Chinese Proficiency Test (HSK)
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 (Level III)
HSK (Level II)
HSK (Level I)
HSK (Intermediate
Level)
HSK (Beginner Level)
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
HSK (Level VI)
Over 5,000
HSK (Level V)
2500
CLPS
Level V
CEF
C2
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.
HSK LevelⅠ
HSK (Level I) assesses test takers’ abilities in the application of everyday Chinese.
It is the counterpart of the Level I of the Chinese Language Proficiency Scales for
Speakers of Other Languages and the A1 Level of the Common European Framework of
Reference (CEF). 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.
I. Test Target
The HSK (Level I) is intended for students who have studied Chinese for a semester
(half an academic year), with 2-3 class hours in each week. These students have mastered
150 commonly used words and basic grammar patterns.
II. Test Content
HSK (Level I) test is made up of listening comprehension and reading
comprehension sections and contains a total of 40 items.
Section
I. Listening
II. Reading
Number of Items
Part I
5
Part II
5
Part III
5
Part IV
5
Part I
5
Part II
5
Part III
5
Duration (Min)
20
About 15
20
15
Part IV
5
Filling out the answer sheet
Total
/
5
40
About 35
The test will last for 40 minutes in total (including 5 minutes in which the test takers
fill in personal information).
1. Listening Comprehension
There are 5 items in Part I. The recording of each item will be played twice. A
phrase and picture will be provided with each item. The test takers should make a true-orfalse judgment based on what they hear.
There are 5 items in Part II. The recording of each item will be played twice. A
sentence and 3 pictures will be provided with each item. The test takers should choose
corresponding pictures based on what they hear.
There are 5 items in Part III. The recording of each item will be played twice. A
dialogue and several pictures will be provided with each item. The test takers should
choose corresponding pictures based on what they hear.
There are 5 items in Part IV. The recording of each item will be played twice. For
each item, a person will make a statement. Another person will then ask a question and
provide three possible answers. The three possible answers will be listed on the test paper,
and test takers can choose one of the answers based on what they hear.
2. Reading Comprehension
There are 5 items in Part I. Each item will provide a picture and a phrase. The test
taker should judge whether or not they are consistent with each other.
There are 5 items in Part II. The test paper will display several pictures. For each
item, a sentence will be provided. The test taker needs to choose one of the corresponding
pictures based on the content of the sentence.
There are 5 items in Part III. During this section, 5 questions and 5 answers will be
provided. The test take should match the question with the appropriate answer.
There are 5 items in Part IV. Each item will display a sentence with one word
missing. The test taker should select one of the words in the answer section to fill in the
blank.
All items on the test paper are shown in pinyin.
III. Results Certificate
For the HSK (Level I), three results will be provided including listening, reading and
total. The test taker must score at least 120 points total to be considered passing.
Max Score
Listening
100
Reading
100
Your Score
Total
200
As a Chinese language certificate for foreign students’ entry into Chinese colleges,
the results of the HSK are valid for two years (beginning from the test date).
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.
HSK Level Ⅱ
The HSK (Level II) assesses test takers’ abilities in the application of everyday
Chinese. It is the counterpart of the Level II of the Chinese Language Proficiency Scales
for Speakers of Other Languages and the A2 Level of the Common European Framework
of Reference (CEF). 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.
I. Test Target
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.
II. Test Content
The HSK (Level II) test is made up of listening comprehension and reading
comprehension sections and contains a total of 60 items.
Section
I. Listening
II. Reading
Number of Items
Part I
10
Part II
10
Part III
10
Part IV
5
Part I
5
Part II
5
Part III
5
Part IV
10
Duration (Min)
35
About 25
25
20
Filling out the answer sheet
Total
/
5
60
About 50
The test will last for a total of 55 minutes (including 5 minutes in which the test
takers fill in personal information).
1. Listening Comprehension
There are 10 items in Part I. The recording of each item will be played twice. A
sentence and a picture will be provided with each item. The test takers should make a
true-or-false judgment based on what they hear.
There are 10 items in Part II. The recording of each item will be played twice. For
each item, a dialogue and several pictures will be provided. The test takers should select
the appropriate answer based on what they hear.
There are 10 items in Part III. The recording of each item will be played twice. Each
item consists of a dialogue between two persons with a third person asking a question
related to the content. There will be three possible answers on the test paper from which
the test takers can select the correct one based on the passage.
There are 5 items in Part IV. The recording of each item will be played twice. Each
item consists of a 4-5 sentence dialogue between two persons with a third person will
asking a question at the end of the passage. There will be three possible answers on the
test paper from which the test takers can select the correct one based on what they hear in
the passage.
2. Reading Comprehension
There are 5 items in Part I. Several pictures will be shown on the test paper. For
each item, a sentence will be provided. The test taker should choose corresponding
pictures based on the sentence.
There are 5 items in Part II. For each item, one or two sentences will be provided in
which one word is missing. The test taker should select one of the words in the answer
section to fill in the blank.
There are 5 items in Part III. For each item, two sentences will be provided. The test
taker should judge whether or not the second sentence is consistent with the first one.
There are 10 items in Part IV. In this section, 20 sentences will be provided. The test
taker will be asked to find the correlations between the sentences.
