What is HSK?
The HSK (Hanyu Shuiping Kaoshi) test is an international standardised exam and China's only official test which rates Mandarin Chinese language proficiency for non-native speakers. It is open to foreign students, overseas Chinese, and members of ethnic minority groups in China, and provides the global standard for Chinese language proficiency from beginner to advanced level.
It also provides a concrete demonstration of your ability to prospective employers, foreign institutions and other international organizations.
The test is administered by Chinese Testing International Co Ltd (CTI), a professional international Chinese education and examination service that is affiliated with the Center for Language Education and Cooperation and a member of Chinese Plus.
See table below for more information about HSK test.
Level |
Duration (minutes) |
Total Score |
Passing Score |
HSK 1 |
40 |
200 |
120 |
HSK 2 |
55 |
200 |
120 |
HSK 3 |
90 |
300 |
180 |
HSK 4 |
105 |
300 |
180 |
HSK 5 |
125 |
300 |
180 |
HSK 6 |
140 |
300 |
180 |
What are the benefits of obtaining an HSK certificate?
The HSK is an internationally recognized qualification in Mandarin Chinese. The HSK is similar to TOFEL or IELTS and widens your future employment opportunities in multinational companies. An HSK qualification also gives you opportunities to pursue scholarships or a study placement at a top Chinese university.
How do I register HSK tests with Liverpool Confucius Institute?
The University of Liverpool Confucius Institute is an Official HSK Test Centre and holds the HSK Test offline, in-person, paper-based according to the Hanban HSK Test schedule.
1) Purchase the correct HSK test.
2) Download and complete the HSK application form.
3) Email lci@liverpool.ac.uk and attach your completed HSK test registration form and a colour scan of your passport's photo page.
If you are unable to provide us with a scan of your passport, you are welcome to bring it to the LCI and we will copy it for you.
Please see our LCI HSK Test Schedule below for full details of examination dates in 2024.
If you have any questions, please email lci@liverpool.ac.uk or ring us on 0151 795 0552.
HSK Test Schedule
2024 Schedule of Chinese Proficiency Test at LCI
Chinese Proficiency Test Paper-based (HSK)
Date |
Registration Deadline |
Score Announcement |
|
1 |
13th Jan 2025 |
16th Dec 2024 |
19th Feb 2025 |
2 |
14th April 2025 |
16 Mar 2025 |
19th May 2025 |
3 |
23rd June 2025 |
26th May 2025 |
22 Jul 2025 |
4 |
21st July 2025 |
22nd Jun 2025 |
19th Aug 2025 |
5 |
17th Nov 2025 |
19th Oct 2025 |
15th Dec 2025 |
Examination fee for HSK (Written Test)
Level |
HSK1 |
HSK2 |
HSK3 |
HSK4 |
HSK5 |
HSK6 |
Individuals |
20 |
30 |
40 |
50 |
60 |
70 |
Students |
15 |
25 |
35 |
45 |
55 |
65 |
(Please enclose a photocopy of your student-card)
Youth Chinese Test Paper-based (YCT)
Date |
Registration Deadline |
Score Announcement |
|
1 |
6th Jan 2025 |
8th Dec 2024 |
18th Feb 2025 |
2 |
26th May 2025 |
27th Apr 2025 |
2nd Jun 2025 |
3 |
20th Oct 2025 |
21st Sept 2025 |
18th Nov 2025 |
Examination fee for YCT
Level |
YCT1 |
YCT2 |
YCT3 |
YCT4 |
Fee |
5 |
10 |
20 |
25 |
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