Chinese Proficiency Test (HSK)
Chinese Proficiency Test (HSK), 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), HSK (level VI) and HSK (level VII-IX).
HSK Speaking Test(HSKK)
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.
Youth Chinese Test
Youth Chinese Test (YCT),an international standardized test of Chinese language proficiency, assesses the primary and middle school students' abilities to use Chinese as second language in their daily and academic lives. YCT is divided into writing and speaking tests, which are independent to each other. The writing testconsistsof four levels, namely, YCT (level I), YCT (level II), YCT (level III), and YCT (level IV). The speaking testconsists oftwo levels, YCT Speaking (Primary Level) and YCT Speaking (Intermediate Level).
Business Chinese Test
Business Chinese Test (BCT), an internationalstandardized 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).BCT（Oral iBT）are Computer Adaptive Test (CAT) and conducted via Internet.
Chinese Proficiency Test (HSK)
The Chinese Proficiency Test (HSK) is a national standardized test that focuses on the ability of Chinese as a non-native speaker to use Chinese for communication in life, study and work.
I. Ability Description
*HSK (Levels 7-9) adopts the form that a test paper is divided into three levels according to the test results.
| Grade | Level | Ability description |
| Beginner | HSK (Level 1) | Be able to understand and use some very simple Chinese words andsentences, and have the ability to learn Chinese further. |
| HSK (Level 2) | Be able to communicate simply and directly on some common topics in life in Chinese. | |
| HSK (Level 3) | Can use Chinese to complete basic communication tasks in life, study and work. | |
| Intermediate | HSK (Level 4) | Be able to conduct basic complete, coherent and effective social communication on more complicated topics such as life, study and work. |
| HSK (Level 5) | Be able to conduct relatively complete, smooth and effective social communication on complex topics such as life, study and work. | |
| HSK (Level 6) | Be able to have rich, fluent and decent social communication on the study and work topics in some professional fields. | |
| Advanced | HSK (Level 7) * | Be able to conduct basic normative, fluent and decent social communication on a wider and higher-level topic. |
| HSK (Level 8) | Be able to conduct standardized, fluent and decent social communication on various high-level or professional topics. | |
| HSK (Level 9) | Be able to use all kinds of skills comprehensively and conduct standardized, fluent and appropriate social communication on all kinds of topics in all kinds of situations. |
II. Test Content
The HSK is developed according to the Chinese Proficiency Grading Standards for International Chinese Language Education (GF0025-2021), which examines the listening, speaking, reading, writing and translation abilities of Chinese, as well as the key Chinese characters, vocabulary, grammar, Chinese culture and China's national conditions.
|
Test Subject |
Proficiency* |
Vocabulary |
|
HSK (Level 1) |
Listening, reading |
300 |
|
HSK (Level 2) |
Listening, reading |
500 |
|
HSK (Level 3) |
Listening, reading and writing |
1000 |
|
HSK (Level 4) |
Listening, reading and writing |
2000 |
|
HSK (Level 5) |
Listening, reading and writing |
4000 |
|
HSK (Level 6) |
Listening, reading and writing |
5400 |
|
HSK (Levels 7-9) |
Listening, speaking, reading, writing and translating |
11000 |
* The "speaking" ability of HSK levels 1-6 is tested in a separate HSK speaking test.
III. Test Principles
Promote the all-round development of learners, criterion-referenced and test-teaching correlation;
Highlight China's language and culture, with rich themes and comprehensive examination;
Strengthen Chinese communication ability, pay attention to practice and apply what you have learned.
IV. Test Purpose
HSK scores can meet diverse needs and provide reference for the following purposes:
1. College enrollment, class teaching, course exemption and credit granting;
2. The employing agency recruits, trains and promotes staff;
3. Chinese language teaching units to evaluate the effectiveness of their teaching.
4. Chinese language learners to understand and improve their Chinese language skills.
V. Announcement of Results
One month after the end of the test, candidates can log on to the Chinese test service website www.chinesetest.cn to check their scores. The HSK score report is issued by the Center for Language and Education Cooperation (CLEC) of the Ministry of Education, and the score is valid for two years from the examination date.
