Introduction

HSK (Hanyu Shuiping Kaoshi) or the Chinese Proficiency Test is an international standardized exam which 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. HSK test was developed in 1984 and the first HSK test was held overseas in 1991. Since then, the Chinese testing centers have spread all over domestic and foreign lands.

New HSK Test

HSK test began to be designed by Beijing Language Institute at Beijing Language and Culture University (BLCU). In March 2010, the new HSK test was introduced. The new HSK test was launched by Hanban in an effort to better serve Chinese language learners. The test is the result of coordinated efforts by experts from different disciplines including Chinese language teaching, linguistics, psychology and educational measurement. The new HSK test combines the advantages of the original HSK while taking into consideration recent trends in Chinese language training by conducting surveys and making use of the latest findings in international language testing.

About HSK Level 1

The HSK (Level I) assesses test takers' abilities in the application of everyday Chinese (Mandarin). It is the counterpart of the Level I of the Chinese Language Proficiency Scales for Speakers of Other Languages and the A1 Level of the Common European Framework of Reference (CEF).

Test takers who are able to pass the HSK (Level I) can understand and use very simple Chinese phrases, meet basic needs for communication and possess the ability to further their Chinese language studies.

Test Target

The HSK (Level I) is intended for students who have studied Chinese for a semester (half an academic year), with 2-3 class hours in each week. These students have mastered 150 commonly used words and basic grammar patterns.

Test Content

HSK (Level I) test is made up of listening comprehension and reading comprehension sections and contains a total of 40 items.

The test will last for 40 minutes in total (including 5 minutes in which the test takers fill in personal information).

1. Listening Comprehension

There are 5 items in Part I. The recording of each item will be played twice. A phrase and picture will be provided with each item. The test takers should make a true-or-false judgment based on what they hear.

There are 5 items in Part II. The recording of each item will be played twice. A sentence and 3 pictures will be provided with each item. The test takers should choose corresponding pictures based on what they hear.

There are 5 items in Part III. The recording of each item will be played twice. A dialogue and several pictures will be provided with each item. The test takers should choose corresponding pictures based on what they hear.

There are 5 items in Part IV. The recording of each item will be played twice. For each item, a person will make a statement. Another person will then ask a question and provide three possible answers. The three possible answers will be listed on the test paper, and test takers can choose one of the answers based on what they hear.

2. Reading Comprehension

There are 5 items in Part I. Each item will provide a picture and a phrase. The test taker should judge whether or not they are consistent with each other.

There are 5 items in Part II. The test paper will display several pictures. For each item, a sentence will be provided. The test taker needs to choose one of the corresponding pictures based on the content of the sentence.

There are 5 items in Part III. During this section, 5 questions and 5 answers will be provided. The test take should match the question with the appropriate answer.

There are 5 items in Part IV. Each item will display a sentence with one word missing. The test taker should select one of the words in the answer section to fill in the blank.

All items on HSK test paper are shown in pinyin.

Results Certificate

For the HSK (Level I), three results will be provided including listening, reading and total. The test taker must score at least 120 points total to be considered passing.

As a Chinese language certificate for foreign students entry into Chinese colleges, the results of the HSK are valid for two years (beginning from the test date).