Chinese Proficiency Test

Updated:20/07/11 18:10:05 PM CST

Degree programs taught in Chinese require students to have reached a certain level of Chinese language proficiency before they are admitted. This is to ensure that students are able to understand classes, complete assignments and sit exams. Most universities ask whether the applicants have passed the Chinese Proficiency Test (HSK) to a certain level or not and this will be a means of proving sufficient language proficiency. More information about the HSK is outlined below.

China's Hanyu Shuiping Kaoshi, known as HSK or the Chinese Proficiency Test is a standardized test at the state level designed and developed by the HSK Center of Beijing Language and Culture University to assess the Chinese proficiency of non-native speakers (foreigners, overseas Chinese and students of Chinese national minorities). HSK consists of the basic Chinese proficiency test (HSK Basic), the elementary and intermediate Chinese proficiency test (HSK Elementary-Intermediate) and the advanced Chinese proficiency test (HSK Advanced). HSK is held regularly in China and other countries each year. Certificates of HSK will be issued to those who have secured the required scores.

The Chinese Ministry of Education has established the China National Committee for Chinese Proficiency Test (HSK)(CNCCPT). The Committee is the supervisor of HSK and the issuer of the Chinese proficiency certificates. CNCCPT has an office called the Office of China National Committee for Chinese Proficiency Test (HSK), which takes care of the HSK affairs together with the HSK Center of BLCU (Beiing Language and Culture University).

1. Applicants of HSK

HSK (Basic) applies to learners with basic Chinese proficiencies, namely, those who have taken 100 to 800 hours of regular modern Chinese learning (including those with the equivalent learning experiences). HSK (Elementary-Intermediate) is for those who are at the elementary and intermediate level in Chinese proficiency, i.e. those who have taken 400-2000 regular hours of modern Chinese courses (including those whose proficiency in Chinese is similar to that standard). The HSK (Advanced) is designed to measure the Chinese proficiency of those who are proficient in Chinese, i.e. who have taken 3000 regular hours or more modern Chinese learning (including those whose proficiency in Chinese is similar to that standard).

2. The functions of HSK Certificates

• To certify that the holder has acquired the required Chinese Proficiency to enter a college or university as an undergraduate or graduate student.

• To certify that the holder can be exempted from taking the Chinese language course depending on the level of certification.

• As a basis for employers to evaluate the Chinese proficiency of the job applicants.

3. HSK organizer and certificate issuer

CNCCPT is the organizer of HSK. The CNCCPT Office and the HSK Center of BLCU are both in charge of HSK affairs.

4. How to register for the HSK test

Currently, there are three ways to register for the HSK test.

1) On-line registration

2)Register on the spot

• When registering in person, candidates must bring two recent 30 x 40 mm photos (without headwear) and present one piece of photo identification, such as a passport or a residence permit.

• After registering, every candidate will get an admission ticket and a handbook about the HSK. Candidates should arrive at the site before the time specified on your admission ticket.

3)Register by mail

Candidates living where there are no local test centers may register by mail. Applications must be sent to the test center by registered mail at least one week before the final registration deadline and enclose a photocopy of an official piece of identification, a resume (including Chinese and English names, sex, nationality, and date of birth), a detailed mail address, and two recent 30 x 40 mm photos (without headwear). In addition, fees for the test and registration must be sent to the registration site by mail. Telephone registration is not accepted. The admission ticket will be given to the candidate in person upon his or her arrival at the testing site.

5. Test fees required at registration

For those who take HSK tests in Mainland China

Tests		Fees ( in RMB)
HSK Threshold		200
HSK Basic		200
HSK Elementary-Intermediate		250
HSK Advanced		400
HSK Elementary (revised version)	Main Test	200
	Writing	100
	Oral Test	100
HSK Intermediate (revised version)	Main Test	250
	Writing	100
	Oral Test	150
HSK Advanced (revised version)	Main Test	350
	Writing	100
	Oral Test	150

(Fees for candidates in foreign countries or ethnic minorities will be announced by each test center.)
Fees for the test and registration are non-refundable.

Tag: Chinese Proficiency Test