The HSK test was launched by Hanban in an effort to better serveChinese language learners. The test is the result of coordinated efforts byexperts from different disciplines including Chinese language teaching,linguistics, psychology and educational measurement. The new exam combines theadvantages of the original HSK while taking into consideration recent trends inChinese language training by conducting surveys and making use of the latestfindings in international language testing.  

I. Test Structure

The new HSK is an international standardized exam that tests andrates Chinese language proficiency. It assesses non-native Chinese speakers’abilities in usingthe Chinese language in their daily, academic and professional lives. The newHSK consists of a writing test and a speaking test, which are independent ofeach 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 (levelVI). 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.  

II. Test Levels

The different levels of the new HSK are similar to some of thelevels in theChinese Language Proficiency Scales for Speakers of OtherLanguages (CLPS)and theCommon European Framework ofReference (CEF); details are as follows:

Test takers who are able to pass the HSK (Level I) can understandand use very simple Chinese phrases, meet basic needs for communication andpossess the ability to further their Chinese language studies.  

Test takers who are able to pass the HSK (Level II) have anexcellent grasp of basic Chinese and can communicate in simple and routine tasksrequiring a simple and direct exchange of information on familiar and routinematters.  

Test takers who are able to pass the HSK (Level III) cancommunicate in Chinese at a basic level in their daily, academic andprofessional lives. They can manage most communication in Chinese whentravelling in China.  

Test takers who are able to pass the HSK (Level IV) can conversein Chinese on a wide range of topics and are able to communicate fluently withnative Chinese speakers.  

Test takers who are able to pass the HSK (Level V) can readChinese newspapers and magazines, enjoy Chinese films and plays, and give afull-length speech in Chinese.  

Test takers who are able to pass the HSK (Level VI) can easilycomprehend written and spoken information in Chinese and can effectivelyexpress themselves in Chinese, both orally and on paper.  

III. Test Principles

The new HSK follows the principle of“test-teachingcorrelation”, bases the design of the test on thecurrent trends in international Chinese language training, and is closelyrelated to textbooks. The purpose of the test is to“promotetraining through testing”and“promotelearning through testing”.  

The new HSK emphasizes the objectivity and accuracy of theevaluation and stresses the learners’actual Chinese language abilities.  

The new HSK sets clear test objectives to allow the test takers tobe able to improve their Chinese language abilities in a systematic andefficient way.  

IV. 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 canserve several purposes:  

1. A reference for an educational institution’s decision-makingconcerning recruiting students, assigning students to different classes, allowingstudents 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 improvetheir proficiency in Chinese.  

4. A method for Chinese language training institutions to evaluatetraining results.  

V. Results Certificate

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

Note: The above informationis from the www.chinesetest.cn.