As the most widely accepted Mandarin Chinese language proficiency test worldwide, the HSK exam is also an essential tool for finding work in China, for being accepted to Chinese universities, and for proving your Chinese language proficiency to potential employers abroad.
Designed and run by Hanban, the highest Chinese authority on Chinese language education for foreigners, the HSK exam is six separate exams which increase in difficulty. You can study for and take each HSK level separately.
In this article, we will explain to you what the HSK exam is, why it’s important, how to prepare for it, and where to take it.
Don’t stress! We have the answers you need about the HSK exam.
7 essential FAQs about the HSK exam
1. What is the HSK exam?
Put simply, the HSK exam is the standard exam for measuring Chinese proficiency. “HSK” stands for Hànyǔ shuǐpíng kǎoshì, which means “Chinese Level Test”.
The HSK exam is broken into six different levels. Unlike the IELTS which measures English proficiency, each level is its own exam which is registered for and taken separately. HSK Level 1 is the most basic, and HSK Level 6 is the most advanced.
2. Why should I take the HSK?
There are quite a few reasons why you should take the HSK.
For starters, the HSK is a great way to measure your progress. Learning Chinese is no easy feat and taking the HSK can help you see the strides you are making.
Since the HSK levels are based on word frequency in Chinese, studying the HSK vocabulary will also help you with learning the most commonly used words in the Chinese language. Another reason why you should take the HSK is if you want to study or work in China.
Many universities require and HSK 4 certificate or higher to be admitted. If you want to join a Chinese company, holding an HSK certificate will also help your chances during the hiring process.
Beyond the workplace, the HSK certification is also helpful for acquiring a Chinese work visa. The visa system is points-based, and the more points you have, the more likely you are to successfully obtain a visa. Having an HSK certification gives you additional points and increases your chance of success.
Last but not least, the HSK exam is the only internationally recognized standardized Mandarin level test. Therefore, it’s also the only universally accepted way to prove your Chinese knowledge.
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3. What is the HSK test like?
No one likes tests—especially when they don’t know what to expect.
The HSK exam is offered in testing centers across China, as well as in select locations around the globe. When you register for the exam, you can choose to take the HSK in written form, or on a computer.
All HSK levels include listening and reading sections, and HSK 3 through HSK 6 also include writing portions.
HSK 1
- Listening: 20 questions; 15 minutes
- Reading: 20 questions; 17 minutes
- Writing: None
- Total Time: ~40 minutes
H2K 2
- Listening: 35 questions; 25 minutes
- Reading: 25 questions; 22 minutes
- Writing: None
- Total Time: ~55 minutes
HSK 3
- Listening: 40 questions; 35 minutes
- Reading: 30 questions; 30 minutes
- Writing: 10 questions; 15 minutes
- Total Time: ~90 minutes
HSK 4
- Listening: 45 questions; 30 minutes
- Reading: 40 questions; 40 minutes
- Writing: 15 questions; 25 minutes
- Total Time: ~105 minutes
HSK 5
- Listening: 45 questions; 30 minutes
- Reading: 45 questions; 45 minutes
- Writing: 10 questions; 45 minutes
- Total Time: ~125 minutes
HSK 6
- Listening: 50 questions; 50 minutes
- Reading: 50 questions; 50 minutes
- Writing: 1 question; 45 minutes
- Total Time: ~140 minutes
There is no speaking section on the HSK, but you can opt to take a separate speaking test called the HSKK (Chinese Level Oral Test) if you choose.
Common HSK question formats for the listening and reading sections include true-or-false, matching, fill-in-the-blank, and multiple choice. The writing section of the HSK 3 and 4 test is usually sentence-ordering or fill-in-the-blank. There may also be a picture or other essay prompt for HSK levels 5 and 6.
4. Which HSK level should I take?
Knowing which HSK level you need is a step in the right direction.
You should take the HSK level that most closely matches your current level of Chinese proficiency.
You can see which HSK level you should take based on how many words you know in Chinese. HSK 1 usually requires around 150 words, while HSK 6 requires over 5,000 words.
If you still are not sure which HSK level you should take, you can take a level evaluation to see which HSK level is the best fit for you. You can also try out some practice HSK exams and see how you do.
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5. How do I take the HSK test?
The exam is taken in testing centers in big cities in China and in Confucius Institutes around the world. The exam can be taken in one of two formats (hand-written or computerized), depending on your preference. However, note that not all locations allow for both formats.
To find out the closest locations to you and to sign up for the test, you will need to register for an account on the Hanban website. The registration process to take the HSK has many steps, and some parts are only in Chinese. Be warned: the Hanban website is only compatible with Internet Explorer.
If you need assistance in registering, you can contact your local Confucius Institute or Chinese language school for help. The exam is only offered once per month in China, and less frequently abroad, so make sure you check the exam dates in advance.
Registration for the HSK exam closes 10 days to a month before the HSK test date, and results are usually available two weeks to a month after the exam, depending on if you are taking the hand-written or computerized HSK.
If you want guidance, check out this handy step-by-step guide on how to create an account and register to take the HSK test.
6. How do I pass the HSK exam?
Get ready to master your Chinese skills.
The best way to pass the HSK exam is to learn the vocabulary and grammar for your HSK level. Each HSK level has a specific vocabulary list that you need to learn to pass that level, so you may find it helpful to work through the vocabulary list for your level before you take the HSK.
Once you have mastered the necessary vocabulary and grammar, you should start practicing your skills by reading short texts and listening to Chinese audio. The next step is to take at least one full-length practice HSK exam.
Mock tests will help you to get familiar with the exam format and the types of questions that appear on the exam. This way when test day rolls around, you are well prepared to pass your HSK.
To pass your HSK exam, you need a lot of time, commitment, and guidance. While you can definitely do it on your own, it may be helpful to join an HSK course or study with a private tutor who is familiar with the test. Learn more about joining an online HSK course.
7. What is a good HSK score?
Luckily, no one really cares about your exam score. The most important qualifier is the HSK level that you pass. Therefore, a good HSK score is 60%, which is the minimum to pass for each HSK level.
A passing grade on HSK 1 and 2 is 120 points out of 200. A passing grade on HSK levels 3, 4, 5, or 6 is 180 points out of 300.
Of course, you can always aim higher! Set yourself a goal and shoot for the stars. In the end, a good HSK score is what you make it.
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Your HSK exam is your gateway to China!
HSK passed? Bon voyage!
China is the land of opportunity for international students and young professionals. As Chinese companies are looking to expand abroad, they are seeking many international employees to join their ranks.
Similarly, Chinese universities provide full-ride scholarships for international students in many majors and locations around China.
But while China is looking to become more international, the main language of work and study in China is still Mandarin Chinese. Therefore, Chinese universities and employers require potential candidates to prove their HSK proficiency level for both job applications and as a requirement for joining Chinese-taught university programs.
If you are looking to engage with China, at one point or another you will likely find yourself taking the HSK exam.
We hope that this short guide gave you more of an understanding of what the HSK exam is. If you need more help with preparing for the exam, you know where to find us!
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