At the Confucius Institute at the University of Glasgow we offer in-person, paper-based Chinese language exams for the HSK, HSKK, and YCT Chinese Language Certificates.
Links to the application forms can be found below, and please check the 2024 Schedule of Chinese Test list for upcoming test dates and registration deadlines.
HSK and HSKK registration form
Please email a copy of your completed registration form and supporting documents to our confucius-enquiries@glasgow.ac.uk at least 24 hours before the deadline with the test details, and we will send you a link to complete online payment.
For descriptions of test levels and other useful information, please see further details below.
HSK Chinese Proficiency test
The new HSK Chinese Proficiency test was launched by the Centre for Language Education and Cooperation, UK (formerly 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 exam 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.
HSK and HSKK test useful information
HSK Exam Duration, Vocabulary and Score
|
Level |
Duration |
Vocabulary(words) |
Total Score |
Passing Score |
|
HSK Level 1 |
40 minutes |
150 |
200 |
120 |
|
HSK Level 2 |
55 minutes |
300 |
200 |
120 |
|
HSK Level 3 |
90 minutes |
600 |
300 |
180 |
|
HSK Level 4 |
105 minutes |
1200 |
300 |
180 |
|
HSK Level 5 |
125 minutes |
2500 |
300 |
180 |
|
HSK Level 6 |
140 minutes |
5000 |
300 |
180 |
HSKK (oral) Exam Duration and Score
|
Level |
Duration |
Total Score |
Passing Score |
|
HSKK Basic |
17 minutes |
100 |
60 |
|
HSKK Intermediate |
21 Minutes |
100 |
60 |
|
HSKK Advanced |
25 minutes |
100 |
60 |
Test Structure
The new HSK Chinese Proficiency test is an international standardized exam that 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. The new HSK Chinese Proficiency Test consists of a writing test and a speaking test, which are independent of each other. There are six levels of writing tests, namely the HSK Level 1, HSK Level 2, HSK Level 3, HSK Level 4, HSK Level 5, and HSK Level 6. There are three levels of speaking tests, namely the HSK (beginner level), HSK (intermediate level), and HSK (advanced level). During the speaking test, test takers’ speeches will be recorded.
| Writing Test | Speaking Test |
|---|---|
| HSK (Level VI) | HSK (Advanced Level) HSK (Advanced Level) |
| HSK (Level V) | |
| HSK (Level IV) | HSK (Intermediate Level) HSK (Intermediate Level) |
| HSK (Level III) | |
| HSK (Level II) | HSK (Beginner Level) HSK (Beginner Level) |
| HSK (Level I) |
Test Levels
The different levels of the new HSK are similar to some of the levels in the Chinese Language Proficiency Scales for Speakers of Other Languages (CLPS) and the Common European Framework of Reference (CEF); details are as follows:
| New HSK | Vocabulary | CLPS | CEF |
|---|---|---|---|
| HSK (Level VI) | Over 5,000 | Level V | C2 |
| HSK (Level V) | 2500 | C1 | |
| HSK (Level IV) | 1200 | Level IV | B2 |
| HSK (Level III) | 600 | Level III | B1 |
| HSK (Level II) | 300 | Level II | A2 |
|
HSK (Level I) |
150 | Level I | A1 |
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 takers who are able to pass the HSK (Level II) have an excellent grasp of basic Chinese and can communicate in simple and routine tasks requiring a simple and direct exchange of information on familiar and routine matters.
- 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 takers who are able to pass the HSK (Level IV) can converse in Chinese on a wide range of topics and are able to communicate fluently with native Chinese speakers.
- Test takers who are able to pass the HSK (Level V) can read Chinese newspapers and magazines, enjoy Chinese films and plays, and give a full-length speech in Chinese.
- Test takers who are able to pass the HSK (Level VI) can easily comprehend written and spoken information in Chinese and can effectively express themselves in Chinese, both orally and on paper.
Test Principles
The new HSK Chinese Proficiency Test follows the principle of “test-teaching correlation”, bases the design of the test on the current trends in international Chinese language training, and is closely related to textbooks. The purpose of the test is to “promote training through testing” and “promote learning through testing”.
The new HSK emphasizes the objectivity and accuracy of the evaluation and stresses the learners’ actual Chinese language abilities.
The new HSK sets clear test objectives to allow the test takers to be able to improve their Chinese language abilities in a systematic and efficient way.
Testing Purposes
The new HSK Chinese Proficiency Test retains the former HSK’s orientation as a general (or universal) Chinese language abilities test for adult learners. The results of the test can serve several purposes:
- A reference for an educational institution’s decision-making concerning recruiting students, assigning students to different classes, allowing students to skip certain courses and giving students academic credits.
- A reference for employers’ decision-making concerning the recruitment, training and promotion of test takers.
- A method for Chinese language learners to assess and improve their proficiency in Chinese.
- A method for Chinese language training institutions to evaluate training results.
Results Certificate
Test takers can log in at www.chinesetest.cn to inquire about the test result (after 10 days for the HSK and YCT;
after 25 days for the HSKK).
An electronic score report will be available on the test website (www.chinesetest.cn).
The Chinese Proficiency Test UK Committee will post your certificate out to you to the address you have indicated on your registration form.