HSK is the abbreviation for Hanyu Shuiping Kaoshi 汉语水平考试 [Hàn yǔ shuǐpíng kǎo shì]. The English translation is the Chinese proficiency test. Are you planning to take the HSK test?
What is HSK exam?
It is a standardized test for non-native speakers on their Chinese language proficiency. Simply put, it is to test how good you are in your Chinese. The test is conducted annually in different cities in China and overseas.
What are the HSK levels?
HSK exam has six levels and HK1 and HSK2 are beginner’s level; HSK3 and HSK4 are for intermediates. Lastly, HSK5 and HSK6 are categorized as advanced level.
Who can take this test?
HSK test is open for non-native Chinese speakers to test their language level. Foreign students and employees, and overseas Chinese who are interested in the Chinese language can take HSK exam to test their language level.
Where to take the test?
If you are in China, you can take the Chinese proficiency test at any authorized HSK test centers which are normally established on campus. The Chinese proficiency test are also conducted in overseas Chinese-learning destinations such as Japan, Thailand, Singapore, Australia, New Zealand, USA, Canada, UK, France, Germany, Russia, etc.
When to take the test?
Those who are interested to take the 2020 HSK exam, the test dates are as follows:
If you have the confidence, the earliest date to take HSK1 test will be 11 Jan 2020. Don’t forget to register before 15 Dec 2019 for paper-based and 1 Jan 2020 for internet base.
What is the passing score?
The passing score for HSK1 and HSK2 is 120 ( total 200), whereas HSK3 and HSK4 is 180 ( total 300 points). As for HSK5 and HSK6, there is no longer a passing score from 2013 Feb onwards. For more information on this, you may go to here.
Test structure for HSK1
HSK (Level I) test is made up of listening comprehension and reading comprehension sections and contains a total of 40 items. Students or Chinese language learners who have mastered 150 commonly used words and basic Chinese grammar structure can take this test to know their Chinese language level.
How to prepare for your test
Well, you can either enrol yourself in a Chinese language school that prepares you for the exam or you could self-study. For HSK1 and HSK2 test, self-study is recommended and doing the mock test before taking the HSK test.
150 commonly used Chinese words
HSK1 requires you to master the 150 commonly used Chinese words and basic Chinese grammar structure in order to take the HSK1 test with ease. Click here to download the PDF file.
Mock Test
Standard course HSK 1
This is a highly recommended book to help you prepare for the HSK1 exam. This book comes with a CD to brush up your listening skill, which is essential for taking the exam. It goes slowly and teaches you vocabulary, pronunciation and grammar points in small bites. This is very important for learners who are new to Chinese.
There is a lot of grammar in this book to equip you with the knowledge to understand the Chinese language. Moreover, the book also has pinyin to help you learn to pronounce the Chinese characters correctly.
Sample Pages Preview
Visit our youtube channel for the list of HSK1 vocabulary list with pronunciation.