Since 1984, the Chinese Proficiency Test or Hanyu Shuiping Kaoshi (HSK) has become an objective and valid evaluation standard for Chinese language learners in such situations or for such purposes as academic grading, studying abroad in China and application for scholarships in China for international students. It also provides standards for Chinese language teaching and/or training institutions to assess their work results, as well as for Chinese employers to assess the ability of Chinese as a foreign language of non-native Chinese job applicants.

What is HSK?

HSK is an international standardized examination 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. It is researched, developed and administered by the Confucius Institute Headquarters (Hanban). The test consists of six levels, with LevelⅠbeing the easiest and Level VI the hardest. Test takers can choose the paper-based exam or the computer-based exam.

Major Steps

Registration

Register with your e-mail to become a user of the Chinese testing service website (www.chinesetest.cn). Log on and then apply. The registration procedures are as follows:

1. Select test level, for instance, HSK Ⅲ;

2. Select test venue: Sichuan - Chengdu;

3. Select test form (and corresponding test venue):

Paper-based: Sichuan Business Vocational College, School of Foreign Languages of Southwest Jiaotong University

Internet-based: Confucius Institute E-Learning Center, Southwest University of Finance and Economics;

4. Select test date;

5. Complete your personal information: full name, personal identification document number and contact information, etc.;

6. Upload your electronic photo and confirm the registration information;

7. Pay the registration fee, which varies due to different HSK levels; and,

8. After the registration is finished and within 10 days before the test, you will receive an email to confirm your successful registration. You need to contact the relevant test center if you don't receive it.

Preparations for the Exam

1. Self-evaluation: Different HSK levels vary in difficulty and thus corresponding test contents are different. For example, all examinees to take exams above HSK Ⅲ shall take the writing subtest, other than listening and reading. Therefore, it is important for you to know how much time you have spent on studying the language, how many vocabularies you have acquired, and what your Chinese language proficiency is.

2. Learning materials: you can log onto www.chinesetest.cn and download HSK syllabus and model question papers from the "Download Center". In addition, you can purchase the latest examination syllabus, sample test papers and teaching materials, etc. from the "Online Bookstore" on the website.

Examination

1. Items required to be produced: Generally, you can print your test admission ticket on the above-said website from Monday of the week of the test. On the test date, it is mandatory to show your printed test admission ticket and valid personal identification document (the photo ID document used for application) at the test center.

2. Test forms: Test takers of both paper-based and Internet-based versions shall do the exams at the venues they chose. Those to take the paper-based test shall bring 2B pencils (at least two) and an eraser. The online exam is paper-free and test takers use mouse and keyboard. For them, the examination is timed automatically.

3. Test result: Two weeks after an online exam or one month after a paper-based exam, you can check your test result on www.chinesetest.cn, after entering your test admission ticket number and full name.

4. Score report: Your printed score report will be mailed to your test center about 45 days after the exam. You can get the report by producing your test admission ticket at the center. If you need multiple copies of the report, click on "Apply for Extra Score Report" on www.chinesetest.cn. HSK scores have a valid period of two years (from the date of the test).