Hi, my name is Mojca! I am from Slovenia in Europe and I work as a student advisor at our Shanghai school.
Hi, my name is Manuel! I am from Spain and I am a Student Advisor at LTL. I’m now based at our Seoul School after living 3 years in Taipei.Everything You Need to Know About the HSK Exam
The HSK Exam in Chinese is Hanyu Shuiping Kaoshi (汉语水平考试) literally meaning “Mandarin Level Test”.
It is organised by Hanban (汉办), a part of the Chinese education ministry also in charge of the Confucius Institutes (孔子学院).
The HSK Exam is administered by testing centres worldwide, including private language schools, universities, and Confucius institutes.
Exam questions and dates are the same everywhere in the world, however, not all testing centres choose to offer the HSK test every month.
Many students wish to take a HSK Exam in China for several reasons ranging from finding their current level of Chinese, achieving a personal goal, or for future career progression. At LTL we help students prepare and arrange the exam with several programs and packages.
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT || The HSK has changed to nine levels instead of six! Find out more with our article that covers the New HSK extensively!
HSK TEST LEVELS
Not all HSK tests are created equal.
As the HSK levels increase, the tests become longer in length.
- HSK 1 – The ability to understand basic Chinese words and phrases
- HSK 2 – Can use basic Chinese and apply it to complete simple tasks
- HSK 3 – Can communicate daily for academic and professional purposes
- HSK 4 – Converse fluently in various topics with native Chinese speakers
- HSK 5 – Fluent speaking and ability to read a Chinese newspaper
- HSK 6 – Ability to express whatever you wish, either spoken or written.
| Level | Test Duration | Words To Learn |
|---|---|---|
| HSK 1 | 35 minutes | 150 words |
| HSK 2 | 50 minutes | 300 words |
| HSK 3 | 1 hour 25 minutes | 600 words |
| HSK 4 | 1 hour 40 minutes | 1,200 words |
| HSK 5 | 2 hours | 2,500 words |
| HSK 6 | 2 hours 15 minutes | 5,000 words |
NEW HSK
The new HSK features 9 levels instead of 6 and is designed to challenge foreigners further, with almost double the words included in the overall HSK.
We have answered all your FAQS in our regularly updated New HSK blog alongside this video.
Not all details are fully confirmed regarding the New HSK.
When we find out more, we regularly update our blog and release new videos so be sure to check back for more news.
HOW THE HSK EXAM WORKS
The exam is either taken on a computer or written format.
In terms of the computer and written exams, here are a few useful points about how the test works:
- HSK 1 and HSK 2 are the two most basic HSK Exams, these involve pinyin and characters
- HSK 1 and HSK 2 tests your listening and reading skills
- HSK 3 through to HSK 6 are fully in Chinese characters, there is no pinyin in these exams
- HSK 3 to HSK 6 tests your listening, reading, and writing skills
- The HSK Exam dates are listed below.
The cost and date of the HSK exams will depend on the country you are taking the test in and which level you are taking.
Check with local test centres for exact information.
The HSK exam is split into sections. Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking (HSK3-6).
Each section is broken down into several questions to test your ability in all forms of Chinese.
You can choose to take either the written test (笔试 bǐ shì) or the computer test (网考 wǎng kǎo).
Generally, we recommend the computer test as you don’t have to physically write every character, which can be hard for many foreigners.
Using a keyboard to type the pinyin and automate the characters should be an easier way to score marks.
NOTE || Since 2023, all HSK3 to HSK6 test takers are required to take both HSK and HSK Oral Test. The written and spoken part will come as a combo package.
HSK EXAM PRICES (CNY)
Please note these are the prices for taking the HSK Exam in China only. The prices around the world will vary depending on your location.
| Exam Level | Price in CNY |
|---|---|
| HSK 1 | 150 |
| HSK 2 | 250 |
| HSK 3 | 350 |
| HSK 4 | 450 |
| HSK 5 | 550 |
| HSK 6 | 650 |
NOTE: Delivery of Certificate & Report: 60 CNY
PASSING THE HSK 6 WITH LTL
HSK EXAM PREPARATION COURSES
Our HSK classes are taught by experienced teachers who know exactly the tools you need to pass your HSK Exam.
You will learn the exact grammar structures, vocabulary and sentence patterns you need to put you in great shape going into your HSK Test.
Your HSK Classes can be combined with Small Group Classes, 1 on 1 Classes and Immersion Programs.
We can help you sign up for your HSK Exam:
- HSK Classes taught by HSK Teachers
- 1-on-1 tuition to get you ahead fast
- Start on any Monday of the year
- Join your HSK classes with another program
- HSK Exams every month in China
- Speak to us for more details
HSK EXAM PREPARATION KIT
The LTL HSK Exam Preparation Kit aims to guide you through the process of passing the HSK Exam. The key to the exam is learning specific vocabulary and grammar that we know will be tested. Thankfully, we are experts in this field, so look no further.
Our Preparation Kit will help you create a study plan, complete mock exams, prepare for the exam itself and help you through the payment process so you can get studying. The end goal is you passing your test.
The Process
- Assessment – Your assigned HSK Specialist will get an understanding of your current level of Chinese and give you a HSK Level to attain, from one through to six.
- Choose an Exam and Date – Once you are both comfortable with what level exam to take its time to pick a date and get preparing
- Personalized study plan – Your plan will give you targets, strategies and mock papers so you have all the materials you need.
- Take Mock Tests – It’s time to see how you fare with last year’s papers.
- It’s time for your test – Good luck
What’s Included
- HSK level assessment and study plan
- HSK mock test and analysis
- Five sets of past HSK Test papers, including CD
- HSK Test Syllabus
- Sign up and staff support
- Chinese classes are not included
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Can I take a course entirely based on the HSK?
Yes you can.
We provide HSK preparation courses (standard or intensive) as shown on this page or online HSK courses, of which we have five in total.
All the aforementioned courses are aimed at passing the HSK exam.
How many HSK levels are there in total?
Currently, as of 2020, there are 6 HSK levels, HSK 6 being the most advanced.
This is changing the 9 levels. You can find out about the new HSK here.
Where are HSK Exams taken?
Exams are taken at a nearby centre. We will provide you with the details when the test is booked.
Do I have to take the HSK Exam?
You are under no obligations to take any exam when you learn Chinese.
An oral test or a speaking test is just a way of gaining a grade. If you need this on your CV for a potential job then yes, the HSK Exam is worth taking.
If you have a personal goal and want to reach a certain level of Chinese proficiency, then yes why not take the test.
Otherwise the choice is completely up to you.
Have you had students pass HSK 6 before?
We have indeed, many in fact. If you wish to speak to any of them, do let us know.
You can also check out a blog post and a video from two of our HSK students of the past.
