Everything you need to know about the HSK Test!
The Hanyu Shuiping Kaoshi (HSK) Chinese: 汉语水平考试; Pinyin: Hànyǔ Shuǐpíng Kǎoshì , translated as the Chinese Standard Exam, is the standardized test of Chinese language proficiency for non-native speakers such as foreign students and overseas Chinese. Thus HSK in layman’s language is the Chinese version of TOEFL or IELTS for English, DELF for French and JLPT for Japenese, it basically tests how good you are at Chinese at six levels from one (the easiest) through six (the most difficult).
Why should one take the HSK test?
People decide to take the HSK for multiple reasons, of which the most common are:
Need the Certificate for University
If one is planning to study in China, some university programs will require students to take courses in Chinese especially top MBA universities, they expect students to pass HSK 3 by the end of the course for placement purposes, even if the course is taught in English. Incase the course is taught in Chinese then these programs will usually have HSK 4 or 5 as the entry level !
It will help when applying for a job
You’ve heard endless times before and here it is again; China’s economy is quickly becoming the most dominant in the world and any multination worth its salt will look to China as either a market, a production site or a competitor/partner. This means that understanding Mandarin language, Chinese culture and business etiquette is increasingly part of the desired skillset among new hires and an excellent way to set yourself apart from the pack when looking for a job. Especially as a recent graduate when you cannot compete in years of experience, you can gain an advantage by having a special skill. Getting a certificate on your Chinese level will open doors to a lot of opportunities.
It helps with studying when you have a goal
Doing something without having a clear goal requires more self-discipline than most of us can muster. Attending class after class and drawing the same characters over and over again becomes a chore if you don’t feel that you are getting closer to your goal. For this reason, the HSK can be the finish line that you strive for (this is the case for yours truly here). Knowing that you are zooming in on your goal will not only help you find motivation when needed, it will also give you a focus in your studies.
To get the HSK scholarship
As a way to encourage students of Mandarin Chinese, the Ministry of Education of China and the National Office for Teaching Chinese as a Foreign Language are awarding scholarships to students who achieve excellent scores on their HSK exam. The scholarships will allow you to have a paid study trip to China to continue improving your Chinese and to become more integrated with Chinese culture.
Thus, If you’re thinking about expanding to the Chinese market for personal, professional or business reasons, then HSK is definitely something for you.
For how long is the HSK certificate valid?
The HSK certificate is valid indefinitely.
However, for academic purposes, it is valid for two years from the date the exam was taken. So if you’re applying for a Chinese university, your HSK certificate will only be good for two years.
How many levels are there in HSK?
HSK level 1
Test takers can understand and use very simple Chinese phrases, meet basic needs for communication and possess the ability to further their Chinese language studies.
HSK level 2
Test takers have an excellent grasp of basic Chinese and can communicate in simple and routine tasks requiring a simple and direct exchange of information on familiar and routine matters.
HSK level 3
Test takers can communicate in Chinese at a basic level in their daily, academic and professional lives. They can manage most communication in Chinese when travelling in China.
HSK level 4
Test takers can converse in Chinese on a wide range of topics and are able to communicate fluently with native Chinese speakers.
HSK level 5
Test takers can read Chinese newspapers and magazines, enjoy Chinese films and plays, and give a full-length speech in Chinese.
HSK level 6
Test takers can easily comprehend written and spoken information in Chinese and can effectively express themselves in Chinese, both orally and on paper.
How to pass HSK ?
For most people, learning a new language is hard work. There is no shortcut to learning the grammar, vocabulary and pronunciation of an entirely different linguistic system. With that being said, there are definitely some learning methods that work better than others.
At MeiYu our HSK Certification Course is designed in accordance with the HSK levels, if you follow our syllables, attend our classes regularly and organise your home study as your teacher instructs, we can almost guarantee you can learn Mandarin with achieving these important HSK level mile stones step by step.
Want to ace the upcoming HSK exam? Join us at MeiYu Chinese Language Centre!
