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Hanyu Shuiping Kaoshi – HSK Exam

Hanyu Shuiping Kaoshi (汉语水平考试) means “Mandarin Level Test”, and refers to the HSK Exam.

Exams are organised by the Hanban (汉办), the International Council of the Chinese Language, which is affiliated with the Ministry of Education and also in charge of all Confucius Institutes (孔子学院).

The HSK Exam takes place in various testing centres all over the world. This includes private language schools, universities and Confucius institutes.

No matter the testing centre and the country, the dates and exam itself are exactly the same. However, not every centre offers exam dates every month.

Lots of students are taking the HSK exam in Singapore for many different reasons. It can be to assess their level of Chinese, to achieve personal goals, to enter university or even to find a job. LTL offers several programs and packages to help student prepare for the test and of course, to pass!

LTL Mandarin School is a registered HSK Testing Centre from HSK 1 to HSK 6.

Further down the page, you will find all the information you need about the Hanyu Shuiping Kaoshi, HSK vocabulary lists, prices and even more.

Hanyu Shuipin Kaoshi – HSK Test Levels 

Overall, the HSK exam has six different levels. HSK 1 covers the basics of Mandarin and HSK 6 is the most advanced level, language fluency. Following are description of each level so you are aware what to expect by taking the exam:

  • HSK 1 – Understanding of basic Chinese words and sentences
  • HSK 2 – Able to use the basics of the Chinese language and achieve simple tasks
  • HSK 3 – Able to communicate daily, both at school and at work
  • HSK 4 – Can speak fluently about a diverse range of topics with locals
  • HSK 5 – Can speak fluently on any topic and read Chinese newspapers
  • HSK 6 – Can communicate in both speaking and writing, speak fluently without any obstacles
Level Exam Duration Words you need to learn
HSK 1 35 minutes 150 words
HSK 2 50 minutes 300 words
HSK 3 1 hour 25 minutes 600 words
HSK 4 1 hour 40 minutes 1200 words
HSK 5 2 hours 2500 words
HSK 6 2 hours 15 minutes 5000 words

Hanyu Shuiping Kaoshi – How does it work?

There are six levels in total, so six HSK exams. You can choose to take the test on a computer or on paper depending on your level. No speaking is needed during this exam. If you wish to take a Chinese speaking test, you’ll want to take the HSKK Exam (yes, two K that’s correct). Contact us for more information about HSKK exams.

Here a several important details about the test:

  • HSK 1 and HSK 2 involves pinyin and characters. They are the most basic HSK exams
  • HSK 1 and HSK 2 will assess your listening and reading skills
  • HSK 3 to HSK 6 are only in Chinese characters, no pinyin anymore
  • HSK 3 to HSK 6 assess your listening, reading and writing skills

A HSK exam is divided into different categories. Listening, Reading and Writing from HSK3 to 6. Each category includes a number of questions to evaluate every one of your Chinese skills.

You can choose to take either the written test or the computer test depending on your HSK level. From HSK level 1 to 4, taking the written test is mandatory. HSK level 5 and 6 can be taken either on paper or on computer. There is no difference between taking the computer or the written exam. We generally recommend to our students to take the computer exam whenever the chance.

The HSK 5 and 6 exams requires to write texts in Chinese characters, which is easier done with a keyboard since you only have to type the pinyin.

List of HSK Vocabulary

  • HSK Vocabulary - Level 1

    The HSK 1 exam assess your understanding of basic Chinese words and sentences. You will find both Pinyin and Hanzi are used in the test. You can find the vocabulary list and a test paper in the PDF below.

    HSK 1 Vocabulary and Test

  • HSK Vocabulary - Level 2

    The HSK 2 exam evaluates your ability to use the basics of the Chinese language and achieve simple daily tasks. Pinyin and Hanzi are also both used in the test. Download now the vocabulary and a practice test.

    HSK 2 Vocabulary and Test

  • HSK Vocabulary - Level 3

    No Pinyin for the HSK 3 exam! You will need to know your Hanzi to pass the test. You should be able to speak Chinese on a daily basis for academic and professional purposes. Download the HSK 3 vocabulary and test below.

    HSK 3 Vocabulary and Test

  • HSK Vocabulary - Level 4

    The HSK 4 exam uses only Hanzi. You need to be able to communicate fluently in Mandarin about various topics with native speakers on a daily basis. Download here all the HSK vocabulary you need to know to pass the HSK 4 exam.

    HSK 4 Vocabulary and Test

  • HSK Vocabulary - Level 5

    You should be a fluent Chinese speaker to take the HSK 5 exam. You can also read a Chinese newspaper without much difficulties. 2,500 Chinese words are required for this test.

    HSK 5 Vocabulary and Test

  • HSK Vocabulary - Level 6

    The highest level of all HSK exams! HSK 6 means you can express any emotion and feeling about any topic in a written or spoken way. Download all the vocabulary and a test below to practice.

    HSK 6 Vocabulary and Test

HSK Exam – 2020 Dates and Prices

Following below are the 2020 dates for the HSK Exams. PLEASE NOTE THESE ARE THE DATES FOR THE HSK EXAMS IN CHINA, this can vary in each country so if necessary please check online or contact us.

