 3, 4 and 5 certificates are awarded in a similar manner. There
is no Level 1 certificate in the BCT. The score shall be valid for two years from the test date. Hanban shall
be responsible for issuing a "Business Chinese Test Certificate."
IV. Testing Times and Locations
New HSK Test Timetable in 2014
考试日期
报名截止日期
成绩公布日期
Test Dates
Deadline for Registration
Date of Results
纸笔考试
Announced
网络考试
Paper-based Test Internet-based Test
1 月 11 日
2 月 11 日
11th Jan.
2013 年 12 月 15 1 月 2 日
星 期 六日
Sat.
15th Dec. 2013
2nd Jan
2 月 16 日
16th Feb.
星 期 日 1 月 20 日
Sun.
20th Jan.
2月6日
6th Feb.
3 月 16 日
16th Mar.
3 月 16 日
16th Mar.
4 月 12 日
12th Apr.
5 月 10 日
10th May
6 月 14 日
14th Jun.
7 月 13 日
13th Jul.
8 月 17 日
17th Aug.
9 月 14 日
14th Sep.
10 月 11 日
11th Oct.
11 月 8 日
8th Nov.
12 月 6 日
6th Dec.
星 期
Sun.
星 期
Sat.
星 期
Sat.
星 期
Sat.
星 期
Sun.
星 期
Sun.
星 期
Sun.
星 期
Sat.
星 期
Sat.
星 期
Sat.
3月6日
6th Mar.
4月2日
2nd Apr.
4 月 30 日
30th Apr
6月4日
4th Jun.
7月3日
3rd Jul.
8月7日
7th Aug.
9月4日
4th Sep.
9 月 30 日
30th Sep.
10 月 29 日
29th Oct.
11 月 26 日
26th Nov.
4 月 16 日
16th Apr.
5 月 12 日
12th May.
6 月 10 日
10th Jun.
7 月 14 日
14th Jul.
8 月 13 日
13th Aug.
9 月 17 日
17th Sep.
10 月 14 日
14th Oct.
11 月 11 日
11th Nov.
12 月 8 日
8th Dec.
2015 年 1 月 6 日
6th Jan. 2015
日 2 月 17 日
17th Feb.
六 3 月 16 日
16th Mar.
六 4 月 13 日
13th Apr.
六 5 月 18 日
18th May
日 6 月 16 日
16th Jun.
日 7 月 21 日
21th Jul.
日 8 月 18 日
18th Aug.
六 9 月 14 日
14th Sep.
六 10 月 12 日
12th Oct.
六 11 月 9 日
9th Nov.
11th Feb.
考试日期
New HSKK Test Timetable in 2014
报名截止日期
成绩公布日期
Test Dates
Deadline for Registration
Date of Results
纸笔考试
Announced
网络考试
Paper-based Test Internet-based Test
3 月 16 日
16th Mar.
5 月 10 日
10th May
10 月 11 日
11th Oct.
12 月 6 日
6th Dec.
星 期
Sun.
星 期
Sat.
星 期
Sat.
星 期
Sat.
日 2 月 17 日
17th Feb.
六 4 月 13 日
13th Apr.
六 9 月 14 日
14th Sep.
六 11 月 9 日
9th Nov.
3月6日
6th Mar.
4 月 30 日
30th Apr.
9 月 30 日
30th Sep.
11 月 26 日
26th Nov.
BCT Test Timetable in 2014
报名截止日期
考试日期
4 月 16 日
16th Apr.
6 月 10 日
10th Jun.
11 月 11 日
11th Nov.
2015 年 1 月 6 日
6th Jan. 2015
成绩公布日期
Test Dates
Deadline for Registration
Date of Results Announced
4 月 27 日 星期日
27th Apr. Sun.
6 月 15 日 星期日
15th Jun. Sun.
9 月 21 日 星期日
21st Sep. Sun.
11 月 16 日 星期日
16th Nov. Sun.
3 月 31 日
31st Mar.
5 月 19 日
19th May.
8 月 25 日
25th Aug.
10 月 20 日
20th Oct.
5 月 27 日
27th May.
7 月 15 日
15th Jul.
10 月 21 日
21st Oct.
12 月 16 日
16th Dec.
All the tests are held regularly mainland China and at Confucius Institutes and test centres in other
countries each year. They are are held at both the Nathan and Gold Coast campuses of Griffith University.
V. Test Fees
Tests
Fees (AUD)
Tests
Fees (AUD)
HSK (Level VI)
75
HSKK (Advanced Level)
75
HSK (Level V)
75
HSKK (Intermediate
Level)
55
HSK (Level IV)
55
HSKK (Beginner Level))
35
HSK (Level III)
55
HSK (Level II)
35
HSK (Level I)
35
BCT (listening &
reading)
BCT (Speaking &
Writing)
70
90
VI. Test Registration with the TCI
 Please bring valid documents (passport or ID) to the TCI office for registration
 Fill in the personal information form and obtain a login name and password.
 Submit a photo (40mm × 30mm) or a digital photo
 Pay test fees
 Print the test admission ticket or send it to the TCI office by the deadline
Online Registration: http://www.chinesetest.cn
VII. Test Regulations
1. Articles required for the test
On the test date, test takers must bring the following articles to the test room:
o Test admission ticket
o Identity certificate (copies are invalid) which is authentic, valid, identical to the registration
information and includes a photo
o 2B pencils (two or more) and eraser for use with the paper-based test
2. Test Regulations
Test takers should arrive at the test room on time.
o During the test, test takers must follow the instructions of the test examiner, comply with the
test regulations, and complete the test independently
o If any test takers cheats or disobeys reasonable directions given by the test examiner during the
test, his/her score will be negated
VIII. Test scores
One month after taking the test, test takers can log into the Chinese testing website
(www.chinesetest.cn) and enter his/her test admission ticket number and name to view the test scores.
1. Score report
The printed official test score reports will be delivered to the test centre 45 days after the test date,
and test takers can get it by presenting their test admission ticket
2. Validity period of score report
The test result will be available for a long period of time, but a score report to be used for
application to Chinese Universities and colleges is valid for two years after the test date
IX. Contact
Ms Diana Wu
Chinese Teacher
Tourism Confucius Institute
Gold Coast Campus, G52_3.24, Griffith University, Queensland 4222, Australia
Phone: + 61 7 5552 7479
Mobile: 0450 835 181
Fax: + 61 7 55527999
Email: s.wu@griffith.edu.au
http://www.griffith.edu.au/tourism-confucius-institute