HSK (Chinese Proficiency Test) Guide

What the HSK is

The HSK (Hanyu Shuiping Kaoshi) is the standardized test of Mandarin Chinese proficiency for non-native speakers. It is used by universities for admission to Chinese-taught programs, by scholarship bodies, and sometimes for work purposes.

The test is organised through the official Chinese language testing service (Chinese Testing International, under the Center for Language Education and Cooperation). Registration and results are handled on the official test website. This guide explains the levels, the separate speaking test, what level programs typically expect, and how to register — treat fees and dates as provisional and verify them officially.

HSK levels — and the new standard

The long-established HSK has six levels, from HSK 1 (beginner) to HSK 6 (advanced), each covering a progressively larger vocabulary and more complex grammar. Higher levels indicate the ability to handle more academic and professional Chinese.

A newer standard — often described as a 'three stages, nine levels' framework — is being introduced and may change the number of levels, the naming and the skills assessed over time. Because the structure is evolving, confirm the current framework, level definitions and which version applies to you on the official test site before you register.

• HSK 1–2 — elementary Chinese
• HSK 3–4 — intermediate Chinese
• HSK 5–6 — advanced Chinese
• A new nine-level standard is being rolled out — verify the current framework on chinesetest.cn

HSKK — the speaking test

The HSKK (Hanyu Shuiping Kouyu Kaoshi) is the separate spoken-Chinese test, offered at elementary, intermediate and advanced levels. It is taken independently of the written HSK.

Some Chinese-taught programs and some scholarships ask for an HSKK result in addition to a written HSK level, especially for majors with heavy spoken or clinical interaction. Check whether your target program requires the HSKK and at what level, and verify that on the program page.

Who needs the HSK, and at what level

If you plan to study a Chinese-taught degree, you will usually need a stated HSK level. Undergraduate programs commonly ask for around HSK 4, and some majors or postgraduate programs ask for HSK 5 or higher, but requirements vary by university and field.

If you are entering a Chinese-language or foundation year first, you may be able to reach the required level during that year. For English-taught programs, the HSK is usually not required to enrol, though it remains valuable for daily life. Always confirm the exact required level on the specific program page rather than assuming a figure.

Registration, format and fees

You register on the official test website, create an account, choose your level, and select a test date and centre. The HSK is offered in paper-based and internet-based formats depending on the centre.

Test fees vary by level and by country, and test dates and centre availability change through the year — do not rely on generic figures. Certificate validity for admission or scholarship purposes is set by the receiving university or body (commonly cited as around two years for those uses). Verify current fees, dates, formats and validity on the official test site.

How to prepare

Prepare by targeting the specific level you need. Work from the official syllabus and vocabulary lists for that level, and practise listening, reading and writing (plus speaking if you are taking the HSKK).

Build up gradually rather than jumping levels, use official sample papers and timed mock tests to get used to the format, and give yourself enough weeks before your deadline. No course or method can guarantee a particular score — steady, level-appropriate practice is the reliable path.