HSK (written) and HSKK (oral) are standardised language examinations that test the Chinese language skills of Chinese learners. The examination is held in certified examination centres worldwide. As an internationally recognised standard test, the function of the HSK examination is similar to the "Test of English as a Foreign Language" (TOEFL) for the English language.
The written HSK test and the oral HSKK test are held independently of each other.
The HSK test (written) consists of six levels. The HSKK test (oral) is divided into three levels: Beginner, intermediate and advanced.
HSK level 1: The examinee is able to understand and use simple expressions and sentences.
HSK level 2: The examinee is able to manage everyday situations easily. The target group of this examination is people who have already completed the beginner level of Chinese as a foreign language.
HSK level 3: The examinee is able to understand the content of familiar situations in the subject areas of work, school, leisure etc.
HSK level 4: The examinee is able to discuss various topics in Chinese, and to communicate spontaneously and flexibly. Talking to native speakers is possible without great effort.
HSK level 5: The examinee is able to read Chinese newspapers and magazines, watch Chinese films without major problems, and give a speech in Chinese.
HSK level 6: Anyone who passes the sixth level of the HSK examination can easily understand almost everything they read or hear, and can express themselves spontaneously, fluently and precisely.
As an internationally recognised standard test, the HSK examination has a function that is similar to the "Test of English as a Foreign Language" (TOEFL) for English or the "Japanese Language Proficiency Test" (JLPT) for Japanese.
The HSK certificate therefore serves as:
The certificate is valid for an unlimited period, the examination report for a period of two years from the date of the examination. Duplicates of this certificate, e.g. for job applications, can be ordered online for a fee within two years, from "Chinese Testing International" (http://www.chinesetest.cn).
Only the following items can be brought with you to the examination room:
Each part of the examination (listening/reading/writing) has its own time limit. During the specified time only the corresponding sections of the test can be worked on, not other sections. Test documents are the property of the HSK centre. At the end of the examination all test documents must be collected in full.
Information on exam registration is available here.
