The Overall HSKK (Chinese Speaking Test) Guide (2024)

If you are studying Chinese, you may have heard of the HSK, but what do you know about the HSKK exam (also known as Chinese Speaking Test or HSK Speaking Test)? If you are not familiar with the HSKK, here is everything you need to know about the exam,including levels, test dates and fees, how to register for the exam, and how best to study for the HSKK if you do want to take it.

First of all, what is the HSKK?

The HSKK stands for “Hànyǔ shuǐpíng kǒuyǔ kǎoshì (汉语水平口语考试)”, which means “Chinese Speaking Test”. This exam is a standardized test that evaluates students’ spoken Chinese abilities. The HSKK is divided into three levels (beginner, intermediate, and advanced).

This isdifferent from the regular HSK exam, which is the “Hànyǔshuǐpíng kǎoshì (汉语水平考试)”. Theregular HSK exam is a written exam divided into six levels, with HSK 1 beingthe lowest and HSK 6 the highest.

Note: While both exams are organized by the Hanban, the HSKK is a not just the “speaking section” of the HSK. The HSKK is a separate exam, and you will need to register for it separately if you want to take it. You do not need to take the HSK in order to take the HSKK.

Why should I take the HSKK?

If you are applying to a Chinese university ora job that requires you to speak Mandarin often, having an HSKK certificatewill set your application apart from the rest. Some universities and workplacesmay even require foreign candidates to hold an HSKK certification, in additionto the HSK.

Even if you are not applying for a university or job, you may want to take the HSKK just to measure your progress. Sometimes it is not always easy to see how far your own Chinese has progressed, and the HSKK can be a useful tool to measure how much progress you have made in your studies.

From Jan 2023, if you take the HSK （Chinese Proficiency Test）test in China (including the mainland, Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan), the HSKK (Chinese Proficiency Speaking Test) has to be completed at the same time. This new change has revealed that the speaking part in Chinese proficiency tests is now valued more than ever. You can no longer prefer writing and reading over speaking. It will gradually become a must when evaluating your Chinese level.

HSKK Exam Levels and Content

HSKK Beginner

Section 2 is three minutes long and comprisedof 10 questions, in which you must listen to a question and respondappropriately (听后回答).

Section 3 is three minutes long and consistsof two open-ended response questions (回答问题).Students must answer both questions with at least five sentences for eachanswer.

Chinese characters are not required.

HSKK Intermediate

The Intermediate level is 21 minutes long(this includes 10 minutes of preparation time). There are 14 questions intotal, making up three sections of the exam.

Section 1 is three minutes long and comprisedof four questions, in which you listen to a recording and repeat it back (听后重复).

Section 2 is four minutes long and comprisedof two questions, in which you describe an image (看图说话).

Section 3 is four minutes long and consists oftwo open-ended response questions (回答问题).

Again, Chinese characters are not required.

HSKK Advanced

The Advanced level takes 24 minutes (thisagain includes 10 minutes of preparation time) and is broken into threesections.

Section 1 is seven minutes long and consistsof three questions in which you listen to a recording and repeat it back (听后重复).

Section 2 is two minutes long and consists of readinga single passage aloud (朗读).

Section 3 is five minutes long and consists oftwo open-ended response questions (回答问题).

What HSKK level should I take?

According to the Hanban, the Beginner HSKK issuitable for students who know around 200 common words and who can hold basicconversations on a variety of daily topics. This level is suitable for HSK 1and HSK 2 students.

The Intermediate HSKK is suitable for studentswho know approximately 900 common words and who can speak quiet fluently on arange of topics. This level is suitable for HSK 3 and HSK 4 students.

Finally, the Advanced HSKK is suitable forstudents who know over 3000 words and who can express themselves fluently inspoken Chinese on most topics. As part of the Advanced HSKK involves reading apassage aloud, the Hanban suggests that Advanced HSKK students should knowabout 1000 characters. This level is suitable for HSK 5 and HSK 6 students.

HSKK Test Dates(2024) and Fees

Fees for the HSKK depend on the level you wish to take.

• The Beginner HSKK costs 200RMB.
• The Intermediate HSKK costs 400RMB.
• The Advanced HSKK costs 600RMB.

How to Register for the HSKK

Visit the Hanban website and create an account. Log in and select “HSKK (HSK Speaking Tests)” from the Registration menu.

Select your level, test location, and datefrom the form. Next, fill out your personal information. You will need toconfirm your phone number with a code via text message. Upload a photo ofyourself for identification purposes. Then, pay for the exam.

HSKK Passing Score

All HSKK exams are graded out of 100 points,with a passing score of at least 60. Students will receive their HSKK resultsapproximately one month after the exam.

HSKK Exam Results

HSKK results are released one month after yourtest date. While technically your results never expire, if you are using yourHSKK for university admission, your HSKK results are valid for two years afteryour exam date.

How to prepare for the HSKK

The best way to prepare for the HSKK exam islots of practice. The more listening practice you can get, the better you willperform on the test. Whether you watch Chinese television, chat with friends,or do mock HSKK exams, the more you listen to Chinese, the easier the HSKK examwill be.

Besides being good for listening practice, mock exams are also a useful tool for familiarizing yourself with the HSKK question formats. The more you know about what type of questions to expect on the HSKK, the easier the test will be. You can access mock exam materials for your level:

• HSKK Beginner (PDF)
• HSKK Intermediate (PDF)
• HSKK Advanced (PDF)

Another measure you can take is to memorizeseveral grammar structures appropriate for your level, such as 因为…所以(because… so), 首先…其次…最后…(first…next…last), or 只要…就 (as long as…then). This will help you toorganize your thoughts in a logical way and express yourself clearly during theexam.

Finally, consider signing up for formal HSKK lessonswith a teacher who is familiar with the exam. In formal HSKK prep classes, youwill be able to practice mock HSKK exams with your teacher, who can give youfeedback on the areas in which you need to improve. This will save you time byallowing you to focus more on the questions or content with which you struggle,while putting less emphasis on the material you have already mastered.

Conclusion

If you decide that taking the HSKK exam is something you want to do, make sure you do it right! First, find the most suitable HSKK level for you, pick a date and register well in advance, and then practice, practice, practice. Now that you know everything there is to know about the HSKK, we wish you the best of luck in your exam. Jiāyóu 加油!