What is HSK Hanyu Shuiping Kaoshi, (simplified Chinese: 汉语水平考试; pinyin: Hànyǔ Shuǐpíng Kǎoshì)? It is a diploma aimed at adults whose Chinese is not their mother tongue. It is organized and certified by the National Committee: Chinese Proficiency Test (Hanban*), which was established by the Ministry of Education of China.

HSK Level 1 (A1) – Level 2 (A2)

These two levels are aimed at beginners who have completed 60-120 hours of teaching (2 academic years). At the end of the year, students will know 150-300 characters. They can communicate and agree on everyday issues with the help of their teachers, through discussions.

HSK Level 3 (B1) – Level 4 (B2)

These levels are aimed at those who have completed Level 1 and 2 and have completed 100-120 hours of teaching (1-2 academic years). At the end of the year, students will know 600-1200 characters. They participate in discussions on topics of daily concern, give their opinion and use complex expressions.

HSK Level 5 (C1) – Level 6 (C2)

These levels are aimed at those who have studied for 3 or more years. Students, upon completing Levels 5-6, will know from 2500 to 5000 characters. They participate in more serious discussions on topics of concern to China, give their opinion, substantiate it and use complex expressions.

Students are tested in written and oral language

Written test	Oral Test
HSK – Level 6 (C2)	HSK (Advanced)
HSK – Level 5 (C1)
HSK – Level 4 (B2)	HSK (Intermediate)
HSK – Level 3 (B1)
HSK – Level 2 (A2)	HSK (Elementary)
HSK – Level 1 (A1)

How are the levels formed?

HSK Levels	Number of characters	(CEFR)
HSK – Level 6	Above 5000	C2
HSK – Level 5	Above 2500	C1
HSK – Level 4	Above 1200	B2
HSK – Level 3	Above 600	B1
HSK – Level 2	Above 300	A2
HSK – Level 1	Above 150	A1

The HSK Written Test, in Greece, is held several times a year.

The HSKΚ Oral Test is optional.

The Chinese Proficiency Test (Hanyu Shuiping Kaoshi Test) HSK for the certification and proficiency of the Chinese language is conducted by a company that has signed a memorandum with the Ministry of Education of China and the National Organization for Teaching Chinese as a Foreign Language (NOCFL) and the Confucius Institute. The results of the exams are announced one month after the exams. Students who have achieved high scores have the opportunity to receive a scholarship and attend summer or winter courses at a school in China.

Advantages of the HSK diploma

Obtaining the HSK diploma is:

•Proof of the student’s ability to handle the language. The student can communicate and understand everyday issues.

•Proof of language proficiency required for study in China, both at undergraduate and graduate levels.

*Only for HSK Level 3 and above. Applicants must apply within 2 years from the date of successful completion of the exam.