HSK (Level 1) focuses on the ability of candidates to understand and use simple Chinese words and sentences.
I. Test Object
HSK (Level 1) is mainly aimed at beginners with preliminary Chinese listening and reading abilities.
II. Test Content
HSK (Level 1) focuses on Chinese listening and reading ability, as well as the corresponding topics, tasks, grammar and 300 Chinese words.
III. Test Structure
HSK (Level 1) consists of 40 questions, which are divided into two sections: listening and reading. The test lasts about 40 minutes (including 5 minutes for candidates to complete the personal information form).
|
Test content |
Number of test questions (items) |
Test duration (minutes) |
||
|
Listening |
Section 1 |
5 |
20 |
About 15 |
|
Section 2 |
5 |
|||
|
Section 3 |
5 |
|||
|
Section 4 |
5 |
|||
|
Fill in the answer sheet (fill in the answers to the listening section on the answer sheet) |
3 |
|||
|
Reading |
Section 1 |
5 |
20 |
17 |
|
Section 2 |
5 |
|||
|
Section 3 |
5 |
|||
|
Section 4 |
5 |
|||
|
Total |
/ |
40 |
About 35 |
|
1. Listening
The listening material will be played twice.
◎ Part I consists of 5 questions. Candidates will hear 1 phrase for each question and 1 picture is provided on the test paper. Candidates have to determine whether the picture corresponds to the phrase based on what they hear.
◎ Part II consists of 5 questions. Candidates will hear 1 phrase for each question, and 3 pictures will be provided on the test paper. Candidates should choose the corresponding pictures according to what they hear.
◎ Part III consists of 5 questions. Candidates will hear a conversation for each question, and several pictures will be provided on the test paper. Candidates should choose the corresponding pictures according to what they hear.
◎ Part IV consists of 5 questions. Candidates will hear 1 sentence and 1 question for each question. There are 3 options on the test paper. Candidates should choose the answer according to what they hear.
2. Reading
◎ Part I consists of 5 questions. Each question has a picture and a word, and candidates should judge whether the picture and the word correspond.
◎ Part II consists of 5 questions. Each question has a sentence and several pictures. Candidates should choose the corresponding pictures according to the content of the sentence.
◎ Part III consists of 5 questions. Each question has a sentence, and the candidates should find the related sentence from several options and match them.
◎ Part IV consists of 5 questions, including 3 sentences and 2 conversations. There is a blank in the sentence or conversation of each question, and candidates should find the right words from the options to fill in the blank.
IV. Results Report
HSK (Level 1) report provides three scores: listening, reading and total score. Out of 200, the total score of 120 is qualified. Meanwhile, the report also provides a norm table of percentage levels, so that candidates can get a general understanding of their scores in the global candidates.
HSK (Level 2) focuses on the ability of candidates to communicate simply and directly on some common topics in life by using Chinese.
I. Test Object
HSK (Level 2) is mainly for beginners who have basic Chinese listening and reading skills.
II. Test Content
HSK (Level 2) focuses on Chinese listening and reading ability, as well as the corresponding topics, tasks, grammar and 500 Chinese words.
III. Test Structure
|
Test content |
Number of test questions (items) |
Test duration (minutes) |
||
|
Listening |
Section 1 |
10 |
35 |
About 25 |
|
Section 2 |
10 |
|||
|
Section 3 |
10 |
|||
|
Section 4 |
5 |
|||
|
Fill in the answer sheet (fill in the answers to the listening section on the answer sheet) |
3 |
|||
|
Reading |
Section 1 |
5 |
25 |
22 |
|
Section 2 |
5 |
|||
|
Section 3 |
5 |
|||
|
Section 4 |
10 |
|||
|
Total |
/ |
60 |
About 50 |
|
HSK (Level 2) consists of 60 questions, which are divided into two sections: listening and reading. The test lasts about 55 minutes (including 5 minutes for candidates to complete the personal information form).
