HSK/HSKK proficiency tests (all ages) | 汉语水平考试 / 汉语水平口语考试
HSK Levels 1-6 and HSKK (HSK Speaking), the HSK 2.0 standard, 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).
What is HSK/HSKK?
The HSK (Hanyu Shuiping Kaoshi) is an international standardized Chinese language proficiency exam designed to assess the ability of non-native speakers to use Chinese in everyday life, academic environments, and workplace settings. Both HSK and HSKK are also linked to Confucius Institute Scholarships, providing opportunities for further study in China.
The HSKK is the corresponding spoken Chinese exam.
HSK (Listening and Written, Levels 1–6) and HSKK (Speaking) can be taken separately.
HSK/HSKK, Internet-based Exam (In-person): Sunday 7 December 2025
Our in-person tests are open to all ages, and we accept candidates from anywhere including those outside Sheffield. To register for a test, please complete both steps below:
1. Register on Chinesetest.cn
Create an account and register for your chosen exam with our Test Centre - Confucius Institute at the University of Sheffield via chinesetest.cn.
Deadline: Friday 21 November, 17:00PM GMT
2. Pay the Exam Fee
Make the required exam fee payment through the University Online Store
Deadline: Tuesday 25 November, 11:59PM GMT
To ensure safe and secure test operations, test centres may request certain personal details or documents (e.g., name, photo, or other identification). All data will be collected solely for exam purposes and handled in accordance with GDPR.
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.
Read more about i-HSK/HSKK (in-person)- PDF 650KB.
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, 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
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 |
Sample Papers and Online Mock Tests | 网上资源
Do A Mock at Chinese Test Service Website: 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.
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