HSK 2024: Your Complete Guide

The HSK ( Chinese acronym Hànyǔ Shuǐpíng Kǎoshì 汉语水平考试) is one of the official Chinese exams to certify the proficiency of Mandarin Chinese of a person whose native language is not Mandarin Chinese. The HSK Chinese exam is the most widely held and widely recognized standard exam in the world.

It serves to evaluate someone's ability to speak, read, write Chinese. Basically, their understanding of the Chinese language. Therefore, it is designed for both foreigners and Chinese who belong to another ethnic group that does not use Mandarin.

With the boom in language learning right now, it's becoming increasingly clear that the benefits of learning Chinese are countless. That is why in this article we want to clear up some doubts you may have about the most famous exam in one of the most widely spoken languages in the world.

What does the HSK Chinese exam consist of?

The HSK Chinese test is an internationally standardized test that assesses and certifies language proficiency in Mandarin Chinese. It is not a single exam, but is structured in 6 different levels, each designed to measure specific language skills according to different degrees of fluency.

Categories and levels

HSK is divided into three main categories:

1. Basic Level: Composed of HSK1 and HSK2 levels, it is aimed at those who can communicate in Chinese at an elementary level.
2. Intermediate Level: Includes HSK3 and HSK4 levels, suitable for individuals who can converse in Chinese on a wide range of topics and are prepared to enter an academic or professional environment.
3. Advanced Level: This is made up of the HSK5 and HSK6 levels, intended for those who can read newspapers and magazines, enjoy films and works in Chinese, and give complete presentations.

Examination modalities

The HSK offers two exam modalities:

• Written Test: Requires a thorough knowledge of Chinese characters, including their writing and the correct order of strokes.
• Online Quiz: Allows test takers to type pinyin using a keyboard and select the corresponding characters from a list of options, making the process easier for those unfamiliar with handwriting characters.

International Correspondence

HSK levels are aligned with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), ensuring that each level has an internationally recognised equivalent in terms of language proficiency.

For example, HSK 2 corresponds to CEFR level A2, indicating that the student can understand frequently used phrases and expressions related to areas of expertise that are particularly relevant to them (basic, personal and family information, shopping, local geography, employment).

What can I do with taking an HSK exam?

Taking the HSK exam is not only an effective method of assessing and certifying your proficiency in Mandarin Chinese, but it also offers a number of tangible benefits that can positively influence your personal, academic, and professional development.

Academic Benefits

• Access to Higher Education: To be admitted to bachelor's degree programs at Chinese universities, a minimum of HSK4 is usually required. For postgraduate studies, such as master's or doctoral degrees, it is raised to HSK5.
• Course Waiver: Depending on your HSK level, you may be able to earn academic credit or even waive certain language courses at educational institutions.

Professional Benefits

• Job opportunities: The HSK is a benchmark for employers in China, and an appropriate level can be a requirement for hiring foreign workers.
• Promotion and training: On a professional level, the HSK can facilitate your training and promotion within a company, as it demonstrates a command of the appropriate language for the work environment.

Personal Benefits

• Goal setting: It helps you set clear and achievable goals in your language learning, resulting in increased motivation and focus.
• International recognition: As a globally recognized exam, the HSK adds value to your resume and positions you favorably in a global market.

In short, the HSK exam is a valuable tool that opens doors and creates opportunities in multiple areas of your life. It is more than just an evaluation; it is a passport to the future in a world increasingly connected to China.

Where and how is the HSK exam performed?

The HSK exam is administered by Hanban, a public entity affiliated with the Chinese Ministry of Education, dedicated to promoting the study of the Chinese language and its culture around the world. The HSK and HSKK exams are held at accredited centers both in China and abroad.

Organization and dates

Hanban publishes the dates of the exams annually, usually offering a monthly sitting. Date availability may vary by test centre. For the written exam, it is necessary to register 30 days in advance, and for the online exam, 10 days before the scheduled date. The results are published about a month after the exam.

Exam Structure

The HSK exam is divided into six levels, from HSK 1 to HSK 6, each with increasing complexity and designed to assess different degrees of proficiency in the Chinese language.

• HSK 1 and HSK 2 (Basic Level): Assess the ability to communicate in simple everyday situations.
• HSK 3 and HSK 4 (Intermediate Level): Test the ability to converse in Chinese on a variety of more complex topics and situations.
• HSK 5 and HSK 6 (Advanced Level): They are intended for those who can read and understand long Chinese texts, express themselves fluently in conversations and presentations.