1. Listening
The listening material will be played twice.
◎ Part I consists of 10 questions. Candidates will hear 1 sentence for each question, and 1 picture will be provided on the test paper. Candidates should judge whether it corresponds to the picture according to what they hear.
◎ Part II consists of 10 questions. Candidates will hear a conversation for each question, and several pictures will be provided on the test paper. Candidates should choose the corresponding pictures according to what they hear.
◎ Part III consists of 10 questions. Candidates will hear a conversation and a question for each question. There are 3 options on the test paper. Candidates should choose the answer according to what they hear.
◎ Part IV consists of 5 questions. For each question candidates will hear 1 multi-round conversation and 1 question. There are 3 options on the test paper, and candidates should choose the answer according to what they hear.
2. Reading
◎ Part I consists of 5 questions. Each question has a sentence and several pictures. Candidates should choose the corresponding pictures according to the content of the sentence.
◎ Part II consists of 5 questions, including 4 sentences and 1 conversation. There is a blank in the sentence or conversation of each question, and candidates should find the right words from the options to fill in the blank.
◎ Part III consists of 5 questions. Each question has a short conversation and a sentence, and candidates should judge whether the content of the sentence is consistent with the content of this short conversation.
Part IV consists of 10 questions, including 20 sentences. Every two sentences are a group, and candidates should find out the connections and correspond them one by one.
IV. Results Report
HSK (Level 2) report provides three scores: listening, reading and total score. Out of 200, the total score of 120 is qualified. Meanwhile, the report also provides a norm table of percentage levels, so that candidates can get a general understanding of their scores in the global candidates.
HSK (Level 3) focuses on the ability of candidates to use Chinese to complete basic communication tasks in life, study and work.
I. Test Object
HSK (Level 3) is mainly aimed at beginners with general Chinese listening, reading and writing skills.
II. Test Content
HSK (Level 3) focuses on Chinese listening, reading and writing skills, as well as the corresponding topics, tasks, grammar and 1000 Chinese words.
III. Test Structure
HSK (Level 3) consists of 80 questions, which are divided into three sections: listening, reading and writing. The test lasts about 90 minutes (including 5 minutes for candidates to complete the personal information form).
|
Test content |
Number of test questions (items) |
Test duration (minutes) |
||
|
Listening |
Section 1 |
10 |
40 |
About 35 |
|
Section 2 |
10 |
|||
|
Section 3 |
10 |
|||
|
Section 4 |
10 |
|||
|
Fill in the answer sheet (fill in the answers to the listening section on the answer sheet) |
5 |
|||
|
Reading |
Section 1 |
10 |
30 |
30 |
|
Section 2 |
10 |
|||
|
Section 3 |
10 |
|||
|
Writing |
Section 1 |
5 |
10 |
15 |
|
Section 2 |
5 |
|||
|
Total |
/ |
80 |
About 85 |
|
1. Listening
The listening material will be played twice.
◎ Part I consists of 10 questions. Candidates will hear a conversation for each question, and several pictures will be provided on the test paper. Candidates should choose the corresponding pictures according to what they hear.
◎ Part II consists of 10 questions. Candidates will hear a paragraph and a sentence for each question, and this sentence is also on the test paper. Candidates should judge whether the content of the sentence is consistent with the content of this paragraph.
◎ Part III consists of 10 questions. Candidates will hear a conversation and a question for each question. There are 3 options on the test paper. Candidates should choose the answer according to what they hear.
◎ Part IV consists of 10 questions. For each question candidates will hear 1 multi-round conversation and 1 question. There are 3 options on the test paper, and candidates should choose the answer according to what they hear.
2. Reading
◎ Part I consists of 10 questions and 20 sentences. Every two sentences are a group, and candidates should find out the connections and correspond them one by one.