Date of Exam Results Due (Paper Test) Results Due (Online Test)
Saturday January 11th February 18th February 3rd
Sunday February 9th March 9th February 24th
Saturday March 7th* ONLINE ONLY March 23rd
Saturday March 21st April 21st April 6th
Saturday April 11th May 11th April 27th
Saturday May 9th June 9th May 25th
Sunday June 14th July 14th June 29th
Sunday July 12th August 12th July 27th
Sunday August 23rd September 23rd September 7th
Saturday September 19th October 26th October 12th
Saturday October 17th November 17th November 2nd
Saturday November 7th* ONLINE ONLY November 23rd
Saturday November 21st December 21st December 7th
Sunday December 6th January 6th 2021 December 21st

*this date is Online HSK Exam only

HSK Preparation Courses

All of our HSK preparation courses are taught by experienced and certified teachers, who know how to help you learn Chinese according to your needs and of course, pass the HSK exam with the highest score possible.

The teachers will teach you the grammar, the vocabulary, the sentences structures and everything you need to know regarding the test to help you be prepared and feel more confident during the HSK Exam.

You can add other programs to your HSK Preparation Classes too, such as Group Classes, Individual Classes or even a Multi-City Program.
  • HSK Preparation Courses taught by certified HSK Teachers
  • Individual classes for rapid progress
  • Start on any Monday of the year
  • Combine your HSK classes with another program
  • LTL is an official HSK Test Centre
  • Contact us for more details

Feel free to contact us if you have any question about the HSK Exam or how to sign up for the preparation classes.

Pricing for HSK Classes

All of our prices below are in Singapore Dollars (SGD).

Standard Program & Pricing

  • HSK Standard – 20h 1-on-1 HSK classes
Duration Discount Price (Singapore Dollars)
2 weeks 0% 1,985
4 weeks -5% 3,778
8 weeks -14% 6,845
12 weeks -22% 9,303
13-52 wks -22% 705 / wk

Intensive Program & Pricing

  • HSK Intensive – 30h 1-on-1 HSK classes
Duration Discount Price (Singapore Dollars)
2 weeks 0% 2,977
4 weeks -5% 5,667
8 weeks -14% 10,268
12 weeks -22% 13,954
13-52 wks -22% 1,057 / wk

Preparation Kit – HSK Exam

The LTL HSK Exam Preparation Kit was conceived to help you through the process of passing the HSK Exam.

To pass the HSK exam, you will need to know a specific vocabulary and sentences structures, and thankfully our teachers know what will be tested and how to prepare you accordingly.

Our Preparation Kit will include a study plan for your particular goals, several mock exams to practice, and get you ready for the exam itself.

We will also help you through the payment process so you can start studying as soon as possible. We can assure you, our teachers will do their best to prepare you for the HSK Exam.

The Process

  1. Assessment – Your HSK teacher will assess your current level of Chinese and set up a HSK level for you to achieve, from level on to six.
  2. Choose an Exam and Date – When you are ready to take an exam, it is time to choose a date and start studying for it.
  3. Personalised study plan – Your teacher will set up goals for you to attain, strategies as well as mock papers so you have all the resources you need to succeed.
  4. Take Mock Tests – Mock test are actually previous’ years exams, there is no best way to practice!
  5. It’s time for your test – 加油!

Included in the Kit: 

  • Study plan and level assessment
  • Mock tests and analysis
  • Five sets of past HSK Test papers including CD
  • HSK Test Syllabus
  • Sign up and staff support
  • Chinese classes are not included 
Cost – 187 SGP

HSK EXAM RESOURCES

  • How to pass HSK6

    The following post has been brilliantly put together by Kathryn Miles, a U.S student who spent time studying with LTL. Her progress in this time was impressive and there for all to see.

    Pass HSK 6

  • Anthea's Story

    Learn about Anthea’s story and find out how she went from HSK1 to HSK6 in one year in her interview video. Follow her advices and you will be able to do the same!

    Anthea’s story

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know my HSK Level?

Your teacher assess your current Chinese level and will know exactly your HSK level. 

They will inform you what your level is and what exam you should be aiming to take. You can then prepare for the exam with your teacher.

Where are exams taken?

Exams are taken at a centre not far from the school. We will give you all the necessary information when the exam is booked.

Why is the written test harder than the computer test?

We strongly think that taking the test on the computer is the best way, since you will have less risks to lose marks compared to taking the written exam.

The reason is simple, during the written exam you will need to write manually every single characters, and if you write it wrong you lose marks.

If you take the computer exam, you type the Pinyin on the keyboard and the characters automatically appear. You will still need to know the characters to choose from a long list of Hanzi with the same Pinyin, but there is less chance to get the character wrong this way.

Do I have to take a HSK Exam?

You are under no obligations to take any exam when you learn Chinese.

An oral test or a speaking test is just a way of gaining a grade. If you need this on your CV for a potential job then yes, the HSK Exam is worth taking.

If you have a personal goal and want to reach a certain level of Chinese proficiency, then yes why not take the test. Otherwise the choice is completely up to you.

Can I take two HSK Exams of two different levels the same day?

In theory yes but we would not recommend it, be fully prepared for one and go for that one.

What do I bring in the examination room?

If you are taking the written exam you will need to bring a pencil and an eraser.

In any case, you will need to bring your admission ticket as well as your passport.

And that’s it, good luck!

I have returned home before getting my results. Can you send them to me?

Yes of course, we can.

You will only need to give us you complete name as well as postal address in order for us to do so.