All the items on the test paper are shown in pinyin.
III. Results Certificate
For the HSK (Level II), three results will be provided including listening, reading
and total. The test taker must score at least 120 points total to be considered passing.
Max Score
Listening
100
Your Score
Reading
100
Total
200
As a Chinese language certificate for foreign students’ entry into Chinese colleges,
the results of the HSK are valid for two years (beginning from the test date)
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.
HSK Level Ⅲ
The HSK (Level III) assesses test takers’ abilities in the application of everyday
Chinese. It is the counterpart of the Level III of the Chinese Language Proficiency Scales
for Speakers of Other Languages and the B1 Level of the Common European Framework
of Reference (CEF). 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.
I. Test Target
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.
II. Test Content
The HSK (Level III) test is made up of listening comprehension, reading
comprehension and writing sections and contains a total of 80 items.
Section
I. Listening
II. Reading
Number of Items
Part I
10
Part II
10
Part III
10
Part IV
10
Part I
10
Part II
10
Part III
10
Duration (Min)
40
Approximately 35
30
25
III. Writing
Part I
5
Part II
5
10
Filling out the answer sheet
Total
/
15
10
80
Approximately 85
The test will last for 90 minutes in total (including 5 minutes in which the test takers
fill in personal information).
1. Listening Comprehension
There are 10 items in Part I. The recording of each item will be played twice. For
each item, a dialogue and several pictures will be provided. The test takers should select
corresponding pictures based on what they hear.
There are 10 items in Part II. The recording of each item will be played twice. For
each item, a short passage will be read out, followed by an assertion, which also appears
on the paper. The test taker should decide whether the assertion made is true or false.
There are 10 items in Part III. The recording of each item will be played twice. Each
item consists of a dialogue between two persons. A third person will then ask a question
about the dialogue. There will be three possible answers on the test paper, from which the
test takers can select the best answer based on what they hear.
There are 10 items in Part IV. The recording of each item will be played twice. Each
item consists of a 4-5 sentence dialogue between two persons. A third person will then
ask a question based on the dialogue. There will be three possible answers on the test
paper, from which the test takers can choose best answer based on what they hear.
2. Reading Comprehension
There are 10 items in Part I. In this section, 20 sentences will be provided and the
test taker will be asked to correlate them.
There are 10 items in Part II. For each item, one or two sentences will be provided,
in which one word/phrase is missing. The test taker should choose one of the suggested
words/phrases to fill in the blank.
There are 10 items in Part III. This part consists of 10 short passages, each followed
by a question. The test taker should choose the best answer from the 3 choices provided.
3. Writing
There are 5 items in Part I. Each item lists several words. The test taker should
construct a sentence using the words provided.
There are 5 items in Part II. Each item provides a sentence with several blanks. The
test taker should fill in the blanks with the appropriate characters.
III. Results Certificate
For the HSK (Level III), four results will be provided including listening, reading,
writing and the total. The test taker must score at least 180 points to be considered
passing.
Max Score
Listening
100
Reading
100
Writing
100
Total
300
Your Score
As a Chinese language certificate for foreign students’ entry into Chinese colleges,
the results of the HSK are valid for two years (beginning from the test date)
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.
HSK Level Ⅳ
The HSK (Level IV) assesses test takers’ abilities in the application of everyday
Chinese. It is the counterpart of the Level IV of the Chinese Language Proficiency Scales
for Speakers of Other Languages and the B2 Level of the Common European Framework
of Reference (CEF). 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.
I. Test Target
The HSK (Level IV) is intended for students who have studied Chinese2-4 class
hours per week for four semesters (two academic years). These students have mastered
1,200 commonly used words and related grammar patterns.
II. Test Content
The HSK (Level IV) test is made up of listening comprehension, reading
comprehension and writing and contains a total of 100 test items.
Section
I. Listening
II. Reading
Number of Items
Part I
10
Part II
15
Part III
20
Part I
10
Duration (Min)
45
Approximately 30
40
35
III. Writing
Part II
10
Part III
20
Part I
10
Part II
5
15
Filling out the answer sheet
Total
/
25
10
100
~ 100
The test will last for 105 minutes in total (including 5 minutes in which the test
takers fill in personal information).
1. Listening Comprehension
There are 10 items in Part I. The recording of each item will be played only once.
For each item, a short passage will read out, followed by an assertion which also appears
on the test paper. The test taker should decide whether the assertion is true or false.
There are 15 items in Part II. The recording of each item will be played only once.
Each item consists of a dialogue between two persons. A third person will then ask a
question based on the dialogue. There will be four possible answers on the test paper,
from which test takers can choose the right one based on what they hear.
There are 20 items in Part III. The recording of each item will be played only once.
This section consists of a 4-5 sentence dialogue or monologue followed by one or two
questions. Four possible answers will be provided on the test paper, from which the test
taker can choose the best one.
2. Reading Comprehension
There are 10 items in Part I. One or two sentences will be provided for each item, in
which one word/phrase is missing. The test taker should choose one of the suggested
words/phrases to fill in the blank.
There are 10 items in Part II. Each item consists of three sentences that the test taker
needs to arrange in the correct order.
