HSK/HSKK proficiency tests (all ages) | 汉语水平考试 / 汉语水平口语考试
HSK and HSKK (HSK Speaking) are open to all ages. Both paper-based and Internet-based tests require test-takers to be present physically at our Test Centre (in-person tests).
Register HSK/HSKK internet-based tests with us. Test 8th December.What is HSK/HSKK? The HSK (Hanyu Shuiping Kaoshi) is an international standardised Chinese language exam to measure the ability of non-native Chinese speakers to communicate in Chinese in daily lives, academic and working settings.
The HSK/HSKK is also linked with the Confucius Institute Scholarships, for you to have an opportunity studying in China.
There are two ways to take the HSK/HSKK exams with us, paper-based (in-person), Internet-based (in-person).
Register for the HSK/HSKK Exam with us
You can just register to take the HSK/HSKK exam through the SCI. To do so, you must complete the following two steps:
1. Register for your chosen exam via chinesetest.cn before the registration deadline.
Registration deadline: Friday 21st February, 11:59PM GMT
2. Make the required exam fee payment through the University Online Store before the payment deadline.
Payment deadline: Tuesday 25th February, 11:59PM GMT
Registration via chinesetest.cn is NOT enough, i.e. if you registered through chinesetest.cn, you still need to register with us through the University Online Shop and vice versa.
Please be sure to check whether you meet all the conditions before the exam registration. If the exam environment, equipment and other conditions are found insufficient after the registration and the payment, the test service fee will not be refunded.
With an aim to guarantee the safe operation of the test, test centres may ask for some personal details or documents, for example name, photo, or other information. Data will only be collected for the purposes of the test and in accordance with GDPR.
HSK/HSKK Exams in 2025
Next Internet-based Exam (In-person): Sunday 9th March 2025
HSK (listening and written) and HSKK (Speaking) can be taken separately. The test is open to ALL ages and we accept test takers from all places including those beyond Sheffield.
Exam times:
Test Venue: Computer Room 4, The Diamond, 32 Leavygreave Street, Sheffield S3 7RD. (The place is an iconic building at the University of Sheffield, one mile away from Sheffield Train Station. )
Remember to bring the ID document that you have specified on your registration form.
The next round of HSK/HSKK exams will be held on Sunday 9th March 2025.
Read more about i-HSK/HSKK (in-person)- PDF 650KB.
Exams held in 2024 so far:
1. Internet-based (In person): 6th March 2024
2. Internet-based (In-person): 19th May 2024
3. Internet-based (In-person): 8th December 2024
Exam registration fees
Please make the exam fee payment via the University Online Store when the payment page is open. Go to https://onlineshop.shef.ac.uk/ search for "HSK".
Examination fee for HSK/HSKK (In-person, Paper-based and Internet-based):
- HSK1: £10
- HSK2: £20
- HSK3: £30
- HSK4: £40
- HSK5: £50
- HSK6: £60
- HSKK Basic: £15
- HSKK Intermediate: £25
- HSKK Advance: £35
Exam Results Inquiries and HSK/HSKK Score Reports
Home-based tests: Test takers can use the information on the test admission ticket to log in via www.chinesetest.cn to inquire about the test result (10 days after the completion of HSK; 25 days after the completion of the HSKK).
Print and Save your Score Report as pdf file by yourself.
Internet-based tests: Test takers can use the information on the test admission ticket to log in via www.chinesetest.cn to inquire about the test result (14 days after the completion of HSK; 30 days after the completion of HSKK).
Exam Score Reports should be posted to the Test Centre 45 days after the exam, which can then be collected by individual test-takers, or scanned over to Test takers.
Paper-base tests: Test takers can use the information on the test admission ticket to log in via www.chinesetest.cn to inquire about the test result (30 days after the completion of HSK/ HSKK).
Exam Score Report should be posted to the Test Centre 45 days after the exam, which can then be collected by individual test-takers, or scanned over to Test takers.
In addition: Test takers can apply for a printed Score Report to be mailed to them using the Extra Score Report service at chinesetest.cn (extra costs may be involved).
Introduction to HSK Chinese proficiency test | 汉语水平考试
The HSK comprises six levels from HSK-Level 1 to HSK-Level 6:
- HSK-Level 1: Test takers who reach HSK-Level 1 can understand and use simple words and sentences to fulfil specific communication needs and have a foundation for the further study of Chinese.
- HSK-Level 2: Test takers who reach HSK-Level 2 can communicate simply and directly on daily topics they are familiar with. Level 2 have reached the advanced stage of beginner level.
- HSK-Level 3: Test takes who reach HSK-Level 3 can complete basic communication tasks in daily life, study and work. If travelling in China, Level 3 can handle most communication tasks they encounter.
- HSK-Level 4: Test takers who reach HSK-Level 4 can discuss a relatively wide range of topics in Chinese and are able to communicate with native speakers.
- HSK-Level 5: Test takers 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.
- HSK-Level 6: Test takers who reach HSK-Level 6 can easily understand what they read and listen, and express themselves fluently in written and oral Chinese.
The table shows the level of vocabulary expected, test duration and score:
| Vocabulary (words) | Test duration (minutes) | Total score | Passing score | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HSK Level 1 | 150 | 40 | 200 | 120 |
| HSK Level 2 | 300 | 55 | 200 | 120 |
| HSK Level 3 | 600 | 90 | 300 | 180 |
| HSK Level 4 | 1200 | 105 | 300 | 180 |
| HSK Level 5 | 2500 | 125 | 300 | 180 |
| HSK Level 6 | 5000 | 140 | 300 | 180 |
Introduction to HSKK speaking test | 汉语水平口语考试
HSKK can be divided into three levels of HSKK (Basic), HSKK (Intermediate and HSKK (Advanced). Test takers on-site performance will be recorded.
The table shows general correlations between HSK and HSKK, and test duration:
| General correlations to HSK | Test duration (minutes) | Total score | Passing score | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HSKK Basic 初级 | HSK Level 1 and Level 2 | 20 | 100 | 60 |
| HSKK Intermediate 中级 | HSK Level 3 and Level 4 | 23 | 100 | 60 |
| HSKK Advanced 高级 | HSK Level 5 and Level 6 | 25 | 100 | 60 |
Test Syllabus, Sample Papers and Online Mock Tests | 网上资源
Test Syllabus and Sample test papers (考试大纲及真题) at chinesetest.cn
Online practice 网上模拟考试 at cnhsk.cn
The Official HSK Mock Platform at https://www.hskmock.com
More sample papers, transcripts, audio recordings and additional material are available to be consulted and borrowed at the Confucius Institute Resource Centre, which is hosted within the CI Office, 2-4 Palmerston Road, Sheffield S10 2TE.
International scholarships
We offer a generous package of financial support for international students, including undergraduate and postgraduate taught scholarships worth £10,000 towards the annual tuition fee.
Applications are open for existing offer holders for programmes starting in autumn 2025.