HSK - 汉语水平考试
Table of contents
The HSK test is a standardised proficiency test for Chinese as a foreign language, where candidates’ language skills are assessed. The HSK includes a written (HSK) as well as an oral exam (HSKK), which are held and graded together from 2024. All participants from level HSK 3 must also register for the corresponding oral exam.
HSK is suitable for:
| - anyone willing to acquire a language certificate |
| - undergraduates as well as postgraduates and PhD students who need a language certificate to be admitted to a specific study programme in China. |
The paper-based written tests (HSK) for levels 1 to 6 as well as the oral tests (HSKK) at primary, intermediate and advanced level are held annually at the Institute of Asian and Oriental Studies of the University of Zürich.
Test date
tentative date: 15 November 2025
Level of test
Six (written) respectively three (oral) levels are assigned to the exams:
| Written exams | Corresponding oral exams | |
| HSK 1 | 150 words, characters and Pinyin | --- |
| HSK 2 | 300 words, characters and Pinyin | --- |
| HSK 3 | 600 words, characters only | HSKK Primary |
| HSK 4 | 1200 words, characters only | HSKK Intermediate |
| HSK 5 | 2500 words, characters only | HSKK Advanced |
| HSK 6 | over 5000 words, characters only | HSKK Advanced |
Contents and duration of test
The written exams (HSK) include the following, depending on the level:
| Level 1 (ca. 35 mins.) | Listening comprehension: 20 tasks / 15 mins. |
| Reading comprehension: 20 tasks / 15 mins. | |
| Level 2 (ca. 50 mins.) | Listening comprehension: 35 tasks / 25 mins. |
| Reading comprehension: 25 tasks / 25 mins. | |
| Level 3 (ca. 85 mins.) | Listening comprehension: 40 tasks / 35 mins. |
| Reading comprehension: 30 tasks / 25 mins. | |
| Written expression: 10 tasks / 15 mins. | |
| Level 4 (ca. 100 mins.) | Listening comprehension: 45 tasks / 30 mins. |
| Reading comprehension: 40 tasks / 35 mins. | |
| Written expression: 15 tasks / 25 mins. | |
| Level 5 (ca. 120 mins.) | Listening comprehension: 45 tasks / 30 mins. |
| Reading comprehension: 45 tasks / 45 mins. | |
| Written expression: 10 tasks / 40 mins. | |
| Level 6 (ca. 135 mins.) | Listening comprehension: 50 tasks / 35 mins. |
| Reading comprehension: 50 tasks / 50 mins. | |
| Written expression / essay: 45 mins. |
The oral exams (HSKK) include the following, depending on the level:
| Primary (ca. 20 mins.) | Listen and repeat: 15 tasks / 6 mins. |
| Listen and answer: 10 tasks / 4 mins. | |
| Answer questions: 2 tasks / 3 mins. | |
| Intermediate (ca. 23 mins.) | Listen and repeat: 10 tasks / 5 mins. |
| Speaking based on pictures: 2 tasks / 4 mins. | |
| Answer questions: 2 tasks / 4 mins. | |
| Advanced (ca. 25 mins.) | Listen and repeat: 3 tasks / 8 mins. |
| Read aloud: 1 task / 2 mins. | |
| Answer questions: 1 task / 5 mins. |
Score report
Candidates will receive a score report detailing the results of every part of the test.
As the tests are assessed in China, the score reports are only issued eigth weeks after the test date. After about one month, candidates can preview their results online.
Tests may be repeated indefinitely.
Preparation
Practice tests can be accessed here.
FAQ
When is it possible to register?
The exam dates for the fourth quarter are confirmed by the Chinese organizers in the third quarter. Therefore, registration is usually possible starting in July.
Can I take two exams from HSK Levels 1 to 4 and the corresponding HSKK (e.g. HSK 2, HSK 3, and HSKK Primary Level) on the same day?
Yes, this is possible.
Can I take HSK 5 and HSK 6 on the same day?
No, this is not possible, because both levels are connected to the HSKK Advanced, and participation in the HSKK Advanced cannot be credited simultaneously for both HSK 5 and HSK 6.
From HSK Level 3 onwards, am I required to take the corresponding oral exam?
You must register for the corresponding oral exam and pay the examination fee. However, you may choose not to take the oral exam. In this case, no score for the oral component will be shown on your score report.
Will I receive two separate score reports for related exams, such as HSK 3 and HSKK Elementary Level?
No, you will receive only one score report.
I would like to take only an HSKK exam. Is this possible?
In principle, yes. However, there are restrictions on the number of participants for HSKK exams. If the number of candidates is too high, priority will be given to those who are also taking the corresponding HSK exam. If you wish to take an oral exam separately, please contact hsk@aoi.uzh.ch. We will inform you shortly before the registration deadline whether places are still available for the desired level.
I am taking HSK 1 or 2. Can I also take an HSKK exam?
In principle, yes. However, there are restrictions on the number of participants for HSKK exams. If the number of candidates is too high, priority will be given to those who are also taking the corresponding HSK exam. If you wish to take an oral exam separately, please contact hsk@aoi.uzh.ch. We will inform you shortly before the registration deadline whether places are still available for the desired level.
I am taking HSK 4 and HSKK Intermediate Level. Can I also take an additional HSKK exam at the Primary or Advanced Level?
In principle, yes. However, there are restrictions on the number of participants for HSKK exams. If the number of candidates is too high, priority will be given to those who are also taking the corresponding HSK exam. If you wish to take an oral exam separately, please contact hsk@aoi.uzh.ch. We will inform you shortly before the registration deadline whether places are still available for the desired level.
Contact
hsk@aoi.uzh.ch