New HSK Test (Chinese Proficiency Test)

--1. What is HSK?

The new HSK (汉语水平考试 hànyǔ shǔipíng kǎoshì)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.

--2. Why take HSK?

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:

 - 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.


 - A reference for employers’ decision-making concerning the recruitment, training and promotion of test takers.


 - A method for Chinese language learners to assess and improve their proficiency in Chinese.


 - A method for Chinese language training institutions to evaluate training results.

--3. What is the Content of new HSK?

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.


HSK Level I Simple printouts and records are to be understood and applied.


 HSK Level II Everyday situations are to be mastered easily.


 HSK Level III Contents of familiar situations in the areas of work, school, leisure etc. should be covered.


 HSK Level IV The candidates are in a position to discussions on various topics in Chinese and to communicate spontaneously and fluently. A Conversation with native speakers is quite possible without effort.


 HSK Level V Candidates should be able to read Chinese magazines and newspapers, to watch Chinese movies and to give a speech in Chinese.


 HSK Level VI If you pass this test, you should understand virtually everything heard and read easily and express yourself spontaneously, very fluently and accurately.

  4. HSK Examination Date
 Test Date 
 Jun. 17th(Sun.) 
 Jul. 22nd(Sun.)  
  Sep. 8th(Sat.) 
  Oct. 21st(Sun.)) 
  Dec. 2nd(Sun.)) 
Test Level 
 Level I-VI 
 Level I-VI  
  Level I-VI  
  Level I-VI+Speaking Test 
  Level I-VI+Speaking Test  
Deadline for registration 
 May 21st 
 Jun. 25th  
  Aug. 12th 
  Sep. 24th 
  Nov. 5th 
Date of results announced 
 Jul. 17th  
 Aug. 22nd 
  Oct. 8th 
  Nov. 21st 
  Jan. 2nd, 2013 
  5. Examination fee

 Written Test

 Level I – RMB150 > Level II – RMB250     Level III – RMB350  Level IV – RMB 450    Level V – RMB 550 

 Speaking Test: 

 Beginner Level – RMB 200  Intermediate Level – RMB 300   Advanced Level – RMB 400