There are 20 items in Part III. Each item consists of a short passage, and one or two
questions will be asked about the passage. The test taker needs to select the best answer
out of the four answers provided.
3. Writing
There are 10 items in Part I. Each item consists of several words. The test taker
should construct a sentence using these words.
There are 5 items in Part II. Each item consists of a picture and a word. The test
taker needs to write a sentence based on the picture and the word.
III. Results Certificate
For the HSK (Level III), four results will be provided including listening, reading,
writing and the total. The test taker must score at least 180 points to be considered
passing.
Full Score
Listening
100
Reading
100
Writing
100
Total
300
Your Score
As a Chinese language certificate for foreign students’ entry into Chinese colleges,
the results of the HSK are valid for two years (beginning from the test date)
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.
HSK Level Ⅴ
The HSK (Level V) assesses test takers’ abilities in the application of everyday
Chinese. It is the counterpart of the Level V of the Chinese Language Proficiency Scales
for Speakers of Other Languages and the C1 Level of the Common European Framework
of Reference (CEF). 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.
I. Test Target
The HSK (Level V) is intended for students who have studied Chinese 2-4 class
hours per week for more than two academic years. These students have mastered 2,500
commonly used words and related grammar patterns.
II. Test Content
The HSK (Level V) test is made up of listening comprehension, reading
comprehension and writing sections and contains a total of 100 items.
Section
I. Listening
II. Reading
Number of Items
Part I
20
Part II
25
Part I
15
Duration (Min)
45
About 30
45
40
III. Writing
Part II
10
Part III
20
Part I
8
Part II
2
10
Filling out the answer sheet
Total
/
40
10
100
About 120
The test will last for 125 minutes in total (including 5 minutes in which the test
takers fill in personal information).
1. Listening Comprehension
There are 20 items in Part I. The recording of each item will be played only once.
Each item consists of a dialogue between two persons, with a third person then asking a
question about the dialogue. There will be four possible answers provided on the test
paper. Test takers must choose the best answer based on what they hear.
There are 25 items in Part II. The recording of each item will be played only once.
This section consists of a 4-5 sentence dialogue or monologue followed by one or more
questions. Four possible answers will be provided on the test paper. The test take must
choose the best answer out of the four.
2. Reading Comprehension
There are 15 items in Part I. This section consists of various passages, each with
several blanks, which should be filled with a word or sentence. The test taker needs to
choose the best answer out of four possible answers.
There are 10 items in Part II. Each item consists of a passage and four possible
answers. The test taker needs to choose which of the four answers is most consistent with
the passage.
There are 20 items in Part III. This section consists of several passages followed by
some questions. The test taker should choose the best answer out of the 4 answers
provided.
3. Writing
There are 8 items in Part I. Each item consists of several words from which the test
taker should construct a sentence.
There are 2 items in Part II. The first item consists of several words and requires the
test taker to write an article about 80 characters long using the words provided. The
second item consists of a picture and requires the test taker to write an article about 80
characters long based on the picture.
III. Results Certificate
For the HSK (Level III), four results will be provided including listening, reading,
writing and the total. The test taker must score at least 180 points to be considered
passing.
Max Score
Listening
100
Reading
100
Writing
100
Total
300
Your Score
As a Chinese language certificate for foreign students’ entry into Chinese colleges,
the results of the HSK are valid for two years (beginning from the test date)
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.
HSK Level Ⅵ
The HSK (Level VI) assesses test takers’ abilities in the application of everyday
Chinese. It is the counterpart of the Level V of the Chinese Language Proficiency Scales
for Speakers of Other Languages and the C2 Level of the Common European Framework
of Reference (CEF). 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.
I. Test Target
HSK (Level VI) is intended for students who have mastered 5,000 or more
commonly used words.
II. Test Content
The HSK (Level VI) test is made up of listening comprehension, reading
comprehension and writing sections and contains a total of 101 items.
Section
I. Listening
Number of Items
Part I
15
Part II
15
Part III
20
50
Duration (Min)
About 35
II. Reading
III. Writing
Part I
10
Part II
10
Part III
10
Part IV
20
Prose Writing
50
1
Filling out the answer sheet
Total
/
45
45
10
101
~ 135
The test will last for 140 minutes in total (including 5 minutes in which the test
takers fill in personal information).
1. Listening Comprehension
There are 15 items in Part I. The recording of each item will be played only once.
For each item, a short passage will be read and 4 possible answers will be provided on the
test paper. The test taker needs to choose the answer that is most consistent with the
passage.
There are 15 items in Part II. The recording of each item will be played only once. A
recording of three interviews will be played followed by 5 questions. For each question, 4
possible answers will be provided, from which the test takers can choose the best answer
based on what they hear in the passage.
There are 20 items in Part III. The recording of each item will be played only once.
Several passages will be read, each of them followed by some questions. For each
question, 4 possible answers will be provided, from which the test takers can choose the
best answer based on what they hear in the passage.
2. Reading Comprehension
There are 10 items in Part I. Each item consists of 4 sentences. The test taker needs
to choose the sentence that is grammatically incorrect.
There are 10 items in Part II. Each item consists of a short passage with 3-5 blanks.