To pass, candidates must achieve a minimum score. Here is the updated and detailed information on the minimum score required to pass each level of the HSK exam:

• HSK 1 and HSK 2: To pass these levels, candidates must score a minimum of 120 points out of 200.
• HSK 3, HSK 4, HSK 5 and HSK 6: At these levels, the minimum passing score is 180 points out of 300.

The length of the exam also varies by level:

• HSK 1: Approximately 35-40 minutes.
• HSK 2: Approximately 50-55 minutes.
• HSK 3: Approximately 90 minutes.
• HSK 4: Approximately 105 minutes.
• HSK 5: Approximately 120-125 minutes.
• HSK 6: Approximately 135-140 minutes.

Here's a detailed list of what is assessed at each level of the HSK exam:

• HSK 1:
  • Listening
  • Reading comprehension
• HSK 2:
  • Listening
  • Reading comprehension
• HSK 3:
  • Listening
  • Reading comprehension
  • Written expression
  • HSKK (Oral Exam)
• HSK 4:
  • Listening
  • Reading comprehension
  • Written expression
  • HSKK (Oral Exam)
• HSK 5:
  • Listening
  • Reading comprehension
  • Written expression
  • HSKK (Oral Exam)
• HSK 6:
  • Listening
  • Reading comprehension
  • Written expression
  • HSKK (Oral Exam)

From HSK level 3, the writing section is added to the exam and from HSK 4 onwards, the HSKK is added, which assesses Chinese speaking skills.

Remember: as you progress through the levels, the complexity of the sections increases, with longer sentences, more advanced grammar, and a larger vocabulary.

What is HSKK?

The HSKK (Hànyǔ Shuǐpíng Kǒuyǔ Kǎoshì) is the official certification exam that assesses Chinese speaking skills.

The HSKK exam is structured in three levels that correspond to the HSK proficiency levels. Here is the updated correspondence:

• HSKK 1: Corresponds to HSK level 4 and assesses basic oral skills.
• HSKK 2: Associated with HSK level 5 and tests intermediate oral skills.
• HSKK 3: It is aligned with HSK level 6 and measures advanced oral skills.

See below how each HSKK is structured:

HSKK 1 (Starter)

• Part One: Repetition after listening (15 sentences, 6 minutes).
• Part Two: Listen and give a short and simple answer (10 questions, 4 minutes).
• Part Three: Answer the questions in detail (2 questions, 3 minutes).

HSKK 2 (Intermediate)

• First part: Repeat after listening (10 sentences, 10 seconds to repeat after each sentence, 5 minutes in total).
• Part Two: Look at the images and describe them (2 images, 2 minutes to describe each, 4 minutes total).
• Part Three: Answer the questions (2 questions, 2 minutes to answer each, 4 minutes in total).

HSKK 3 (Advanced)

• Part One: Repetition After Listening (3 paragraphs of 100 characters, 8 minutes).
• Second part: Reading aloud (1 paragraph of an article, usually literature or a formal text, 2 minutes).
• Part Three: Answer the questions (2 questions, preparation and response time, 15 minutes total).

Remember: Each HSKK level is designed to assess students' ability to communicate orally in Mandarin Chinese, thus complementing the HSK's written and listening assessment.

HSK and HSKK

Below we share a comparison of the HSK exams together with the HSKK.

Comparison Table

New HSK (version 3.0)

The structure of the HSK exam has been significantly revised with the introduction of version 3.0. This change has expanded the HSK ranking system from 6 to 9 levels, organized into three stages: beginner, intermediate, and advanced, with three levels at each stage.

Key changes in HSK 3.0

• New levels: The HSK now has nine levels instead of six, allowing for a more accurate assessment of language skills.
• Integration of oral tests: Unlike the previous version, the new version integrates oral assessments into exams.
• Greater difficulty at higher levels: Advanced levels present greater difficulty, challenging students to achieve a deeper command of the language.
• Alignment with international standards: The new HSK aligns more closely with international standards such as the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) and the American Council for the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL), making it easier to compare with other language certifications.

Implementation of the new system

• Gradual introduction: The advanced stage (levels 7-9) was introduced in March 2022, while changes to levels 1-6 are not expected until 2024 or 2025 at the earliest.
• Single exam for advanced levels: In the advanced stage, students take a single exam and are assigned a level (7, 8, or 9) based on their overall performance.

