HSK – Chinese language proficiency test

The HSK (Hanyu Shuiping Kaoshi) test is China's only official test of Chinese language for second language learners. At JYU, the test is organised every year by the Multilingual Academic Communication Centre (Movi). Here you will find more information about the HSK Chinese proficiency test including, how to register for the test and how to prepare for it.
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Table of contents

General information

The HSK test is a globally standardised test of the Chinese language, accessing proficiency levels from beginner to advanced. The HSK certificate offers a holistic evaluation of your language proficiency, which can be helpful in many situations such as:

  • Job application and promotion
  • Scholarship application to Chinese universities
  • Placement tests and references of proficiency in Chinese language programs
  • Self-assessment of language acquisition and application
  • Teaching/learning assessment and evaluation.

The current HSK test accessible to examinees is version HSK 2.0. While its contents, certificates, and learning materials will remain valid and accessible, a new version, HSK 3.0, has been launched. HSK 3.0 enhances the current version of the HSK test, aiming to provide an advanced exam to sinologists, intellectuals and university students majoring in Chinese language and literature to certify their proficiency. HSK 3.0 adds level 7-9 to the existing six levels of HSK 2.0 in one test. In 2022, the first HSK 7-9 test was conducted globally. Movi will offer HSK 3.0 test when it becomes available.

HSK level descriptions

Here’s how to register

The HSK examination is scheduled to take place on Saturday, May 17, 2025. Online registration for the test is currently open and will close on April 20, 2025.

Step-by-step instructions for the registration process

Preparation course XKIX003

Movi also offers an HSK preparation  course for anyone interested in taking the test at any level. The preparation course is open to everyone regardless of their affiliation with JYU. Students at JYU can enroll in the course at Sisu. For other examinees, please contact Ulla Lautiainen for course enrollment and payment.

The HSK hybrid preparation course (3 ECTS) is an intensive, hybrid training course for both written (HSK) and oral (HSK) tests. The aim of the course is to familiarise students with the requirements and skills for different levels of the HSK tests. The grading scale for the course is pass-fail.

The course prepares students for the tests in various ways, such as 

  • Introducing HSK(K) tests,
  • Helping with online registration, 
  • Preparing for different levels of the test,
  • Answering test-related questions,
  • Providing help in obtaining mock test and practice materials etc. 

Find out more about the course on 

The responsible teacher for the course is Jiayi Li-Haapaniemi

FAQ

How many levels are there in the HSK test?

In the current version of HSK 2.0, the written test consists of HSK-Levels 1-6, while the oral test consists of three tiers: HSKK (Elementary level), HSKK (Intermediate level), and HSKK (Advanced level). The HSK 3.0 refers to an additional range of levels—7 to 9—which are assessed in a single comprehensive test.
 

How is the HSK test structured?

The HSK test format comprises two independent examinations: a written test and an oral test. The written test includes sections on listening comprehension and reading comprehension, additionally writing tasks for HSK Level 3 and upper levels. The oral test is categorized into three levels: Elementary, Intermediate, and Advanced. Sound recording devices are utilized during the oral evaluation. HSK Levels 1 and 2 consist solely of multiple-choice questions, whereas Levels 3 to 6 incorporate both multiple-choice items and short-answer questions. The HSK test administered by JYU is conducted in a paper-based format.


Which format of HSK test is available, computer-based or paper-based? 

Currently, we only offer paper-based HSK tests. 
 

When can I register for the test?

Test dates may vary from year to year. The registration period opens 60 days prior to the official test date. The scheduled tests offered by JYU are expected to be announced three months in advance on the website. Please note that the timetable for different levels of tests may differ from what is displayed during online registration. A precise timetable will be provided to examinees following the registration deadline.


How to complete my registration?

Please provide complete information, such as your full name, date of birth, phone number, complete active postal address including city and postal code, and valid identity document  number, when making the online registration.

After online registration closes, the payment statement of the test applicant will change to 'paid' in the system.
 

How much does it cost to take the HSK(K) test?

