HSK Information

About HSK

HSK is the abbreviation for the Chinese Proficiency Test, “汉语水平考试” (Hànyǔ Shuǐpíng Kǎoshì).

It is an internationally standardized Chinese language examination developed by the Center for Language Education and Cooperation (CLEC) under China’s Ministry of Education, designed specifically for learners whose native language is not Chinese. The HSK is comparable to the TOEFL or IELTS for learners of English. The older version of the HSK (2010) was structured into six proficiency levels. For general reference, the HSK can be compared to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR): A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, C2.

The new version of the HSK (2021) has been expanded from a 6-level system to a 9-level system. It aligns more closely with real-world language usage situations, imposes more comprehensive requirements across all four language skills, and demands a significantly larger vocabulary (e.g., approximately 11,000 words for HSK 9). Currently, many schools and institutions still utilize the older 6-level structure; however, in the long term, the 9-level system is set to replace the previous standard. • HSK 1: 300 characters, 500 words, 48 grammar points.

• HSK 1: 300 characters, 500 words, 48 grammar points

• HSK 2: 300 characters, 772 words, 81 grammar points

• HSK 3: 300 characters, 973 words, 81 grammar points

• HSK 4: 300 characters, 1000 words, 76 grammar points

• HSK 5: 300 characters, 1071 words. 71 grammar pints

• HSK 6: 300 characters, 1140 words, 67 grammar points

• HSK 7-9: 1200 characters, 5636 words, 148 grammar points

• Zusammen: 3000 characters, 11092 words, 572 grammar points

HSK 1-3 (Beginner Level)