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Chinese Proficiency Standard

HSK (汉语水平考试) - Chinese Proficiency Test

Master Mandarin Chinese from beginner to advanced levels. Prepare for HSK 1-6 and the new HSK 7-9 system with AI-powered practice tailored to each level.

All HSK levels available

Why Take the HSK Exam?

Study in China

Required for university admission in Chinese institutions

Career Advancement

Demonstrate Chinese proficiency to global employers

Official Certification

Internationally recognized Chinese language credential

Clear Progression

Six levels from beginner to near-native proficiency

HSK Levels - Your Path to Chinese Mastery

Choose your level from beginner to proficient

HSK 1
Beginner

Basic daily expressions

A1
150 words
150 characters
40 minutes

Skills Tested:

  • Basic greetings
  • Simple questions
  • Numbers and time
  • Daily routines

Used For:

  • Basic travel
  • Elementary study
  • Foundation building

Exam Sections:

Listening
20 • 15 min
Reading
20 • 17 min

HSK 2
Elementary

Simple communication

A2
300 words
300 characters
55 minutes

Skills Tested:

  • Simple conversations
  • Basic descriptions
  • Common phrases
  • Personal information

Used For:

  • Travel needs
  • Basic social interaction
  • Elementary workplace

Exam Sections:

Listening
35 • 25 min
Reading
25 • 22 min

HSK 3
Intermediate - Popular

Daily and academic Chinese

B1
600 words
600 characters
90 minutes

Skills Tested:

  • Daily conversations
  • Work discussions
  • Study topics
  • Express opinions

Used For:

  • Work in China
  • University preparation
  • Social fluency

Exam Sections:

Listening
40 • 35 min
Reading
30 • 30 min
Writing
10 • 15 min

HSK 4
Upper Intermediate

Fluent communication

B2
1200 words
1200 characters
105 minutes

Skills Tested:

  • Complex topics
  • Professional communication
  • Nuanced expression
  • Cultural understanding

Used For:

  • Professional work
  • University study
  • Business communication

Exam Sections:

Listening
45 • 30 min
Reading
40 • 40 min
Writing
15 • 25 min

HSK 5
Advanced

Read newspapers and films

C1
2500 words
2500 characters
125 minutes

Skills Tested:

  • News comprehension
  • Academic writing
  • Literary texts
  • Abstract concepts

Used For:

  • Graduate studies
  • Professional careers
  • Chinese media consumption

Exam Sections:

Listening
45 • 30 min
Reading
45 • 45 min
Writing
10 • 40 min

HSK 6
Mastery

Near-native proficiency

C2
5000+ words
5000+ characters
140 minutes

Skills Tested:

  • Native-level comprehension
  • Complex argumentation
  • Literary analysis
  • Cultural mastery

Used For:

  • Academic research
  • Translation work
  • Senior positions

Exam Sections:

Listening
50 • 35 min
Reading
50 • 50 min
Writing
1 • 45 min

HSKK - HSK Speaking Test

The HSKK (Hanyu Shuiping Kouyu Kaoshi) is the official speaking test that complements the written HSK exam.

Beginner HSKK

Corresponds to: HSK 1-2

Listen and repeat, answer questions

17 minutes

Intermediate HSKK

Corresponds to: HSK 3-4

Picture description, topic speaking

21 minutes

Advanced HSKK

Corresponds to: HSK 5-6

Complex topics, opinion expression

24 minutes

💡 Pro Tip: Take HSKK alongside your HSK written exam for comprehensive certification. Many universities and employers require both written and speaking proficiency proof.

HSK vs Other Chinese Tests

AspectHSKOther Tests
FocusPractical Chinese for daily life and workAcademic or specialized contexts
RecognitionGlobally recognized standardRegional or institution-specific
Career ValueRequired by Chinese companies and universitiesLimited recognition outside specific contexts
Test FormatStandardized levels 1-9Various formats and levels
Speaking TestSeparate HSKK examOften integrated

HSK Preparation Tips

Practice past papers

Focus on high-frequency words

Master stroke order

Listen to Chinese media

HSK by the Numbers

6.6M+

Test takers globally each year

120+

Countries with HSK test centres

1,000+

Test centres worldwide

30+

Years of standardised testing

HSK Frequently Asked Questions

What is the HSK/HSKK format?

How does AI practice help with HSK/HSKK speaking?

What score improvement can I expect?

Do you provide exam tips and strategies?

Can I practice specific exam topics?

How often should I practice?

Start Your HSK Journey Today

Practice with AI tutors designed specifically for each HSK level. Get personalised feedback on pronunciation, grammar, and vocabulary.

All levels 1-6
Exam-format practice
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