The costs of different levels of the HSK(K) test can be found in the table below.

Written Test (HSK) Test fee Oral Test (HSKK)  Test fee
Level 1 20 € Elementary 20 €
Level 2 30 €
Level 3 40 € Intermediate 30 €
Level 4 50 €
Level 5 60 € Advanced 45 €
Level 6 65 €


When and how do I pay for the HSK(K) test(s)?

The HSK test responsible personnel will contact you by email as soon as the official registration deadline is closed. We will check your billing information, send you the bill by email, and inform you the confirmed HSK test schedule and other test related information. 

This process may take a few days. Please make sure that you provide an active email address and your complete postal address when you register for the HSK test online in order to receive the invoice. Bring the receipt or other proof of payment along with you to the examination.
 

How is the HSK(K) test scored? 

The passing score for each level in both written and oral tests can be found in the tables below.

Written test level Total score Passing score
HSK Level 1 200 120
HSK Level 2 200 120
HSK Level 3 300 180
HSK Level 4 300 180
HSK Level 5 300 180
HSK Level 6                  300 180
Oral test level Total score  Passing score
HSKK Beginner 100 60
HSKK Intermediate 100 60
HSKK Advanced 100 60

When and how can I follow and see my HSK(K) test results?

You will be able to access your test score within four weeks after the test at with your admission ticket number. 

When will the test certificate be available and how to receive it? 

You will receive the score report (= the test certificate) issued by Chinese Confucius Institute Headquarter (Hanban) approximately 6-7 weeks after the test through mail.
 

Is there any other way to receive the test certificate than via mail?

Yes. It is possible for you to agree upon receiving the certificate in person or to have someone else pick it up on your behalf at the Test Center.

Please contact Jiayi Li-Haapaniemi to book a time for collecting the certificate in person. 
 

Where is the Test Centre?

The Test Centre at the Ä¢¹½Ö±²¥ is located in The Centre for Multilingual Academic Communication (Movi) at Oppio-building (Seminaarinmäki campus, Seminaarinkatu 15, 40100 Jyväskylä ().
 

Where can I take the HSK test?

Movi organises HSK tests at Seminaarinmäki campus at the Ä¢¹½Ö±²¥ .

What should I do if I didn’t receive the invoice on time?

In case you did not receive the invoice before the examination day, please contact Ulla Lautiainen.
 

How do I enroll in the HSK preparation hybrid course?

If you are a student at JYU, you can enroll through In other case, please contact Ulla Lautiainen for a study right.
 

Do I have to pay for the HSK preparation course? 

For students at JYU, the course is free of charge. In other cases, a small fee is applicable. For further information, please contact Ulla Lautiainen.
 

How long is the HSK certificate valid for?

The certificate of the HSK test (2.0)  is valid for two years for scholarships and applications to Chinese universities. As a language proficiency proof, the certificate does not lose its validity.
 

Can I register for multiple levels of the HSK test at the same time?

Yes, you can. The timing of each test is designed so that you have the option to take the test at every level, if needed.
 

I missed the official registration deadline, what shall I do?

If you miss the official test registration deadline, you can contact Jiayi Li-Haapaniemi within two days (of the registration deadline). After those two days the registration cannot be processed. 
 

I changed my mind about taking the test. Can I cancel my registration?

You can cancel your registration on your own before the online registration period closes. If the cancellation occurs ten days ahead of the examination day, 50% of the test fee will be charged.
 

Who can I contact in HSK test issues?

Please contact Jiayi Li-Haapaniemi for logistical questions, such as registration or certification delivery. 

If you have questions related to Movi HSK(K) test calendar, HSK test payment, and HSK preparation course registration, please contact Ulla Lautiainen

As a working professional, I came to Jyväskylä to take the HSK test to demonstrate my Chinese language skills for my career. The HSK staff were helpful at every stage, from registration to the test day and certificate delivery. It was a relief to receive helpful advice that allowed me to navigate the campus just like the university students and make this test a success.
Nathan, a previous examinee