HSK and YCT tests : Confucius Institute : The University of Western Australia

Hanyu Shuiping Kaoshi (HSK)

The HSK test was launched by Center for Language Education and Cooperation in an effort to better serve Chinese language learners. The test is the result of coordinated efforts by experts from different disciplines including Chinese language teaching, linguistics, psychology and educational measurement. The new exam combines the advantages of the original HSK while taking into consideration recent trends in Chinese language training by conducting surveys and making use of the latest findings in international language testing.

2023 test dates

Date	Term	HSKK
18 March 2023	Term 1	Yes
11 June 2023	Term 2	No
15 October 2023	Term 3	Yes

HSK test levels

The tests are conducted at six levels, from beginner to advanced:

HSK - Level 1

Students who have studied Chinese for a semester (half an academic year), with 2-3 class hours in each week. These students have mastered 150 commonly used words and basic grammar patterns.

HSK - Level 2

Students who have studied Chinese for two semesters (an academic year), with 2-3 class hours in each week. These students have mastered 300 commonly used words and related grammar patterns.

HSK - Level 3

Students who have mastered 600 commonly used words and related grammar patterns.

HSK - Level 4

Students who have studied Chinese2-4 class hours per week for four semesters (two academic years). These students have mastered 1,200 commonly used words and related grammar patterns.

HSK - Level 5

Students who have studied Chinese 2-4 class hours per week for more than two academic years. These students have mastered 2,500 commonly used words and related grammar patterns.

HSK - Level 6

Students who have mastered 5,000 or more commonly used words.

Test structure

The new HSK is an international standardized exam that tests and rates Chinese language proficiency. It assesses non-native Chinese speakers’ abilities in using the Chinese language in their daily, academic and professional lives. The new HSK consists of a writing test and a speaking test, which are independent of each other. There are six levels of writing tests, namely the HSK (level I), HSK (level II), HSK (level III), HSK (level IV), HSK (level V), and HSK (level VI). There are three levels of speaking tests, namely the HSK (beginner level), HSK (intermediate level), and HSK (advanced level). During the speaking test, test takers’ speeches will be recorded.

More information on test structure.

HSK test registration & payment costs

Exam type & level	Fee (inc GST)
HSK levels 1 & 2	AUD $35
HSK levels 3 & 4	AUD $55
HSK levels 5 & 6	AUD $75

HSK speaking test (HSKK)

HSK Speaking Test (HSKK) assesses the test takers’ oral Chinese abilities. HSKK consists of three levels, HSKK (Primary level), HSKK (Intermediate level) and HSKK (Advanced level). HSKK is conducted in the form of audio recording.

More information on HSKK

Register

Step 1: choose the test

On the Chinese Testing International website, choose the level of Chinese Proficiency Test.

Please use IE browser (above Version 6.0) or Firefox browser. Other browsers are not currently supported.

Step 2: log in or register

Log in with your user name and password. If this is your first test: select 'new user', fill in an account to create an account, submit, click 'register now'

Step 3: choose the test centre

Re-select your test, and fill in the application form.

under Continent choose Oceania
under Country choose Australia
under 'Test format' choose 'Paper-based format'
under 'Test Centre' choose your test centre
under 'Test Date' select your preferred date

Youth Chinese Test (YCT)

The new YCT test was launched by in an effort to encourage foreign young students to learn Chinese and improve their Chinese language proficiency. Experts from different disciplines such as Chinese language teaching, linguistics, psychology and educational measurement have worked on the program, conducting surveys in order to understand the latest trends in overseas Chinese language teaching and learning.

2023 test dates

Date	Term	Oral
20 August 2023	Term 3	No
11 November 2023	Term 4	Yes

YCT levels

The tests are conducted at four levels:

YCT - Level 1

Young students who have studied Chinese for three months, with 2-3 class hours per week. These students have mastered 80 commonly used words and related grammar patterns.

YCT - Level 2

Young students who have studied Chinese for a semester (half an academic year), with 2-3 class hours per week. These students have mastered 150 commonly used words and related grammar patterns.

YCT - Level 3

Young students who have studied Chinese for two semesters (one academic year), with 2-3 class hours per week. These students have mastered 300 common words and related grammar patterns.

YCT - Level 4

Young students who have studied Chinese for more than two semesters, with 2-3 class hours per week. These students have mastered 600 commonly used words and related grammar patterns.

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).

More information on test structure.

YCT speaking test

The YCT Speaking Test is divided into two levels: Beginner and Intermediate.

More information on YCT Speaking Test.

YCT test registration & payment costs

Exam type & level	Fee (inc GST)
YCT Levels 1 - 3	AUD $20
YCT Level 4	AUD $30