◎ Part II consists of 10 questions, including 5 sentences and 5 conversations. There is a blank in the sentence or conversation of each question, and candidates should find the right words from the options to fill in the blank.
◎ Part III consists of 10 questions. Each question has a short paragraph and a question, and candidates should choose the answer from 3 options.
3. Writing
◎ Part I consists of 5 questions. There are several words in each question, and candidates should form a sentence according to the correct word order.
◎ Part II consists of 5 questions. Each question has a sentence with blanks and pinyin hints. Candidates should write correct Chinese characters in the blanks according to pinyin.
IV. Results Report
HSK (Level 3) report provides four scores: listening, reading, writing and total score. Out of 300, the total score of 180 is qualified. Meanwhile, the report also provides a norm table of percentage levels, so that candidates can get a general understanding of their scores in the global candidates.
HSK (Level 4) focuses on the ability of candidates to use Chinese to conduct basically complete, coherent and effective social communication on more complicated topics such as life, study and work.
I. Test Object
HSK (Level 4) is mainly for intermediate Chinese learners and users who have certain Chinese listening, reading and writing skills.
II. Test Content
HSK (Level 4) focuses on Chinese listening, reading and writing ability, corresponding topics, tasks, grammar and 2000 Chinese words, as well as related Chinese culture and China's national conditions.
III. Test Structure
HSK (Level 4) consists of 100 questions, which are divided into three sections: listening, reading and writing. The test lasts about 105 minutes (including 5 minutes for candidates to complete the personal information form).
|
Test content |
Number of test questions (items) |
Test duration (minutes) |
||
|
Listening |
Section 1 |
10 |
45 |
About 30 |
|
Section 2 |
15 |
|||
|
Section 3 |
20 |
|||
|
Fill in the answer sheet (fill in the answers to the listening section on the answer sheet) |
5 |
|||
|
Reading |
Section 1 |
10 |
40 |
40 |
|
Section 2 |
10 |
|||
|
Section 3 |
20 |
|||
|
Writing |
Section 1 |
10 |
15 |
25 |
|
Section 2 |
5 |
|||
|
Total |
/ |
100 |
About 100 |
|
1. Listening
The listening material will be played only once.
◎ Part I consists of 10 questions, for each of which candidates will hear a paragraph and a sentence, and the sentence is also on the test paper. Candidates should judge whether the sentence content is consistent with the content of this paragraph.
◎ Part II consists of 15 questions. Candidates will hear a conversation and a question for each question. There are 4 options on the test paper. Candidates should choose the answer according to what they hear.
◎ Part III consists of 20 questions, including 10 multi-round conversations and 5 paragraphs. Each multi-round conversation has 1 question, each paragraph has 2 questions, and each question on the test paper has 4 options. Candidates should choose the answer according to what they hear.
2. Reading
◎ Part I consists of 10 questions, including 5 sentences and 5 conversations. There is a blank in the sentence or conversation of each question, and candidates should find the right words from the options to fill in the blank.
◎ Part II consists of 10 questions. There are 3 incomplete sentences in each question, and candidates should arrange them in the correct word order.
◎ Part III consists of 20 questions, including 17 paragraphs. There are 1-2 questions in each paragraph, and candidates should choose the answers from the 4 options in each question.
3. Writing
◎ Part I consists of 10 questions. There are several words in each question, and candidates should form a sentence according to the correct word order.
◎ Part II consists of 5 questions. Each question has a picture and a word. Candidates should write a sentence with this word in combination with the picture.
IV. Results Report
HSK (Level 4) report provides four scores: listening, reading, writing and total score. Out of 300, the total score of 180 is qualified. Meanwhile, the report also provides a norm table of percentage levels, so that candidates can get a general understanding of their scores in the global candidates.
HSK (Level 5) focuses on the ability of candidates to use Chinese to conduct relatively complete, smooth and effective social communication on complex topics such as life, study and work.