The test taker needs to choose the best answer from 4 possible answers based on the
context.
There are 10 items in Part III. There are two passages, each with 5 blanks. The test
taker needs to choose the best answer out of 5 sentences based on the context.
There are 20 items in Part IV. This section consists of several passages followed by
some questions. The test taker should choose the right answer from 4 possible answers.
3. Writing
The test taker will be required to read a narrative article of about 1,000 characters
within 10 minutes, and then rewrite it into a shorter article of about 400 characters within
35 minutes. The test taker should also create a title for the article. The test taker should
recount the article and is not required to express personal opinions.
III. Results Certificate
For the HSK (Level III), four results will be provided including listening, reading,
writing and the total. The test taker must score at least 180 points to be considered
passing.
Max Score
Listening
100
Reading
100
Writing
100
Total
300
Your Score
As a Chinese language certificate for foreign students’ entry into Chinese colleges,
the results of the HSK are valid for two years (beginning from the test date)
Speaking Test(Beginner Level)
The HSK Speaking Test (Beginner Level) assesses the test takers’ ability to express
themselves in oral Chinese. It is the counterpart of the Level I and Level II of the Chinese
Language Proficiency Scales for Speakers of Other Languages and the A Level of the
Common European Framework of Reference (CEF). Test takers who are able to pass the
HSK Speaking Test (Beginner Level) can understand and use familiar everyday
expressions and meet specific needs for communication.
I. Test Target
The HSK Speaking Test (Beginner Level) is intended for the students who have
studied Chinese 2-3 class hours per week for 1-2 semesters. These students have
mastered about 200 commonly used words.
II. Test Content
The HSK Speaking Test (Beginner Level) is comprised of three parts, containing 27
items in total.
Section
Listen and
Repeat
Listen and
Reply
Answer the
Questions
Part I
Part II
Part III
Total
Number of Items
Duration (Min)
15
4
10
3
2
3
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 provide 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.
III. Results Certificate
The maximum score of the HSK Speaking Test (Beginner Level) is 100. A score of
60 or above is considered a passing result.
Max Score
Passing Score
100
60
Your Score
As a Chinese language certificate for foreign students’ entry into Chinese colleges,
the results of the HSK are valid for two years (beginning from the test date)
Speaking Test(Intermediate Level)
The HSK Speaking Test (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 Chinese Language Proficiency Scales for Speakers of Other Languages and the B
Level of the Common European Framework of Reference (CEF). Test takers who are
able to pass the HSK Speaking Test (Intermediate Level) can understand intermediate
Chinese and converse fluently with native Chinese speakers.
I. Test Target
The HSK Speaking Test (Intermediate Level) is intended for students who have
studied Chinese 2-3 hours per week for 1-2 academic years. These students have
mastered about 900 commonly used words.
II. Test Content
The HSK Speaking Test (Intermediate Level) is comprised of three parts, containing
14 items in total.
Part I
Listen and Repeat
Number of
Items
10
Part II
Picture Description
2
4
2
4
14
11
Section
Part III
Answer the
Questions
Total
Duration (Min)
3
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).
III. Results Certificate
The maximum score of the HSK Speaking Test (Intermediate Level) is 100. A score
of 60 or above is considered a passing result.
Max Score
Passing Score
100
60
Your Score
As a Chinese language certificate for foreign students’ entry into Chinese colleges,
the results of the HSK are valid for two years (beginning from the test date)
Speaking Test(Advanced Level)
The HSK Speaking Test (Advanced Level) assesses the test takers’ ability to express
themselves orally in Chinese. It is the counterpart of the Level V of the Chinese
Language Proficiency Scales for Speakers of Other Languages and the C Level of the
Common European Framework of Reference (CEF). Test takers who are able to pass the
HSK Speaking Test (Advanced Level) can understand spoken Chinese and fluently
express their ideas in Chinese.
I. Test Target
The HSK Speaking Test (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 common words.
II. Test Content
The HSK Speaking Test (Advanced Level) is comprised of three parts, containing 6
items in total.
Section
Part I
Part II
Part III
Number of Items
Duration (Min)
3
7
1
2
2
5
6
14
Listen and Repeat
Read Aloud
Answer the
Questions
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 aloud.
There are 2 items in Part III. The test taker should answer the two questions on the
test paper.
III. Results Certificate
The maximum score of the HSK Speaking Test (Advanced Level) is 100. A score of
60 or above is considered a passing result.
Max Score
Passing Score
100
60
Your Score
As a Chinese language certificate for foreign students’ entry into Chinese colleges,
the results of the HSK are valid for two years (beginning from the test date)
III. Test Principles
The new HSK follows the principle of “test-teaching correlation”, bases the design
of the test on the current trends in international Chinese language training, 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 emphasizes the objectivity and accuracy of the evaluation and
stresses the learners’ actual Chinese language abilities.
The new HSK sets clear test objectives to allow the test takers to be able to improve
their Chinese language abilities in a systematic and efficient way.
IV. 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.
V. Results Certificate
Test takers will receive the results for the new HSK issued by Hanban within three weeks
after the test.
