The Chinese Proficiency Test (HSK) is a national standardized test for non-native speakers of Chinese (including foreigners, overseas Chinese and some Chinese minority), and is designed and developed by the Chinese Proficiency Test Center of Beijing Language and Culture University.
The HSK is held regularly every year in China and overseas, and those who achieve the required standard in the test have acquired the Chinese Proficiency Certificate of the corresponding level. The Chinese Ministry of Education has established the National Chinese Proficiency Test Committee, which has full authority to lead the Chinese Proficiency Test and issue the Chinese Proficiency Certificate.
After having a general view of this test, maybe you will ask: Why should I take an HSK test? What’s the benefit? What can I do after getting this certificate? Now I’ll answer those questions for you.
In terms of a professional test for the Chinese language, there are three main reasons why you should take an HSK test.
First, for further education and employment. Foreigners coming to China to study in universities need a certain HSK level for assessment. Besides, China has launched a variety of scholarship systems and school scholarships. The success rate of application is very high; there is a requirement here for the HSK score.
Second, for work and employment. Foreigners are required to have a permit to work in China. Multinational companies use the HSK level as an essential basis for recruitment, salary increase, and promotion of employees.
Last but not least, a certain HSK level opens up easy travel to China. Traveling in China without speaking the language can be very challenging. With the exception of major international cities such as Shanghai, speaking Mandarin is an important part of everyday life, as many locals do not speak English. Master Mandarin Chinese and get a unique opportunity to learn about China.
Therefore, foreigners passing HSK exams can help foreigners coming to China create point-counting conditions to become high-end talents and provide the necessary communication tools to work, live and study in China more conveniently.
At present, many universities in China have also been qualified for arranging the HSK test. So if you are already in China, you can choose the nearest university test center to take the exam. If you are in your home country, then you need to check the local test centers and prepare well and arrange the time in advance.
You can log on to the Chinese Language Testing Service to find out the test time, the test center nearest to the candidate, or the test center where you want to take the test. For the registration, you can go to the test center for on-site registration and payment. If the examination center opens online payment, you can also choose to register and pay online.
Even students with strong language skills have to study hard to pass exams they are not familiar with. No matter how confident you are in your Chinese language skills, you should still take the time to familiarize yourself with the structure and content of the exam.
I recommend attending a professional HSK Chinese course to help your learning be more systematic and efficient and grasp basic skills for the test. The HSK Institute develops a clear, consistent study plan so that you can complete a large number of practice tests in a systematic and consistent manner. Pre-test practice is essential for any test, and most students will need at least a month of daily practice. To systematically improve speed and proficiency, you will need to create a practice routine that will increase in difficulty and intensity as test day approaches. Besides, as a local HSK institute in China, it has a wholly view of the test as well as exam methods and skills that you can’t acquire in your home country.
After you have decided to attend the HSK test, here comes a problem–how to select a suitable school for preparing for the HSK test? Maybe you need to study in your home country or come to China to learn Chinese, and I suggest you come to China to enjoy an immersive Chinese learning experience. Some items you may consider if you are looking for a school in China to attend HSK course:
1. Professional Chinese teachers.
2. A systematic lesson plan will help you more efficiently prepare for the HSK exam.
3. An immersive language environment to help wholly improve your Chinese.
The HSK Institute in Kunming, China would perfectly suit your needs like above. Professional as it be, we will provide you with practical testing skills and a comfortable studying and living environment, including three meals and accommodation. Besides, we offer various extra cultural activities to benefit your studying process.
HSK 1 and HSK 2 – 3 Months by taking the HSK 1 Small Group Chinese Class and the HSK 2 Small Group Chinese Class
Generally speaking, passing HSK 1 means that you have studied Mandarin for at least 1 month and have mastered about 150 common Chinese characters. If you have passed HSK 1, it won’t take long to pass the HKS 2 level, and it may take you another 1-2 months to pass HSK 2. But if you know nothing about Chinese, then you may need more time to prepare for HSK 2, which means you need to reach HSK 1 level before reaching HSK 2 level.
HSK 3 – 2 Months by taking the HSK 3 Small Group Chinese Class
You will be able to communicate with native Chinese speakers at a normal speed, and the topics will be expanded to include science and technology, nature, home, and relationships, etc. You will also be able to use about 800 common Chinese characters to read simple articles without pinyin and send text messages and WeChat messages to friends in Chinese, and reach a vocabulary of 600.
HSK 4 – 4 Months by taking the HSK 4 Small Group Chinese Class
You can talk in Chinese about more complex topics such as the economy, news, medical care, phenomena, employment, etc. You can express yourself more regularly and appropriately, and you can recognize more Chinese characters and reach a vocabulary of 1,200.
HSK 5 – 6 Months by taking the HSK 5 Small Group Chinese Class
You can discuss, evaluate, and express your opinions in Chinese on more abstract or specialized topics such as culture, geography, experience and perception, literature and art, finance and trade, etc. You can handle various communicative tasks more easily and read general news and write documents in Chinese, with a vocabulary of 2,500 words.
HSK 6 – more than 12 Months by taking the HSK 6 Small Group Chinese Class
If you have passed HSK6, you can comfortably conduct various social communication activities in Chinese, use idioms, slang and other idiomatic expressions, pay attention to style and tone, read and write more professionally, and apply Chinese at a level close to that of a native Chinese speaker.
By the way, the same as any other language, Chinese is learned for use. If you want to improve your overall Chinese language skills and experience Chinese culture, not just to pass an exam. Come to China to learn Chinese! An immersive Chinese environment will definitely suit you very well.
Discover the beauty and intricacy of the Chinese language with our HSK Chinese course! Our curriculum is designed with a comprehensive approach, catering to all levels from beginner to advanced. Our experienced teachers deliver engaging lessons that simplify complex Chinese characters and phrases, making language learning enjoyable. We incorporate cultural insights to give you a holistic understanding of the language, beyond just the words. Sign up today for our HSK Chinese course and embark on a rewarding journey of mastering one of the world’s most spoken languages!