HSK

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• HSK/HSKK/YCT Schedule
• HSK Registration Manual

HSK (Hanyu Shuiping Kaoshi) Chinese Proficiency Test

The Confucius Institute at Stony Brook University will offer the new online HSK on October 21 and December 2, 2012. Testing is open to anyone. This page provides general information about the HSK, including the new six levels of the writing test, three new levels of the oral test, the Stony Brook University testing dates, fees, and registration procedures.

• What is the HSK?
• What makes the new HSK different?
• How do I know which level to take?
• What are HSK test scores used for?
• Test dates
• Fees
• How do I register?
• Test results

What is the HSK?

The HSK is a standardized international Chinese proficiency test for non-native speakers. The HSK tests students’ ability to apply Chinese language in their studies, personal life and work.

What makes the new HSK different?

The new HSK test stresses objectivity and accuracy, and also focuses on developing and testing an examinees’ ability to apply Chinese in practical, real-life situations. The new HSK test also sets explicit study objectives, allowing examinees to more effectively improve their Chinese proficiency with defined study plans and goals.
The new type of examination consists of two independent parts; a written test and an oral test. There are six levels to the written test and three levels of the oral test.

Written Test	Oral Test
HSK-Level 5, Level 6	HSK (Advanced)
HSK-Level 3, Level 5	HSK (Intermediate)
HSK-Level 1, Level 2	HSK (Elementary)

The new levels of the HSK written test were developed to match the Chinese Language Proficiency Scales for Speakers of Other Languages and The Common European Framework Reference for Language. A comparison of these measurements:

New HSK	Number of Characters	Chinese Language Proficiency Scales for Speakers of Other Languages	The Common European Framework Reference for Language， CEF
HSK-Level 6	Over 5000	Grade Five	C2
HSK-Level 5	2500	Grade Five	C1
HSK-Level 4	1200	Grade Four	B2
HSK-Level 3	600	Grade Three	B1
HSK-Level 2	300	Grade Two	A2
HSK-Level 1	150	Grade One	A1

How do I know which level to take?

Descriptions of the six levels of the exam are provided below. Sample exams are available below and additionally online at www.chinesetesting.cn/gosimexam.do and www.english.chinese.cn/onlinelearning/node_23207.htm

HSK- Level 1

Designed for learners who can understand and use some simple Chinese characters and sentences to communicate, and prepares them for continuing their Chinese studies. The exam includes a listening section and a reading section and is 40 minutes in length. Sample Practice Test Level 1.

HSK- Level 2

Designed for elementary learners who can use Chinese in a simple and direct manner, applying it in a basic fashion in their daily lives. The exam includes a listening section and a reading section and is 55 minutes in length. Sample Practice Test Level 2

HSK- Level 3

Designed for elementary-intermediate learners who can use Chinese to serve the demands of their personal lives, studies and work, and are capable of completing most of the communicative tasks they experience during a visit to China. The exam includes a listening section, a reading section and a writing section and is 90 minutes in length. Sample Practice Test Level 3

HSK- Level 4

Designed for intermediate learners who can discuss a relatively wide range of topics in Chinese and are capable of communicating with Chinese speakers at a high standard. The exam includes a listening section, a reading section and a writing section and is 105 minutes in length. Sample Practice Test Level 4

HSK- Level 5

Designed for learners who can read Chinese newspapers and magazines, watch Chinese films and are capable of writing and delivering a lengthy speech in Chinese. The exam includes a listening section, a reading section and a writing section and is 120 minutes in length. Sample Practice Test Level 5

HSK- Level 6

Designed for learners who can easily understand any information communicated in Chinese and are capable of smoothly expressing themselves in written or oral form. The exam includes a listening section, a reading section and a writing section and is 135 minutes in length. Sample Practice Test Level 6

What are HSK test scores used for?

Test scores are used by different organizations and groups of people. The exam

• Offers a reference for educational institutions to recruit students, classify students, exempt students from some courses and grant credits;
• Offers a reference for employers to employ, train and promote employees;
• Offers a reference for Chinese learners to understand and improve their ability to apply Chinese;
• Offers a reference for related Chinese teaching institutions or training organizations to evaluate teaching standards and the effectiveness of different training.

Test Dates

All levels of the online version of HSK test will take place on Sunday, October 21 on the Stony Brook University campus, Melville Library, PC Classroom C1640B. Participants wishing to take the online test must register and pay the fee online no later than five business days prior to the test date at http://www.chinesetesting.cn/goliuchengtu.do

Fees

HSK-Level 1	Registration/Test Fee: $20
HSK-Level 2	Registration/Test Fee: $30
HSK-Level 3	Registration/Test Fee: $40
HSK-Level 4	Registration/Test Fee: $50
HSK-Level 5	Registration/Test Fee: $60
HSK-Level 6	Registration/Test Fee: $70

Fees and registration for the HSK are NON-REFUNDABLE. If an applicant cancels his/her registration more than 48 hours in advance of the test date, the registration and fees may be applied to a test date in the same calendar year, if available. Any registrations cancelled after the 48-hour deadline will not be rescheduled and all fees forfeited.

NOTE: The HSK is only available in Simplified Chinese characters. There is no Traditional Chinese version of the test.