I. Test Object
HSK (Level 5) is mainly for intermediate Chinese learners and users who have certain Chinese listening, reading and writing skills.
II. Test Content
HSK (Level 5) focuses on Chinese listening, reading and writing skills, corresponding topics, tasks, grammar and 4,000 Chinese words, as well as related Chinese culture and China's national conditions.
III. Test Structure
HSK (Level 5) consists of 100 questions, which are divided into three sections: listening, reading and writing. The test lasts about 125 minutes (including 5 minutes for candidates to complete the personal information form).
|
Test content |
Number of test questions (items) |
Test duration (minutes) |
||
|
Listening |
Section 1 |
20 |
45 |
About 30 |
|
Section 2 |
25 |
|||
|
Fill in the answer sheet (fill in the answers to the listening section on the answer sheet) |
5 |
|||
|
Reading |
Section 1 |
15 |
45 |
45 |
|
Section 2 |
10 |
|||
|
Section 3 |
20 |
|||
|
Writing |
Section 1 |
8 |
10 |
40 |
|
Section 2 |
2 |
|||
|
Total |
/ |
100 |
About 120 |
|
1. Listening
The listening material will be played only once.
◎ Part I consists of 20 questions. Candidates will hear a conversation and a question for each question. There are 4 options on the test paper. Candidates should choose the answer according to what they hear.
◎ Part II consists of 25 questions, including 10 multi-round conversations and 6 paragraphs. Each multi-round conversation has 1 question, each paragraph has 2 or 3 questions, and each question on the test paper has 4 options. Candidates should choose the answer according to what they hear.
2. Reading
◎ Part I consists of 15 questions, including 4 articles. There are 3-4 blanks in each text, and a word or a sentence should be filled in the blank. There are 4 options in each blank, and candidates should choose the answer from them.
◎ Part II consists of 10 questions. There is a paragraph in each question, and candidates should choose the one that is consistent with this paragraph from 4 options.
Part III consists of 20 questions, including 5 articles. There are 4 questions in each article, and candidates should choose the answer from the 4 options in each question.
3. Writing
◎ Part I consists of 8 questions. There are several words in each question, and candidates should form a sentence according to the correct word order.
◎ Part II consists of 2 questions. There are 5 words in the first question, and candidates should use these 5 words to write an essay of about 80 words; The second question has a picture, and candidates should write a short essay of about 80 words with the picture.
IV. Results Report
The HSK (Level 5) report provides four scores, namely, listening, reading, writing and total score, with a full score of 300. Meanwhile, the report also provides a norm table of percentage levels, so that candidates can get a general understanding of their scores in the global candidates.
HSK (Level 6) focuses on the ability of candidates to use Chinese to conduct rich, smooth and decent social communication on some professional topics.
I. Test Object
HSK (Level 6) is mainly for intermediate Chinese learners and users who have certain Chinese listening, reading and writing skills.
II. Test Content
HSK (Level 6) focuses on Chinese listening, reading and writing ability, corresponding topics, tasks, grammar and 5,400 Chinese words, as well as related Chinese culture and China's national conditions.
III. Test Content
HSK (Level 6) consists of 101 questions, which are divided into three sections: listening, reading and writing. The test lasts about 140 minutes (including 5 minutes for candidates to complete the personal information form).
|
Test content |
Number of test questions (items) |
Test duration (minutes) |
||
|
Listening |
Section 1 |
15 |
50 |
About 35 |
|
Section 2 |
15 |
|||
|
Section 3 |
20 |
|||
|
Fill in the answer sheet (fill in the answers to the listening section on the answer sheet) |
5 |
|||
|
Reading |
Section 1 |
10 |
50 |
50 |
|
Section 2 |
10 |
|||
|
Section 3 |
10 |
|||
|
Section 4 |
20 |
|||
|
Writing |
Composition |
1 |
45 |
|
|
Total |
/ |
101 |
About 135 |
|
1. Listening
The listening material will be played only once.
