Chinese  Language Program

(Pre-university  Program)

Course  Arrangement

Introduction of HSK

The  new HSK test was launched by 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 andeducational 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.

Test Structure

The new HSK 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 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 I), HSK (level II), HSK (level III), HSK (level IV), HSK  (level V), and HSK (level VI). 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.

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:

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 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 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:
1. 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.
2. A reference for employers’  decision-making concerning the recruitment, training and promotion of test  takers.
3. A method for Chinese language  learners to assess and improve their proficiency in Chinese.
4. A method for Chinese language training institutions to  evaluate training results.

Results Certificate

Test takers will receive the results for the new HSK  issued by Hanban within three weeks after the test.