HSK Frequently Asked Questions - Confucius Institute in Auckland

1 Frequently Asked Questions What is HSK? HSK (Hanyu Shuiping Kaoshi) is a standardized international Chinese language proficiency test for non‐native Chinese speakers. The new HSK consists of two independent parts: written test and oral test. The written test comprises of six levels from HSK‐Level 1 to HSK‐Level 6. The oral test is divided into three levels: HSK (Basic), HSK (Elementary‐Intermediate), and HSK (Advanced). All HSK score reports are issued by the National Commission of Chinese Proficiency Test, which is under the Ministry of Education of China. For more information, please visit: http://www.chinesetest.cn/index.do What are HSK test scores used for? Test scores are used by different organizations and groups of people. The scores offer, but are not limited to the following: 
A reference for educational institutions to recruit students, classify students, exempt students from some courses and grant credits; 
A reference for employers to employ, train and promote employees; 
A reference for Chinese learners to assess their Chinese proficiency and identify areas for improvement; 
A reference for Chinese teaching institutions or training organizations to evaluate teaching standards and the effectiveness of curriculum; 
A reference for applying for Confucius Institute scholarships. How do I know which level to take? Descriptions of the six levels of the exam are provided below. HSK manuals and sample tests (together with the recordings) are available at http://www.chinesetest.cn/godownload.do. They can be downloaded. HSK‐ Level 1 (Vocabulary: 150) The HSK (Level I) is intended for students who have studied Chinese for a semester (half an academic year), with 2‐3 class hours per week. These students have mastered 150 commonly used words and basic grammar patterns. The exam includes a listening section and a reading section and is 40 minutes in length. 
HSK‐ Level 2 (Vocabulary: 300) The HSK (Level II) is intended for students who have studied Chinese for two semesters (an academic year), with 2‐3 class hours per week. These students have mastered 300 commonly used words and related grammar patterns. Examination candidates who reach HSK‐Level 2 can communicate simply and directly on daily topics they are familiar with. The exam includes a listening section and a reading section and is 55 minutes in length. 2 
HSK‐ Level 3 (Vocabulary: 600) The HSK (Level III) is intended for students who have studied Chinese for three semesters (one and a half academic years), with 2‐3 class hours per week. These students have mastered 600 commonly used words and related grammar patterns. Examination candidates who reach HSK‐Level 3 can complete basic communication tasks in daily life, study and work. If traveling in China, Level 3 can handle most communication tasks they encounter. The exam includes a listening section, a reading section and a writing section and is 90 minutes in length. 
HSK‐ Level 4 (Vocabulary: 1200) The HSK (Level IV) is intended for students who have studied Chinese for three semesters (one and a half academic years), with 2‐3 class hours per week. These students have mastered 600 commonly used words and related grammar patterns. Examination candidates who reach HSK‐Level 4 can discuss a relatively wide range of topics in Chinese and are able to communicate with native speakers. The exam includes a listening section, a reading section and a writing section and is 105 minutes in length. 
HSK‐ Level 5 (Vocabulary: 2500) The HSK (Level V) is intended for students who have studied Chinese 2‐4 class hours per week for more than two academic years. These students have mastered 2,500 commonly used words and related grammar patterns. Examination candidates who reach HSK‐Level 5 can read Chinese newspapers and magazines, appreciate Chinese films and television, and are able to write and deliver a full speech. The exam includes a listening section, a reading section and a writing section and is 120 minutes in length. 
HSK‐ Level 6 (Vocabulary: 5000+) HSK (Level VI) is intended for students who have mastered 5,000 or more commonly used words. Examination candidates who reach HSK‐Level 6 can easily understand what they read and listen and express themselves fluently in written and oral Chinese. The exam includes a listening section, a reading section and a writing section and is 135 minutes in length. How should I prepare for the test? You can find many resources at http://www.chinesetest.cn/godownload.do to help you prepare for the test. Who will grade the test? After a test is given, the answer sheets will be sealed and mailed back to Beijing (China) immediately for grading by the HSK Testing Centre Headquarters. The Confucius Institute in Auckland will not be responsible for grading any examinations. How soon can I find out my test score? You will be able to access your score online approximately ONE MONTH after a test is administered. 3 How do I check my test score and get my score report? HSK score online: Your HSK test score will be available online for enquiry at http://www.chinesetest.cn/goquery.do ONE MONTH after the test date. Please note that your test registration number (as shown on your Test Admission Ticket) will be required for accessing your score record online. HSK score report: HSK score report will be sent out by the Confucius Institute in Auckland to your designated address 60 days after the test date. May I retake the same category test? Yes. If your test score does not meet the passing grade, you can take the same category test again at any HSK test site worldwide. There is no waiting period and no limit of how many times you can take the test. You must reapply in order to re‐take the test. Will my HSK score report expire? Your HSK score report does not have an expiry date. It shows that on a particular date you demonstrated language skills at a specific level. However, if you wish to use your HSK score to apply for admission to a college or university in China, your score is valid for TWO YEARS ONLY from the date you take the test. What writing style for Chinese characters is used on the test paper? Simplified characters are used on the test paper. However, you can write in either simplified or traditional characters to answer questions or for the composition. How do I register and pay? Step 1 Registration Register at the Hanban Chinese Test website: http://www.chinesetest.cn/goliuchengtu.do Step 2 Payment Please find the relevant information on the following link: http://ci.ac.nz/examinations‐competitions/hsk‐chinese‐proficiency‐test Step 3 Admission Ticket Print your Admission Ticket from Hanban Chinese Test website at www.chinesetest.cn. The ticket will be available ONE WEEK before the exam. You will need this to sit the exam. What shall I bring with me when I go for the test? As a test candidate, you need to bring your official ID, such as your passport or drivers licence, the admission ticket, pencils and rubber. Any candidate without the admission ticket or official identity certificate will not be allowed to sit the test. 4 I am a holder of the People’s Republic of China passport, can I sit the test? Yes. Can I apply for a second attempt if my first test result is unsatisfactory? Yes. However, you will need to resubmit the application form and test fee. Can I still apply after the application deadline? No, you will need to select a later test date when you fail to meet the application deadline. Can I cancel my application after payment has been made? No. The test fee is non‐refundable after payment has been made. However, you can arrange for deferment before the application deadline. After the application due date, no deferment is allowed. I have taken the HSK level 2 Test, and my result for listening is 80 while my reading is 70. What is the total score of my result? Your total score is 150 (sum of both listening and reading), which exceeds the pass rate of 120 marks for HSK Level 2, so you have passed and met the requirement for HSK Level 2. What are the photo requirements when registering online? A digital photo is required when you register for HSK level 4, 5 or 6 test at the Chinese Test Centre website. Photo requirements: ‐ A recent photo of the test taker for identification purposes (in a standard size of 45mm x 35mm and no larger than 100KB). - No photo of the test taker in daily life activities or with a landscape background ‐ No hat, scarf, headband or sunglasses is allowed (unless worn for religious reasons); ‐ Both black and white and colour photos are acceptable, and a white background is preferred. How to handle a username error or password loss? Please input your email address in the username field at www.chinesetest.cn. If you lose your password, use the "Find Password" function, and an email for password recovery will be sent to your registered email address. How to correct registration information? Before the registration deadline, you can log in the Chinese test service website: www.chinesetest.cn (on the "Personal Centre" page) to edit your information. After the registration deadline, you need to contact the testing centre to make any changes.