◎ Part I consists of 15 questions. Candidates will hear a paragraph for each question, and there are 4 options on the test paper. Candidates should choose the consistent one according to what they hear.
◎ Part II consists of 15 questions, including 3 interviews. There are 5 questions in each interview, and 4 options are provided for each question on the test paper. Candidates choose the answers according to what they hear.
◎ Part III consists of 20 questions, including 6 articles. There are 3-4 questions for each article, and there are 4 options for each question on the test paper. Candidates choose the answers according to what they hear.
2. Reading
◎ Part I consists of 10 questions. There are 4 sentences for each question, and candidates should choose one of the 4 sentences that had an inflection.
◎ Part II consists of 10 questions. Each question has 1 paragraph, and each paragraph has 3-5 blanks. Candidates should choose the most appropriate one from the 4 options in each question to fill in the blanks according to the context.
◎ Part III consists of 10 questions, including 2 articles. There are 5 blanks in each article, and candidates should fill in the 5 options in the appropriate blanks according to the context.
◎ Part IV consists of 20 questions, including 5 articles. There are 4 questions in each article, and candidates should choose the answer from the 4 options in each question.
3. Writing
Candidates should first read an article of about 1000 words in 10 minutes, and then shorten the article to a short article of about 400 words in 35 minutes. You need to draw up your own title and simply restate the content of the article without adding your own opinions.
IV. Results Report
HSK (Level 6) report provides four scores, namely listening, reading, writing and total score, with a full score of 300. Meanwhile, the report also provides a norm table of percentage levels, so that candidates can get a general understanding of their scores in the global candidates.
HSK (Level 7-9) focuses on the ability of candidates to use Chinese to conduct standardized and appropriate social communication on complex topics in social life, academic research and other fields. Candidates who pass HSK (Level 7-9) can understand complex language materials of various themes and genres and conduct in-depth communications and discussions.
I. Test Object
HSK (Level 7-9) is aimed at advanced learners of Chinese as a second language, including students studying in China for master's degree, Chinese majors from various countries, and people who use Chinese to carry out academic research, economic, cultural, scientific and technological exchanges.
II. Test Principles
Promote the all-round development of learners, criterion-referenced and test-teaching correlation;
Highlight China's language and culture, with rich themes and comprehensive examination;
Strengthen academic Chinese ability, pay attention to practice and apply what you have learned.
III. Test Content
HSK (Level 7-9) focuses on Chinese listening, speaking, reading, writing and translating abilities, corresponding topics, tasks, grammar and 11,000 Chinese words, as well as related Chinese culture and China's national conditions.
IV. Test Structure
HSK (Level 7-9) consists of 98 questions, which are divided into five sections: listening, reading, writing, translation and speaking. The test lasts about 210 minutes.
|
Test structure |
Test content |
Number of test questions (items) |
Test duration (minutes) |
|||
|
Objective questions |
subjective questions |
Score |
||||
|
Listening |
Section 1 |
Including news reports, business negotiations, debates, interview speeches/lectures, documentaries, conference speeches, etc. |
10 |
_ |
40 |
About 30 |
|
Section 2 |
9 |
- |
||||
|
Section 3 |
15 |
3 |
||||
|
Reading |
Section 1 |
Including news reports, popular science articles, investigation reports, academic literature, Chinese culture and general situation of China. |
28 |
- |
47 |
60 |
|
Section 2 |
5 |
- |
||||
|
Section 3 |
- |
14 |
||||
|
Writing |
Section 1 |
Describe and analyze charts; Publish and demonstrate your own views according to the given topics. |
- |
1 |
2 |
55 |
|
Section 2 |
- |
1 |
||||
|
Translation |
Section 1 |
Translate or interpret foreign materials of different genres such as expository, narrative and argumentative into Chinese. |
- |
2 |
4 |
41 |
|
Section 2 |
- |
2 |
||||
|
Speaking |
Section 1 |
Retelling or expressing one's own views on practical writing, narrative writing, argumentative writing and other materials. |
- |
1 |
5 |
About 24 |
|
Section 2 |
- |
0 |
||||
|
Section 3 |
- |
1 |
||||
|
Total |
|
67 |
31 |
98 |
About 210 |
|
1. Listening
The listening material will be played only once.
