What is HSK?
The Hanyu Shuiping Kaoshi (HSK) is the official standardized Chinese proficiency test for non-native speakers, administered by China's Center for Language Education and Cooperation (CLEC, formerly Hanban). It has 6 levels, from basic communication (HSK 1) to near-native fluency (HSK 6).
Why it matters
HSK certificates are the standard proof of Chinese proficiency for admission to Chinese universities, many scholarship programs (including CSC), and are increasingly requested by employers hiring for China-facing roles. Most undergraduate programs taught in Chinese require HSK 4 or higher; graduate programs often require HSK 5–6.
Level Overview
| Level | Vocabulary | CEFR | Can do | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HSK 1 | 150 | A1 | Greet people, numbers, basic needs | ✅ Active |
| HSK 2 | 300 | A2 | Simple daily conversations | ✅ Active |
| HSK 3 | 600 | B1 | Travel, work, and school topics | ✅ Active |
| HSK 4 | 1,200 | B2 | Fluent on a wide range of topics | ✅ Active |
| HSK 5 | 2,500 | C1 | Read newspapers, academic texts | 🔜 Coming Soon |
| HSK 6 | 5,000 | C2 | Near-native comprehension | 🔜 Coming Soon |
Exam sections by level
HSK 1–2 test Listening and Reading only. From HSK 3 onward, a Writing section is added (typing/writing Chinese characters, not just recognizing them), and the vocabulary and grammar load roughly doubles each level. Note: this is a distinct standardized exam from HSK 3.0, the 9-band domestic revision China began rolling out from 2021 — most international test centers still administer the classic 1–6 scale used here.