Introduction on New HSK Test
In order to better satisfy the demand for adequate Chinese language tests in foreign
countries, Hanban has consulted a large number of both foreign and national experts in
language teaching, linguistics, educational evaluation and psychology to assess the
standard of Chinese language testing abroad. Based on their investigations and some new
understandings regarding the shortcomings of Chinese language testing today, Hanban
has applied the latest research methodology in foreign-language testing to develop a new
HSK test, which will be launched in November 2009. The test is designed for Chinese
language learners who are based overseas.
Ⅰ Test Structure
The new HSK is a standardized international Chinese proficiency test, taking non-native
speakers as its object, and directed at examining students’ capability in applying Chinese
language in their studies, personal life and work. The new type of examination consists of
two independent parts; a written test and an oral test. The written test is comprised of
HSK-Level 1, HSK-Level 2, HSK- Level 3, HSK- Level 4, HSK- Level 5 and HSKLevel 6, while the oral test is comprised of HSK(Elementary), HSK (Intermediate) and
HSK (Advanced). During the oral test, sound-recording devices are used.
Written Test
Oral Test
HSK- Level 6
HSK- Level 5
HSK- Level 4
HSK- Level 3
HSK- Level 2
HSK- Level 1
HSK(Advanced)
HSK(Intermediate)
HSK(Elementary)
Ⅱ Test Grades
The direct comparison between the new HSK test and Chinese Language Proficiency
Scales for Speakers of Other Languages and The Common European Framework
Reference for Language，CEF）is as follows:
a.
Chinese
Language
Proficiency
Scales for
Speakers of
Other
Languages
The Common
European
Framework
Reference for
Language，
CEF
New HSK
Vocabulary
HSK- Level 6
Over 5000
HSK- Level 5
2500
HSK- Level 4
1200
Grade Four
B2
HSK- Level 3
600
Grade Three
B1
HSK- Level 2
300
Grade Two
A2
HSK- Level 1
150
Grade One
A1
Grade Five
C2
C1
HSK- Level 1
Designed for learners who can understand and use some simple Chinese characters and
sentences to communicate, and prepares them for continuing their Chinese studies;
b. HSK- Level 2
Designed for elementary learners who can use Chinese in a simple and direct manner,
applying it in a basic fashion in their daily lives;
c. HSK- Level 3
Designed for elementary-intermediate 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;
d. HSK- Level 4
Designed for intermediate learners who can discuss a relatively wide range of topics in
Chinese and are capable of communicating with Chinese speakers at a high standard;
e.
HSK- Level 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;
f. HSK- Level 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;
Ⅲ Test Principles
Following the principle of “combing testing and teaching”, the new test is designed in
line with the present situation of international Chinese-language teaching and the
teaching materials that are commonly available, with the aim of “promoting teaching and
learning through examinations”.
The new HSK test stresses objectivity and accuracy, and also focuses on developing and
testing an examinees’ ability to apply Chinese in practical, real-life situations.
The new HSK test also sets explicit study objectives, allowing examinees to more
effectively improve their Chinese proficiency with defined study plans and goals.
Ⅳ Test Functions
Taking its orientation from the old HSK test, the new HSK test is aimed primarily at
adult Chinese learners. The test scores meet the various demands of different
organizations or groups of people as follows:
A. Offers a reference for educational institutions to recruit students, classify students,
exempt students from some courses and grant credits;
B. Offers a reference for employers to employ, train and promote employees;
C. Offers a reference for Chinese learners to understand and improve their ability to
apply Chinese;
D. Offers a reference for related Chinese teaching institutions or training organizations to
evaluate teaching standards and the effectiveness of different training.
Ⅴ Test Score Report
Within three weeks after the test, examinees can access their test scores on the internet
and have their ‘Score Report’ issued by Hanban.
For test takers registering via the Internet, it’s only needed to sign up to be a member of the
website, select the desired category, date and site for the test, and input your personal
information. And then your booking for the examination is finished.
Upon completion of the booking, test takers are kindly reminded to pay examination fees
before the corresponding deadline, only by which, can the booking finally take effect, the test
taker be confirmed, and such services as printing of test admission ticket offered.
Tips:1. Read carefully the examination regulations before registration and participating in
examination to facilitate the process of registration and examination;
2. Keep well the account information and test entry card information, which will be of greater
help to inquire and obtain the test report and the certificate;
3. If there are any questions about the timing and traffic routes, contacting registered test
center in advance will be a good choice.
Youth Chinese Test (YCT)
The new YCT test was launched by Hanban in an effort to encourage foreign young
students to learn Chinese and improve their Chinese language proficiency. As part of this
effort, since 2004 Hanban has organized experts from different disciplines such as
Chinese language teaching, linguistics, psychology and educational measurement to work
on the program, conducting surveys in order to understand the latest trends in overseas
Chinese language teaching and learning.
I. Test Structure
The new YCT is an international standardized test of Chinese language proficiency.
It assesses young foreign students' abilities to use Chinese in their daily and academic
lives. The new YCT consists of a writing test and a speaking test, which are independent
of each other. The writing test is divided into four levels, namely, the YCT (level I), YCT
(level II), YCT (level III), and YCT (level IV). The speaking test is divided into the YCT
(Beginner Level) and YCT (Intermediate Level).