These changes seek to offer a more detailed and challenging assessment of Chinese language proficiency, providing students and professionals with a more accurate tool to measure and certify their Mandarin Chinese skills.

HSK Version 2.0 & 3.0 Comparison Table

Here is a comparison table of vocabulary and characters between version 2.0 and version 3.0 of the HSK, along with some additional details:

Version 2.0 of the HSK was in force from its standardization in 1992 until its first reform in 2010. HSK version 3.0 was announced in 2021 and began rolling out with the introduction of levels 7-9 in March 2022. The full transition to version 3.0, including changes to levels 1-6, is expected to occur from 2024 or 2025.

Version 3.0 introduces a total of 6092 new words over version 2.0, reflecting a more practical and realistic approach to language and vocabulary acquisition. In addition, the new version includes the writing of Chinese characters by hand and translation, aspects that were not taken into account in the previous framework. This reform represents a significant change and seeks to offer a more detailed and challenging assessment of Chinese language proficiency.

How I Prepare for the HSK Exam

Preparing for the HSK exam is an exciting and challenging journey that requires dedication and the right strategies. Here are some practical tips to get you started:

Practical Tips

• Set Clear Goals: Define what level of HSK you want to achieve and in what timeframe.
• Regular Study Plan: Dedicate time each day to study Chinese. Consistency is key.
• Practice with Official Materials: Use books and resources recommended by HSK to familiarize yourself with the exam format.
• Digital Tools: Take advantage of online applications and platforms to reinforce your learning.
• Speak and Listen: Immerse yourself in the language by listening to music, watching Chinese movies, and practicing conversation with native speakers.

Advantages of Hanyu Chinese School

At Hanyu Chinese School, we pride ourselves on offering an exceptional Chinese language learning environment with numerous advantages:

• Specific Programs: Courses specifically designed to prepare you for the HSK exam.
• Personalization: We adapt the course to your personal needs and circumstances, ensuring a tailor-made learning experience.
• Online Campus: Access to a digital platform to study whenever and wherever you want.
• Master Classes: Master classes that delve into key aspects of the Chinese language and culture.
• Flexibility: Option to record lectures to review the material at your own pace.

Benefits and Successes

• Effective Teaching Material: Our resources are carefully selected to guide you through each stage of your preparation.
• Ongoing Support: Our team is always available to help you and provide you with the support you need.
• Proven Results: Many of our students have passed the HSK exam with excellent results, which has had a positive impact on their lives, opening doors to new academic and professional opportunities.

Dare to take the first step! Request a free class or contact us for more information. At Hanyu Chinese School, we are committed to your success and will provide you with all the necessary tools for you to achieve your goals.

Enjoy a video lesson

To complement your preparation, we invite you to watch one of our video classes. It is an excellent opportunity to experience our teaching method and see how our teachers interact with students. Don't miss this sample class!

Enjoy our podcasts

Did you know that we are number one in learning podcasts? Podcasts have become an incredibly valuable tool for learning, and here's why:

• Flexibility: You can listen to them anytime, anywhere, whether at home, on public transport, or while exercising.
• Variety of Content: There are podcasts on virtually any topic that interests you, allowing you to learn in an entertaining and diverse way.
• Improves Listening Comprehension: Listening regularly helps you improve your understanding of the language and become familiar with different accents and idioms.
• Access to Experts: Many podcasts feature experts in their fields, offering you in-depth and up-to-date knowledge.
• Passive Learning: Even when you're performing other tasks, your brain continues to process the information you hear.

And if you haven't made the leap into the world of podcasts yet, we invite you to listen to all our podcasts to learn Chinese, a leader in the market. With us, you will discover a new way to enrich your knowledge and skills. Don't wait any longer and join our growing community of listeners!

Here is a postcast to learn Chinese:

Listen to all the podcasts here.

Get involved in our community

After watching the video or listening to one of our podcasts, we'd love to hear your thoughts. Participate in our community by leaving your comments:

• Which part of the class did you find most helpful or interesting?
• Are there any specific topics in the Chinese language that you would like us to explore further?
• How has your experience learning Chinese been so far?
• If you have already taken the HSK exam, do you have any advice for future test takers?

Your feedback is valuable to us and to other students like you. Share your thoughts and be a part of our growing community!