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 3

The HSK (Level III) assesses test takers' abilities in the application of everyday Chinese (Mandarin). It is the counterpart of the Level III of the Chinese Language Proficiency Scales for Speakers of Other Languages and the B1 Level of the Common European Framework of Reference (CEF).

Test takers who are able to pass the HSK (Level III) can communicate in Chinese at a basic level in their daily, academic and professional lives. They can manage most communication in Chinese when travelling in China.

Test Target

The HSK (Level III) is intended for students who have studied Chinese for three semesters (one and a half academic years), with 2-3 class hours in each week. These students have mastered 728 commonly used words and related grammar patterns.

Test Content

1. Listening Comprehension

There are 10 items in Part I. The recording of each item will be played twice. For each item, a dialogue and several pictures will be provided. The test takers should select corresponding pictures based on what they hear.

There are 10 items in Part II. The recording of each item will be played twice. For each item, a short passage will be read out, followed by an assertion, which also appears on the paper. The test taker should decide whether the assertion made is true or false.

There are 10 items in Part III. The recording of each item will be played twice. Each item consists of a dialogue between two persons. A third person will then ask a question about the dialogue. There will be three possible answers on the test paper, from which the test takers can select the best answer based on what they hear.

There are 10 items in Part IV. The recording of each item will be played twice. Each item consists of a 4-5 sentence dialogue between two persons. A third person will then ask a question based on the dialogue. There will be three possible answers on the test paper, from which the test takers can choose best answer based on what they hear.

2. Reading Comprehension

There are 10 items in Part I. In this section, 20 sentences will be provided and the test taker will be asked to correlate them.

There are 10 items in Part II. For each item, one or two sentences will be provided, in which one word/phrase is missing. The test taker should choose one of the suggested words/phrases to fill in the blank.

There are 10 items in Part III. This part consists of 10 short passages, each followed by a question. The test taker should choose the best answer from the 3 choices provided.

3. Writing

There are 5 items in Part I. Each item lists several words. The test taker should construct a sentence using the words provided.

There are 5 items in Part II. Each item provides a sentence with several blanks. The test taker should fill in the blanks with the appropriate characters.

Results Certificate

For the HSK (Level III), four results will be provided including listening, reading, writing and the total. The test taker must score at least 180 points 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).