Writing Test
Speaking Test
YCT (Level IV)
YCT (Intermediate
Level)
YCT (Level III)
YCT (Level II)
YCT (Level I)
II. Test Levels
YCT (Beginner Level)
The different levels of the new YCT 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
New YCT
Vocabulary
CLPS
CEF
HSK (Level VI)
Over 5,000
HSK (Level V)
2,500
HSK (Level IV)
1,200
Level IV
B2
Level V
C2
C1
HSK (Level III)
YCT (Level IV)
600
Level III
B1
HSK (Level II)
YCT (Level III)
300
Level II
A2
HSK (Level I)
YCT (Level II)
150
Level I
A1
YCT (Level I)
80
Test takers who are able to pass the YCT (Level I) can understand and use some of
the most common Chinese phrases and sentences and possess the ability to further their
Chinese language studies.
New YCT Level I
The YCT (Level I) assesses test takers’ ability in daily use of Chinese. Test takers
who are able to pass the YCT (Level I) can understand and use some of the most
common Chinese phrases and sentences and possess the ability to further their Chinese
language studies.
I. Test Target
The YCT (Level I) is intended for young students who have studied Chinese for
three months, with 2-3 class hours per week. These students have mastered 80 commonly
used words and related grammar patterns.
II. Test Content
The YCT (Level I) test is made up of listening comprehension and reading
comprehension sections and contains a total of 35 items.
Section
I. Listening
Number of Items
Part I
5
Part II
5
20
Duration
(Min)
About 10
II. Reading
Part III
5
Part IV
5
Part I
5
Part II
5
Part III
5
15
Filling out the answer sheet
Total
/
15
5
35
About 30
The duration of the test is 35 minutes (including 5 minutes in which the test takers
fill in personal information).
1. Listening Comprehension
There are 5 items in Part I. The recording of each item will be played twice. For
each item, a sentence and a picture will be provided. The test takers should make a trueor-false judgment based on what they hear.
There are 5 items in Part II. The recording of each item will be played twice. For
each item, a phrase and 3 pictures will be provided. The test takers should choose a
picture that best corresponds with the phrase based on what they hear.
There are 5 items in Part III. The recording of each item will be played twice. For
each item, a sentence and a picture will be provided. The test takers should make a trueor-false judgment based on what they hear.
There are 5 items in Part IV. The recording of each item will be played twice. For
each item, a dialogue and 3 pictures will be provided. The test takers should choose the
corresponding picture based on what they hear.
2. Reading Comprehension
There are 5 items in Part I. Each item consists of a picture and a phrase. The test
taker should judge whether or not they are consistent with each other.
There are 5 items in Part II. Several pictures will be displayed on the paper. A
sentence will be provided for each item. The test taker should choose the corresponding
picture based on the sentence.
There are 5 items in Part III. Each item consists of a picture and an incomplete
dialogue. There will be 6 possible answers from which the test taker needs to choose the
best answer.
All the items on the test paper are displayed in pinyin.
III. Results Certificate
The results of YCT are valid for a considerable period of time. Three results will be
provided for the YCT (Level I),) including listening, reading and the total. A score of 120
or more is considered a passing score.
Max Score
Listening
100
Reading
100
Total
200
Your Score
Test takers who are able to pass the YCT (Level II) can understand and use some
simple Chinese phrases and sentences and cope with basic level communications.
New YCT Level II
The YCT (Level II) tests test takers’ ability in daily use of Chinese. It is the
counterpart of the Level I of the Chinese Language Proficiency Scales for Speakers of
Other Languages and the A1 Level of the Common European Framework of Reference
(CEF). Test takers who are able to pass the YCT (Level II) can understand and use some
simple Chinese phrases and sentences and cope with basic level communications.
I. Test Target
The YCT (Level II) is intended for young students who have studied Chinese for a
semester (half an academic year), with 2-3 class hours per week. These students have
mastered 150 commonly used words and related grammar patterns.
II. Test Content
The YCT (Level II) test is made up of listening comprehension and reading
comprehension sections and contains a total of 40 items.
Section
I. Listening
II. Reading
Number of Items
Part I
5
Part II
5
Part III
5
Part IV
5
Part I
5
Part II
5
Part III
5
Part IV
5
Duration (Min)
20
About 15
20
25
Filling out the answer sheet
Total
/
5
40
About 45
The test will last for a total of 50 minutes (including 5 minutes in which the test
takers fill in personal information).
1. Listening Comprehension
There are 5 items in Part I. The recording of each item will be played twice. For
each item, a phrase and a picture will be provided. The test takers should make a true-orfalse judgment based on what they hear.
There are 5 items in Part II. The recording of each item will be played twice. For
each item, a sentence and several pictures will be provided. The test takers should select
corresponding pictures based on what they hear.
There are 5 items in Part III. The recording of each item will be played twice. For
each item, a dialogue and 3 pictures will be provided. The test takers should choose the
corresponding picture based on what they hear.
There are 5 items in Part IV. The recording of each item will be played twice. Each
item consists of a question and three possible answers. Test takers need to choose the
right answer based on what they hear.
