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  (Intermediate Level)

HSK (Level III)

HSK (Level II)   HSK  (Beginner Level)

HSK (Level I)

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 CLPS CEF

HSK (Level VI) Over 5,000 Level V C2

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 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.

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.

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 inChina.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Score & Certificate：