HSK/HSKK and YCT Test

The Confucius Institute at the University of Adelaide is an authorised Chinese Test Centre for the Chinese Proficiency Test.

Find out more about both the written and oral tests.

Hanyu Shuiping Kaoshi (HSK) - the Chinese Proficiency Test

Originally developed by the then Beijing Language Institute (Beijing Yuyan Xueyuan) in the early 1980s, the HSK has been developed by Chinese authorities to assess the capabilities of non-native Chinese language learners.

Hanyu Shuiping Kouyu Kaoshi (HSKK) - HSK Speaking Test

HSKK is a standardised oral test that aims to test Chinese as second speakers' ability in spoken Chinese. It is the oral test of HSK.

The results of HSK and HSKK testing can be used to decide an applicant’s entry to Chinese tertiary institutions or help demonstrate Chinese proficiency to potential employers. HSK and HSKK are also a prerequisite when applying for Confucius Institue scholarship to study in China.

Test details

  • Taking HSK and HSKK in Adelaide

    2024 HSK and HSKK Test Date

    We will run HSK tests in the morning and HSKK tests in the afternoon. All HSK tests are paper based test.

    Date Venue Time Registration
    Sunday 8 December 2024 The University of Adelaide TBC Registration open until 11 November 2024
  • HSK structures and scores

    The table below gives an overview of different HSK levels.

    HSK Level Vocabulary Listening Reading Writing

    Test Duration (Mins)

    Passing Score

    1

    150

    20 questions / 15 min

    20 questions / 17 min

    x

    40

    120 out of 200

    2

    300

    35 questions / 25 min

    25 questions / 22 min

    x

    55

    120 out of 200

    3

    600

    40 questions / 35 min

    30 questions / 30 min

    10 questions / 15 min

    90

    180 out of 300

    4

    1200

    45 questions / 30 min

    40 questions / 40 min

    15 questions / 25 min

    105

    180 out of 300

    5

    2500

    45 questions / 30min

    45questions / 45min

    10questions / 40min

    125

    180 out of 300

    6

    over 5000

    50 questions / 35 min

    50 questions / 50min

    1 question / 45 min

    140

    180 out of 300

    HSK- Level 1

    Designed for learners who can understand and use some simple Chinese characters and sentences to communicate, and prepares them for continuing their Chinese studies.

    HSK- Level 2

    Designed for elementary learners who can use Chinese in a simple and direct manner, applying it in a basic fashion in their daily lives.

    HSK- Level 3

    Designed for elementary-intermediate learners who can use Chinese to serve the demands of their personal lives, studies and work, and are capable of completing most of the communicative tasks they experience during their Chinese tour.

    HSK- Level 4

    Designed for intermediate learners who can discuss a relatively wide range of topics in Chinese and are capable of communicating with Chinese speakers at a high standard.

    HSK- Level 5

    Designed for learners who can read Chinese newspapers and magazines, watch Chinese films and are capable of writing and delivering a lengthy speech in Chinese.

    HSK- Level 6

    Designed for learners who can easily understand any information communicated in Chinese and are capable of smoothly expressing themselves in written or oral form.

  • HSKK structures and scores

    The table below gives an overview of three different HSKK levels.

    HSKK Level Vocabulary Listen & Repeat Listen & Reply Answer the questions

    Test Duration (Mins)

    Beginner

    200

    15 sentences / 4min

    10 questions / 3min

    2 questions/3min

    17

    Intermediate

    900

    10 sentences / 3min

    2 questions / 4min

    2 questions / 4min

    21

    Advanced

    3000

    3 sentences / 7min

    1 question / 2min

    2 questions / 5min

    24

    The maximum score of HSKK on each three level is 100. A score of 60 or above is considered a passing result.

    All exam papers and oral recordings will be sent to Test Centre in China within two days after the test is taken.

    Your test results can be checked online within three or four weeks, certificates will be sent to The Confucius Institute at the University of Adelaide soon after. HSK and HSKK certificates are valid for two years.

  • Registration

    For registration, please complete the HSK/HSKK registration form.

  • Fees and payment

    All HSK and HSKK payments can only be done online through the online shopAll fees are non-refundable.        
    Key in HSK or HSKK in the search engine and add it into your cart. Select HSK/HSKK level and proceed to Check Out then follow the prompts.

    HSK Level Fee (GST incl.) HSKK Level Fee (GST incl.)
    HSK Level 1 $35 Beginner $35
    HSK Level 2 $35    
    HSK Level 3 $55 Intermediate $55
    HSK Level 4 $55    
    HSK Level 5 $75 Advanced $75
    HSK Level 6 $75  
  • Sample test online

    An online sample test is available.
    You can also visit the HSK website for general information.

Youth Chinese Test registration

The Confucius Institute at the University of Adelaide is the only authorised Testing Centre in South Australia for the Youth Chinese Test (YCT).

The new YCT test was launched by Confucius Institute Headquarters in an effort to encourage foreign young students to learn Chinese and improve their Chinese language proficiency.

As part of this effort, since 2004 Hanban has organized experts from different disciplines such as Chinese language teaching, linguistics, psychology and educational measurement to work on the program, conducting surveys in order to understand the latest trends in overseas Chinese language teaching and learning.

  • Test structure

    The new YCT is an international standardized test of Chinese language proficiency. It assesses young foreign students' abilities to use Chinese in their daily and academic lives.

    The new YCT consists of a writing test and a speaking test, which are independent of each other. The writing test is divided into four levels, namely, the YCT (level I), YCT (level II), YCT (level III), and YCT (level IV).

    The speaking test is divided into the YCT (Beginner Level) and YCT (Intermediate Level).

    Writing Test
    YCT (Level IV) Test takers who are able to pass the YCT (Level IV) can communicate in Chinese at a basic level in their daily, academic and professional lives. When travelling in China, they can manage most forms of communication in Chinese.
    YCT (Level III) Test takers who are able to pass the YCT (Level III), having reached an excellent level in basic Chinese, can communicate on familiar daily topics in a simple manner.
    YCT (Level II) Test takers who are able to pass the YCT (Level II) can understand and use some simple Chinese phrases and sentences and cope with basic level communications.
    YCT (Level I) Test takers who are able to pass the YCT (Level I) can understand and use some of the most common Chinese phrases and sentences and possess the ability to further their Chinese language studies.
  • Registration

    For registration, please complete the YCT registration form.

    We will run one YCT test at the Confucius Institute in 2024.

    2024 Test Information
    Date Venue Time Registration
    Saturday, November 23rd The University of Adelaide   TBC    Open until October 27th 
  • Fee and payment

    YCT payment can only be done online through the online shop. All fees are not refundable.

    Fees
    YCT Vocabulary Registration Fee (incl. GST)
    YCT-Level 1 80 $20
    YCT-Level 2 150 $20
    YCT-Level 3 300 $20
    YCT-Level 4 600 $30

    Purchase your YCT registration