HSK Exam in Chinese is Hanyu Shuiping Kaoshi (汉语水平考试) literally meaning “Mandarin Level Test”.

It is organized by Hanban (汉办) the part of the Chinese education ministry also in charge of the Confucius Institutes (孔子学院).

The HSK Exam is administered by testing centres around the world, including private language schools, universities and Confucius institutes.

There are six HSK levels overall. HSK 1 covers basic Chinese language through to HSK 6 which is outright fluency in all circumstances. Let’s explain a little bit more about each level and what your expectations will be when taking the exam:

• HSK 1 – The ability to understand basic Chinese words and phrases
• HSK 2 – Can use basic Chinese and apply to complete simple tasks
• HSK 3 – Can communicate daily for academic and professional purposes
• HSK 4 – Converse fluently in various topics with native Chinese speakers
• HSK 5 – Fluent speaking and ability to read a Chinese newspaper
• HSK 6 – Ability to express whatever you wish either spoken or written.

NOTE – The HSK is changing to 9 levels. Although the full details are not known just yet we have collated what we know thus far…

The HSK Exam is undergoing it’s biggest ever reform as the current 6 level structure is set to be changed to an even harder 9 level structure.

Whilst the details remain a little unclear, we have in the mean time answered all your FAQ’s in our regularly updated New HSK blog alongside this video.

The changes come into play sometime during 2023, sign up to our newsletter to be the first to find out what changes and when.

The exam is either taken on computer or written format. There is no speaking involved. You can actually take a Chinese speaking test, this is referred to as the HSKK Exam (note the extra K). There are three of these tests in total. Feel free to contact us to talk more about HSKK Exams.

In terms of the computer and written exams, here are a few useful points about how the test works:

• HSK 1 and HSK 2 are the two most basic HSK Exams, these involve pinyin and characters
• HSK 1 and HSK 2 tests your listening and reading skills
• HSK 3 through to HSK 6 are fully in Chinese characters, there is no pinyin in these exams
• HSK 3 to HSK 6 tests your listening, reading and writing skills
• The HSK Exam dates are listed below.
• The cost of the HSK 1 Exam is 150CNY, this increases by 100CNY for each exam. For example, HSK 4 would cost 450CNY
  • PLEASE NOTE – The cost of HSK Exam’s changes depending on the country you are in, these are the prices for taking the HSK in China.

The HSK exam is split into sections. Listening, Reading and Writing (HSK3-6).

Each section is broken down into a number of questions to test your ability in all forms of Chinese.

You can choose to take either the written test or the computer test.

Our HSK classes are taught by experienced teachers who know exactly the tools you need to pass your HSK Exam.

You will learn the exact grammar structures, vocabulary and sentence patterns you need to put you in great shape going into your HSK Test.

Your HSK Classes can be combined with Small Group Classes, 1 on 1 Classes and Immersion Programs. At LTL we can help you sign up for your HSK Exam and give you any other details, or answer any other questions you have about the exam.

• HSK Classes taught by HSK Teachers
• 1 on 1 tuition to get you ahead fast
• Start on any Monday of the year
• Join your HSK classes onto another program
• LTL is an accredited HSK Test Centre
• HSK Exams every month in China
• Speak to us for more details

Regular Course Options & Pricing

• HSK Standard – 20h 1-on-1 HSK classes

Intensive Class Options & Pricing

• HSK Intensive – 30h 1-on-1 HSK classes

The Process

1. Assessment – Your assigned HSK Specialist will get an understanding of your current level of Chinese and give you a HSK Level to attain, from one through to six.
2. Choose an Exam and Date – Once you are both comfortable with what level exam to take its time to pick a date and get preparing
3. Personalized study plan – Your plan will give you targets, strategies and mock papers so you have all the materials you need.
4. Take Mock Tests – It’s time to see how you fare with last year’s papers.
5. It’s time for your test – Good luck

What’s Included

• HSK level assessment and study plan
• HSK mock test and analysis
• Five sets of past HSK Test papers including CD
• HSK Test Syllabus
• Sign up and staff support
• Chinese classes are not included

COST – 980CNY