Big Changes in 2023's HSK Exam

Nov.03, 2022

Time flies! 2022 will be over soon. I hope your Chinese learning journey is going well! If you have plans to take the HSK Test in the coming year 2023, here are some important changes to the HSK Test that you need to know.

In this article, I will explain:

the announcement of the combined implementation of HSK writing and oral test in China;
the test dates and results announcement dates for the various Chinese proficiency tests in 2023;
information about the first global examination of HSK (Level 7-9);
other information you may want to know about the HSK tests.

Let's check them out!

Big Changes in 2023's HSK Exam

The 2023 Chinese HSK test dates are now available! Find them in the picture below.

Big Changes in 2023's HSK Exam

Keep studying and save the dates for a higher level's challenge in the next year!

Notice of the first global examination of HSK (Level 7-9)

The HSK (Level 7-9) Test focuses on the ability of candidates with Chinese as a second language to use Chinese to conduct standardized and appropriate social communication on complex topics in social life, academic research and other fields. There are 3 levels in one volume, including 7, 8 and 9. The specific levels are divided according to test scores, with level 9 being the highest level.

The HSK (Level 7-9) Test has received widespread attention and will be the first test in the world on November 26, 2022.

1) Who is suitable to take the HSK level 7-9 Test?

The HSK (Level 7-9) Test is designed for high-level learners of Chinese as a second language, including students studying in China at the master's and doctoral levels, Chinese language majors from various countries, and those who use Chinese for academic research, economic, cultural and scientific exchange work, etc.

(The new HSK level and vocabulary requirements)

2) What does the HSK level 7-9 Test look like?

Exam form: Home online examination or On-site machine examination

Exam schedule:The examination will be held in two sessions in the morning and afternoon, with a 10-minute break in the morning. The specific time schedule is as follows:

Big Changes in 2023's HSK Exam

3) How to sign up for the HSK level 7-9 Test?

Log onto chinesetest.cn and choose to register online. Select the test date of November 26th and register for the test center that shows open registration. (Due to the limited number of test spaces at each test center, registration will be closed when test spaces are full.)

Registration deadline: November 12, 2022, 24:00 (Beijing time)

More information about the Official Chinese Tests

1) What are the HSK, HSKK, and BCT exams?

The HSK (Hanyu Shuiping Kaoshi) is 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, namely HSK (level I), HSK (level II), HSK (level III), HSK (level IV), HSK (level V), and HSK (level VI).
The HSK Speaking Test (HSKK) assesses the test takers' oral Chinese abilities. HSKK consists of three levels, HSKK (Primary level), HSKK (Intermediate level) and HSKK (Advanced level). HSKK is conducted in the form of audio recording.

Business Chinese Test (BCT), an international standardized test of Chinese language proficiency, assesses non-native Chinese speakers' abilities to use the Chinese language in real business or common working environments. BCT is divided into writing and oral tests, which are independent to each other. The writing test consists of two levels, namely, BCT (A) and BCT (B). Oral BCT is Computer Adaptive Test (CAT) and conducted via Internet.

2) Do you need the HSK exam for your company, visa, or daily life?

The HSK is now the standard exam used by many companies and universities to evaluate the Chinese abilities of a non-native speaker. It is required if you want to study in universities in China and it is very helpful if you want to work in China because you can show companies your skills and also the test can give you extra points for the visa (see the details in the table below).

Big Changes in 2023's HSK Exam

3) How to register?

You can register easily on chinesetest.cn creating a new user and choosing your country, test, level, and date. Or you can ask Annie/Jenny of our education department to help you sign up.

4) What are the times and durations of the exams?

Duration depends on the level that you choose. These range from 40 minutes for HSK level 1 to 140 minutes for HSK level 6. All the tests are on Saturday and Sunday.

5) Paper vs. computer tests

When you register for the exam you can choose which format to use between paper and computer. The main difference is in the writing part because with the paper test, you need to write using Chinese characters (hanzi). For both formats, you need to go to a physical location to take the exam.

6) Cost of the exam

The cost of the exam depends on the level. This ranges from HSK 1 being 150 RMB to HSK 6 costing you 650 RMB (for each level 100 RMB is added).

7) What score do I need to pass?

You need to have at least 60% of correct answers to pass. This means 120 points out of 200 for HSK 1 and 2, and 180 points out of 300 for HSK 3 and above.

8) When are the exam results published?

The results are published online around two weeks after the exam date for computer tests, and around four weeks after the paper test date. If you want the official test certificate you need to apply for it on chinesetest.cn and pay under 100 RMB for cost of production and delivery.

See Silk Mandarin students' exciting HSK results of 2022

Big Changes in 2023's HSK Exam

We hope this can help you to understand more about the HSK, HSKK, and BCT exams.

Don't hesitate to contact us if you want more information on HSK tests or if you are seeking any advise of improving your Chinese language skills!