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In order to better satisfy the demands of foreign learners studying the Chinese language, Hanban has applied the latest research methodology in foreign-language testing in the development of a new Chinese Proficiency Test (New HSK for short). The test is predominantly based on the Chinese Language Proficiency Scales for Speakers of Other Languages, and takes into account the current standard of Chinese teaching abroad.

For more information about the New HSK Test, please visit the New HSK Introduction at the Hanban site.

2010 Testing Season

The test will be held on May 16, 2010 (Sunday). Testing site will be at the University of Hawaii at Manoa.

Application deadline: postmarked by April 15, 2010

Introduction to the New HSK Test

The New HSK is a standardized international Chinese proficiency test, taking non-native speakers as its object, and directed at examining students' capability in applying Chinese language in their studies, personal life and work. The new type of examination consists of two independent parts: a written test and an oral test. The written test is comprised of six levels from HSK Level 1 to HSK level 6, while the oral test is comprised of three levels: Basic, Elementary-Intermediate and Advanced. The written test and oral test are relatively independent.

Test Structure

Written Test
HSK - Level 6
HSK - Level 5
HSK - Level 4
HSK - Level 3
HSK - Level 2
HSK - Level 1
Oral Test
 HSK (Advanced)
 
 HSK (Intermediate)
 
 HSK (Elementary)
 

Test Grades

The direct comparison between the new HSK test and Chinese Language Proficiency Scales for Speakers of Other Languages (CLPSSOL) and The Common European Framework Reference for Language (CEF) is as follows:

New HSK Vocabulary CLPSSOL CEF
HSK - Level 65000+Grade FiveC2
HSK - Level 52500C1
HSK - Level 41200Grade FourB2
HSK - Level 3600Grade ThreeB1
HSK - Level 2300Grade TwoA2
HSK - Level 1150Grade OneA1

HSK- Level 1
Designed for learners who can understand and use some simple Chinese characters and sentences to communicate, and prepares them for continuing their Chinese studies
HSK- Level 2
Designed for elementary learners who can use Chinese in a simple and direct manner, applying it in a basic fashion in their daily lives.
HSK- Level 3
Designed for elementary-intermediate learners who can use Chinese to serve the demands of their personal lives, studies and work, and are capable of completing most of the communicative tasks they experience during their Chinese tour.
HSK- Level 4
Designed for intermediate learners who can discuss a relatively wide range of topics in Chinese and are capable of communicating with Chinese speakers at a high standard.
HSK- Level 5
Designed for learners who can read Chinese newspapers and magazines, watch Chinese films and are capable of writing and delivering a lengthy speech in Chinese.
HSK- Level 6
Designed for learners who can easily understand any information communicated in Chinese and are capable of smoothly expressing themselves in written or oral form.

HSK Resources