2. Reading Comprehension
There are 5 items in Part I. Each item consists of picture and a phrase. The test taker
should judge whether or not they are consistent with each other.
There are 5 items in Part II. Several pictures will be displayed on the paper. For each
item, a dialogue will be provided. The test taker needs to choose the corresponding
picture based on the dialogue.
There are 5 items in Part III. This section consists of 5 questions and 5 answers for
the test taker to match.
There are 5 items in Part IV. Each item consists of an incomplete dialogue. There
will be 6 possible answers from which the test taker needs to choose the best answer.
All the items on the test paper are displayed in pinyin.
III. Results Certificate
The results of YCT are valid for a considerable period of time. Three results will be
provided for the YCT (Level I),) including listening, reading and the total. A score of 120
or more is considered a passing score.
Max Score
Listening
100
Reading
100
Total
200
Your Score
Test takers who are able to pass the YCT (Level III), having reached an excellent
level in basic Chinese, can communicate on familiar daily topics in a simple manner.
New YCT Level Ⅲ
The YCT (Level III) tests test takers’ ability in daily use of Chinese. It is the
counterpart of the Level II of the Chinese Language Proficiency Scales for Speakers of
Other Languages and the A2 Level of the Common European Framework of Reference
(CEF). Test takers who are able to pass the YCT (Level III), having reached an excellent
level in basic Chinese, can communicate on familiar daily topics in a simple manner.
I. Test Target
The YCT (Level III) is intended for young students who have studied Chinese for
two semesters (one academic year), with 2-3 class hours per week. These students have
mastered 300 common words and related grammar patterns.
II. Test Content
The YCT (Level III) test is made up of listening comprehension and reading
comprehension sections and contains a total of 60 items.
Section
I. Listening
II. Reading
Number of Items
Part I
10
Part II
10
Part III
10
Part IV
5
Part I
5
Part II
5
Part III
5
Part IV
10
Filling out the answer sheet
Total
/
Duration (Min)
35
About 20
25
25
10
60
About 55
The test will last for a total of 60 minutes (including 5 minutes in which the test
takers fill in personal information).
1. Listening Comprehension
There are 10 items in Part I. The recording of each item will be played twice. For
each item, a sentence and a picture will be provided. Test takers should make a true-orfalse judgment based on what they hear.
There are 10 items in Part II. The recording of each item will be played twice.
Several pictures will be displayed on the paper. For each item, a dialogue will be
provided, and the test takers should choose the corresponding picture based on what they
hear.
There are 10 items in Part III. The recording of each item will be played twice. Each
item consists of a question and three possible answers. Test takers need to choose the best
answer based on what they hear.
There are 5 items in Part IV. The recording of each item will be played twice. Each
item consists of a dialogue between two persons, followed by a question about the
dialogue. There will be three possible answers on the test paper, from which the test
takers can choose the right one based on what they hear.
2. Reading Comprehension
There are 5 items in Part I. There will be several pictures on the test paper. For each
item, a dialogue will be provided. The test taker needs to choose the corresponding
picture based on the dialogue.
There are 5 items in Part II. Each item consists of a picture and 3 sentences. The test
taker needs to choose the sentence that corresponds with the picture.
There are 10 items in Part III. Each item consists of a question and 3 possible
answers. The test taker needs to choose the best answer.
There are 10 items in Part IV. Each item consists of a dialogue with a blank section.
The test taker should choose one of the 3 suggested words to fill in the blank.
All the items on the test paper are provided displayed in pinyin.
III. Results Certificate
The results of YCT are valid for a considerable period of time. Three results will be
provided for the YCT (Level I),) including listening, reading and the total. A score of 120
or more is considered a passing score.
Max Score
Listening
100
Reading
100
Total
200
Your Score
Test takers who are able to pass the YCT (Level IV) can communicate in Chinese
at a basic level in their daily, academic and professional lives. When travelling in China,
they can manage most forms of communication in Chinese.
New YCT Level Ⅳ
The YCT (Level IV) tests test takers’ ability in daily use of Chinese. It is the
counterpart of the Level III of the Chinese Language Proficiency Scales for Speakers of
Other Languages and the B1 Level of the Common European Framework of Reference
(CEF). Test takers who are able to pass the YCT (Level IV) can communicate in Chinese
at a basic level in their daily, academic and professional lives. When travelling in China,
they can manage most forms of communication in Chinese.
I. Test Target
The YCT (Level V) is intended for young students who have studied Chinese for
more than two semesters, with 2-3 class hours per week. These students have mastered
600 commonly used words and related grammar patterns.
II. Test Content
The YCT (Level IV) test is made up of listening comprehension, reading
comprehension and writing sections and contains a total of 80 items.
Section
I. Listening
II. Reading
III. Writing
Number of Items
Part I
10
Part II
10
Part III
10
Part IV
10
Part I
5
Part II
10
Part III
10
Part IV
5
Part I
5
Part II
5
Filling out the answer sheet
Total
/
Duration (Min)
40
About 30
30
25
10
15
10
80
About 80
The test will last for a total of 85 minutes (including 5 minutes in which the test
takers fill in personal information).
