Экзамен HSK: Тестирование владения китайским языком для не носителей.

Test of Standard Chinese proficiency for non native Chinese speakers

The Hanyu Shuiping Kaoshi (HSK; ), translated as the Chinese Proficiency Test, The test can be either paper based or Internet based, depending on what the specific test center offers. With an Internet based test, the writing part with characters (from HSK 3 on) is subjectively and slightly easier, as one types the pinyin and selects the right character from the list, while with a paper based test, one must remember the characters, their strokes and their order, and write them out. Test takers with outstanding results can win a scholarship for short term language study in China.

The previous format was introduced in 2010, with a philosophy of testing "comprehensive language and communication ability".

Formerly, there were 11 possible ranks (1 11) and 3 test formats (Basic, Elementary/Intermediate, and Advanced). A rank of between 3 and 8 was needed to enroll in a Chinese university, depending on the subject being studied. A score of 9 or higher was a common business standard. A student taking the Basic test (HSK) could attain a rank of 1 through 3 (1 3), or fail to meet requirements and thus not receive a rank. The Elementary/Intermediate test (HSK) covered ranks 3 8 (3 8), with ranks below 3 not considered. Likewise, the Advanced test (HSK) covered ranks 9 11 (9 11), with scores below 9 not considered.

The previous format for both Basic and Elementary/Intermediate HSK included four sections: listening comprehension, grammar structures, reading comprehension, and written expressions. Aside from the written expressions portion (which requires writing of Chinese characters), these two tests were completely multiple choice. The Advanced HSK however, added an additional two portions: spoken and written.