Foreign Language Assessment Directory (FLAD)

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Name of Test	HSK (Chinese Proficiency Test)

Languages	Chinese (Mandarin)

Test Description	Chinese Proficiency Test (HSK), an international standardized test of Chinese language proficiency,assesses non-native Chinese speakers’ abilities in using the Chinese language in their daily, academic and professional lives. HSK consists of six levels. Test takers who are able to pass the HSK (Level I) can understand and use very simple Chinese phrases and meet basic needs for communication. Test takers who are able to pass the HSK (Level II) 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. Test takers who are able to pass the HSK (Level III) 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. Test takers who are able to pass the HSK (Level IV) can converse in Chinese on a wide range of topics and are able to communicate fluently with native Chinese speakers. Test takers who are able to pass the HSK (Level V) can read Chinese newspapers and magazines, enjoy Chinese films and plays and give a full-length speech in Chinese. Test takers who are able to pass the HSK (Level VI) can easily comprehend written and spoken information in Chinese and can effectively express themselves in Chinese, both orally and on paper.

Grade Level(s)	6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, College, Adult

Proficiency Level(s)	ACTFL Novice, ACTFL Intermediate, ACTFL Advanced, ACTFL Superior, Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced, Superior, ACTFL Distinguished

Intended Test Use	Proficiency, Admission, Achievement, Program Evaluation, Summative Evaluation, Professional Purposes, Research, Awards

Skills Tested	Reading, Writing, Listening, Grammar, Vocabulary, Literary Analysis

Test Author/Publisher	Chinese Testing International

Publication Date	1992

Test Cost	$20~$70

Test Length	35 mins ~ 135 mins

Test Materials	test booklet, answer sheet, CD-R

Test Format	paper-based or electronic

Scoring Method	number correct

Scoring Process	Central machine scored, central certified rater scored

Results Reported	Raw scores for Chinese listening, reading, & writing Composite score Proficiency level (in the additional report from some testing centers)

Administered By	Certified test administrators and proctors at local testing centers

Administered When	once a month throughout the year; updates available at http://www.chinesetest.cn/index.do

Administered How	Individually; group

Administered Where	Local testing centers globally

Contact Information	+ Show Contact Information

Test Development and Technical Information

Comments	HSK is developed by Chinese Testing International under the guidance of China's Ministry of Education. It's the official Chinese language proficiency exam accepted for study abroad in higher educational institutions in China.

Parallel Versions in Other Languages

Current Users	Chinese language learners throughout the world

Type of FL Program	Dual language/Immersion; middle school; high school; college; adults

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