1. Listening Comprehension
There are 10 items in Part I. The recording of each item will be played twice. For
each item, a dialogue and a picture will be provided. The test takers should make a trueor-false judgment based on what they hear.
There are 10 items in Part II. The recording of each item will be played twice. For
each item, 3 sentences and 3 pictures will be provided. The test takers should choose the
sentence that corresponds with the picture based on what they hear.
There are 10 items in Part III. The recording of each item will be played twice. Each
item consists of a dialogue between two persons followed by a question. There will be
three possible answers on the test paper. Test takers can choose best answer based on
what they hear.
There are 10 items in Part IV. The recording of each item will be played twice. For
each item, a short passage will be read out. A sentence will be displayed on the test paper
(with pinyin). The test takers should make a true-or-false judgment based on what they
hear.
2. Reading Comprehension
There are 5 items in Part I. Each item consists of a picture and 3 sentences. The test
taker needs to choose the sentence that corresponds with the picture.
There are 10 items in Part II. In this section, there are 20 sentences divided into 2
groups. The test taker should match them.
There are 10 items in Part III. Each item consists of a dialogue with a blank section.
The test taker should choose one of the 3 suggested words to fill in the blank.
There are 10 items in Part IV. Each item consists of a passage and a question. The
test taker needs to choose the correct answer out of 3 possible answers.
3. Writing
There are 5 items in Part I. Each item consists of several words. The test taker
should construct a sentence using these words.
There are 5 items in Part II. Each item provides a sentence with blanks. The test
taker should fill in the blanks with the right characters.
III. Results Certificate
The results of YCT are valid for a considerable period of time. Four results will be
provided for the YCT (Level I),) including listening, reading, writing and the total. A
score of 180 or more is considered a passing score.
Max Score
Listening
100
Reading
100
Writing
100
Your Score
Total
300
Speaking Test(Beginner Level)
The YCT Speaking Test (Beginner Level) assesses test takers’ ability to expressing
themselves orally in Chinese. It is the counterpart of the Level I and Level II of the
Chinese Language Proficiency Scales for Speakers of Other Languages and the A Level
of the Common European Framework of Reference (CEF). Test takers who are able to
pass the YCT Speaking Test (Beginner Level) can understand and use familiar everyday
expressions that meet specific needs for communication.
. Test Target
The YCT (Beginner Level) is intended for young students who have studied Chinese
for 1-2 semesters, with 2-3 class hours per week. These students have mastered 200
commonly used words and related grammar patterns.
.Test Content
The YCT Speaking Test (Beginner Level) is made up of three parts and contains a
total of 25 items.
Section
Number of Items
Duration (Min)
Part I
Listen and Repeat
15
4
Part II
Listen and Reply
5
2
Part III
Describe Pictures
5
4
25
10
Total
The test will last for a total of 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 5 items in Part II. For each item, the recording of a question will be played.
The test taker should provide a brief answer.
There are 5 items in Part III. Each item consists of a picture. The test taker should
use 2-3 sentences to say something based on the picture.
. Results Certificate
The maximum score of the YCT Speaking Test (Beginner Level) is 100. A score of
60 or higher is considered a passing score.
Max Score
Passing Score
100
60
Your Score
Speaking Test(Intermediate Level)
The YCT Speaking Test (Intermediate Level) assesses test takers’ ability to
expressing themselves orally in Chinese. It is the counterpart of the Level III of the
Chinese Language Proficiency Scales for Speakers of Other Languages and the B1 Level
of the Common European Framework of Reference (CEF). Test takers who are able to
pass the YCT Speaking Test (Intermediate Level) can understand simple spoken Chinese
and engage in basic communication with native Chinese speakers.
. Test Target
The YCT (Intermediate Level) is intended for young students who have studied
Chinese for more than two semesters, with 2-3 class hours per week. These students have
mastered 400 commonly used words and related grammar patterns.
. Test Content
The YCT Speaking Test (Intermediate Level) is made up of three parts and contains
a total of 14 items.
Section
Number of Items
Duration (Min)
Part I
Listen and Repeat
10
3
Part II
Describe Pictures
2
3
Part III
Answer the Questions
2
3
14
9
Total
The test will last a total of 19 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 a picture. The test taker should
write a passage based on the picture.
There are 2 items in Part III. The test taker should answer the two questions (using
pinyin).
. Results Certificate
The maximum score of the YCT Speaking Test (Intermediate Level) is 100. A score
of 60 or higher is considered a passing score.
Max Score
Passing Score
100
60
Your Score
III. Test Principles
The new YCT aims to improve Chinese language learners’ self-confidence and
follows the principle of “test-teaching correlation”. It bases the design of the test on
current trends in international Chinese language training and is closely related to textbook
learning procedures. The purpose of the test is to “promote training through testing” and
“promote learning through testing”.
IV. Test Purposes
The YCT is intended for students whose mother tongue is not Chinese. The results
of the test can serve various purposes:
1. A method for Chinese language learners to assess and improve their proficiency
in Chinese.
2. A reference for Chinese language training in schools.
3. A method for Chinese language training institutions to evaluate training results.
4. A benchmark for students who want to participate in the HSK test.
V. Results Certificate
Test takers will receive their test results for the new YCT issued by Hanban within three
weeks after the test.