HSK Categories & Levels
HSK is differentiated by 11 levels of difficulty that are divided into 3 primary exams. In addition to the 3 standard exams, PSU offers an exam for children (YCT) and for businesspersons (BCT). There is some overlap between the lowest level of one category and the highest level of the category below.
Consider why you are taking the exam and which level of categorization you need before choosing your test level. You may find the HSK vocabulary list created by the China Education Center Ltd. helpful in determining your test level.
See General Test Regulations (PDF) for requirements and details about taking the HSK.
Note: All HSK test instructions are given exclusively in Chinese.
HSK Levels
HSK Basic (Levels 1,2,3)
This level is appropriate for students with 100-800 hours of formal education in modern Chinese, who have mastered 400-3000 Chinese characters at the A and B levels, and who are able to understand corresponding Chinese grammar structures.
See HSK Basic (PDF) for test details.
HSK Elementary-Intermediate (Elementary Levels 3,4,5; Intermediate Levels 6,7,8)
This level is appropriate for students with 400 to 2000 hours of formal education in modern Chinese, who have mastered 2000-5000 Chinese characters at the A, B, and C levels, and who are able to understand corresponding Chinese grammar structures.
See HSK Elementary-Intermediate (PDF) for test details.
HSK Advanced
This level is appropriate for students with 3000 or more hours of formal education in modern Chinese, have mastered a vocabulary of 5000 or more Chinese characters at A, B, C, and D levels, and are able to understand corresponding Chinese grammar structures.
See HSK Advanced (PDF) for test details.
YCT Young Learners Chinese Test
The YCT test is intended for young students up to age 15. There are three levels of the YCT to accommodate different levels of study in young students of Chinese.
See Young Learners Chinese Test (PDF) for test details and sample levels.
BCT Business Chinese Test
The BCT test assesses capabilities in applying Chinese language in business communications, including listening, reading, speaking, and writing. It is suitable for those with at least Elementary level proficiency.
See Business Chinese Test (PDF) for test details.