HSK Preparation
Preparation for the HSK, the official Chinese proficiency certification recognised worldwide, at every level.
The new HSK (Hanyu Shuiping Kaoshi) is the Chinese language certification test developed by Hanban on the basis of the International Standard of Chinese Language Proficiency, for non-native speakers.
What the HSK is
The HSK (Hànyǔ Shǔipíng Kǎoshì) is the only Chinese language test developed on the basis of the International Standard of Chinese Language Proficiency (国际汉语能力标准).
Its purpose is to assess a candidate's knowledge of Chinese and their ability to use it in everyday, academic and professional life. It is intended solely for foreign students, or more generally for people who are not native speakers. The HSK is a written examination.
The HSK levels
The examination comprises six levels, from HSK 1 to HSK 6.
- HSK 1 = A1 (certifies a knowledge of 300 words)
- HSK 2 = A2 (500 words)
- HSK 3 = B1 (1,000 words)
- HSK 4 = B2 (2,000 words)
- HSK 5 = C1 (4,000 words)
- HSK 6 = C2 (5,400 words)
- HSK 7–9 = C2+ (11,000 words)
For more on the certification, the levels and how the examination is run, see the official Hanban test centre page: chinesetest.cn.
What the HSK is for
The result certifies the level of language a student has reached, and it is worth something in several ways. The HSK diploma is recognised internationally and is very useful — in some cases required — for anyone hoping to study at a Chinese university. It is useful too for those who use Chinese at work. Above all, sitting the HSK is a way of measuring your own Chinese against a standard.