HSK (Hanyu Shuiping Kaoshi) is China’s official Mandarin language proficiency test that assesses the daily reading, writing, and oral skills of non-native Chinese speakers. HSK is the Chinese mainland equivalent of TOEFL or IELTS language proficiency test. Test-takers often use the HSK score to apply for jobs in Chinese-speaking companies or gain entry into Chinese-medium academic programmes offered by higher education institutions in China. There are currently at least 1,066 HSK test centres available in 125 countries, and the number of HSK test-takers has increased by 37% within the last 7 years. In 2016 alone, over 400,000 candidates have taken up the HSK test.

An HSK certification provides tangible and reliable proof of your Mandarin proficiency when you need to:

• Improve your chances of getting a job.
• Qualify for entry into Chinese universities.
• Increase your chances of getting scholarships.
• Show proof of your Chinese language proficiency.

The HSK test has 6 levels that fit into 3 categories:

• Basic (Level 1-2)
• Intermediate (Level 3-4)
• Advanced (Level 5-6)

Conducted once a month, the test includes sections for listening, reading and writing, and is offered either in paper-based version or the internet-based version.

[Note: HSK test versions (i.e. paper-based test or internet-based test) are subject to their availability offered by individual test centres. Readers are advised to check with the respective test centres on the availability of their preferred test version before registering.]

The table below shows how HSK proficiency levels is correlated to the Chinese Language Proficiency Scales for Speakers of Other Languages (CLPS) as well as the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR):

It is an HSK test that is taken online through the use of internet and computers instead of the traditional paper-based version. It shares the same question type, format, and value as the paper-based version. And test-takers of either version will receive the same HSK certificate.

The online test version has become popular in recent years as it is easier to use (PC operated, clear audio-video quality), provides sufficient time (for registration, payment, and answering test questions), and has free samples (mock test and past papers) for self-practice. In addition, the written version of the HSK test will eventually be phased out by Hanban (a Chinese public institution that organises the HSK tests), which makes it all the more practical for test-takers to adopt the use of the online system. Crescendo International College is a registered HSK Internet-based test centre in Johor Bahru.

Generally, students from non Chinese-medium schools outside of China who wish to further their studies in China will need the HSK certification as proof of their Mandarin language proficiency to fulfill admission requirements set by academic institutions in China. Equally important, anyone wishing to apply for a job in China should take the test to obtain an HSK certification that qualifies them to work in China or in companies where the Mandarin language communication skills are considered a necessity. As an added bonus, with regards to China’s global economic influence, having an HSK certification would certainly make you more attractive to prospective employers in today’s highly competitive business environment.

Non Chinese-speaking candidates (or those having no prior mastery of the Mandarin language) in Malaysia will have to attend a Mandarin language class organised by Crescendo International College - subject to sufficient number of students who sign up for the programme. For non-native Chinese speaking candidates, specifically those who have attended Mandarin medium primary schools or secondary schools outside China, they are recommended to begin at Level 3 onwards. Test materials, references and test syllabus are available for download at www.chinesetest.cn.

Don’t worry. You may repeat the test as many times you want. There is currently no limit to the number of times you should take the HSK test.

For those applying for a job, there is no expiry date for the HSK qualification. However, for foreign students who wish to further their studies in China, the HSK test result is only valid for 2 years.