HSK 2010 Examination ( Hanyu shuiping kaoshi )
If you are interested in working or studying in China, then HSK, the Chinese Proficiency Certificate should be of interest to you. The 2010 exam has been remodelled to be more suitable for students studying Chinese overseas.
HSK Levels 1-6: explanation of the different levels.
How do I find out which level of the test I should take?
Examination Date and registration process
HSK ( Hanyu shuiping kaoshi , i.e. Chinese proficiency certificate) is the official PRC standardised exam to assess Chinese language proficiency of non-native Chinese speakers. This category includes British, other nationalities, overseas Chinese and Chinese national minorities.
HSK is conducted at six levels running from 1-6. Please see the detailed information sheet outlining the examination standard for each level using the PDF links below.
HSK Level 1- PDF: for students who have studied 40 - 80 hours, have a vocabulary of approx 150 words and the corresponding grammar points.
HSK Level 2-PDF: for students who have studied 80-120 hours have a vocabulary of around 300 basic Chinese words and related grammar points
HSK Level 3 -PDF: for students who have studied between 120-180 hours who have acquired around 600 basic Chinese words and related vocabulary points
HSK Level 4-PDF: for students who have studied Chinese for two academic years, 2-4 classes per week and achieved 1200 words and related grammar points.
HSK Level 5-PDF: for students who have studied Chinese for more than 2 years (2-4 classes per week) who have a vocabulary of 2500 basic Chinese words and related grammar points.
HSK Level 6-PDF: for students who have at least 5000 basic Chinese words and related grammar.
HSK is the only official Chinese language certificate accepted in mainland China. It is used by educational institutions and potential employers to:
1. certify that the holder has acquired the required Chinese proficiency to enter Chinese educational institutions as an undergraduate or postgraduate student
2. certify that the holder can be exempt from studying Chinese courses at certain levels
3. ensure suitable level of language skills as a reference point for employers recruiting non-native Chinese staff
HSK Levels 1,2 and 3 have an entry fee of £30.
HSK Levels 4, 5, and 6 entry fee is £40.
How do I find out which level of the test I should take?
First consider the general guidelines given, second consult your Chinese language tutor about your language level.
Hanban has provided some sample papers (no audio) which are of some help in understanding the test structures for Levels 1-4 You can link to these here and here.
Examination Date Saturday 15 May 2010
| Activity | Time | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| HSK Level 1 | 10.30-11.10 | 40 minutes |
| HSK Level 2 | 11.30-12.25 | 55 minutes |
| HSK Level 4 | 10.30-12.15 | 1 hour 45 minutes |
| Activity | Time | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| HSK Level 3 | 13.30-15.00 | 1 hour 30 minutes |
| HSK Level 5 | 13.30-15.35 | 2 hour 05 minutes |
| HSK Level 6 |
Exam Location
Confucius Institute for Scotland in the University of Edinburgh,
Abden House,
1 Marchhall Crescent,
Edinburgh, EH16 5HP
Email: info@confuciusinstitute.ac.uk
Tel: 0131 662 2180 Fax: 0131 662 2199
Registration Process: deadline Friday 23 April 201
Please download, complete and return the Official Registration Form with two passport photographs and a cheque for the correct amount made out to the University of Edinburgh.
The form should be completed and returned by post or in person to the Confucius Institute for Scotland with 2 passport photos as soon as possible and no later than Friday 23 April 2010.
On receipt of your application form, we will issue your admission ticket, which will be posted to the address you provide on the form.
Donwload the registration form here
HSK Preparation
Preparatory Workshop
We will provide a free preparatory workshop for registered candidates on Saturday 24 April to familiarise participants with the exam framework and exercises. More information about the workshop will be sent out to registered applicants in advance.
Self Preparation
We have a small supply of sample papers and audio CDs for levels 1-4. If you would like a copy of these please request such on registration. These are available on a first come/ first served basis.