◎ Part I consists of 10 questions, including 2 news. There are 5 sentences in each news, and candidates should judge whether the sentences are in line with the original text according to what they hear.
◎ Part II consists of 12 questions, including 2 long conversations. There are 6 questions in each conversation. Among them, 9 are objective questions, and 4 options are provided on the test paper. Candidates should choose their answers based on what they hear; 3 are fill-in-the-blank questions, and candidates are expected to fill in their answers based on what they hear.
◎ Part III consists of 18 questions, including 3 materials. There are 5-7 questions in each material. Among them, 15 are objective questions, and 4 options are provided on the test paper. Candidates should choose their answers based on what they hear; 3 are fill-in-the-blank questions, and candidates are expected to fill in their answers based on what they hear.
2. Reading
◎ Part I consists of 28 questions, including 4 materials. There are 7 questions in each material, and candidates should choose the answer from 4 options in each question.
◎ Part II consists of 5 questions, including 1 material. There are 6-7 paragraphs in this material. Candidates should eliminate the interfering paragraphs and rearrange the other paragraphs into a logically coherent article.
◎ Part III consists of 14 questions, including 2 materials. There are 7 questions in each material, and candidates should write answers, and the number of words for each answer should not exceed 10 words.
3. Writing
◎ Part I consists of 1 question. 1-2 charts are provided on the test paper, and candidates should write an article of about 200 words to describe and analyze the charts for 15 minutes.
◎ Part II consists of 1 question. There is a topic on the test paper. Candidates should put forward and demonstrate their opinions around the topic and write an article of about 600 words, with a time limit of 40 minutes.
4. Translation
◎ Part I consists of 2 questions. Two foreign language materials are provided on the test paper, and candidates should translate them into Chinese for 35 minutes.
◎ Part II consists of 2 questions. Two foreign language materials are provided on the test paper, and candidates should translate them into Chinese orally. Each material has 1 minute reading time and 2 minutes interpretation time.
5. Speaking
Each part provides a certain preparation time and answer time, please answer according to the requirements of speaking instructions.
◎ Part I consists of 1 question. Some forms of materials are provided on the test paper, and candidates should answer orally as required.
◎ Part II consists of 3 questions. 1 paragraph of material and 3 questions are played (only once) and candidates are expected to answer the questions orally in relation to the material.
◎ Part III consists of 1 question. 1 paragraph of material and 1 question are played (only once) and candidates are expected to present their views orally in relation to the material.
V. Achievement report
HSK (Level 7-9) report provides six scores, including
listening,
reading, writing, translation and speaking, and provides the rating results.
Level Setting: According to the Chinese Proficiency
Grading Standards
for International Chinese Language Education (GF0025-2021), the test takers are
classified
into four levels:
"Below HSK (Level 7)", "HSK (Level 7)", "HSK (Level 8)" and "HSK (Level 9)", based on
the
ability values
measured by the Item Response Theory (IRT) , as well as the content & difficulty of
the
test items.
Report Score: The ability value for each skill of
the
test takers’
Chinese proficiency is calculated by using the IRT model, based on the raw scores of the
test takers.
Besides, the measurement model is further used to obtain the report score of each skill
range from 0
to100.
HSK Speaking Test(HSKK)
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.
I. Test Target
The HSK Speaking Test (Beginner Level) is intended for the
students who have studied
Chinese 2-3 class hours per week for 1-2 semesters. These students have mastered about
200 commonly used
words.
The HSK Speaking Test (Intermediate Level) is intended for
students who have studied
Chinese 2-3 hours per week for 1-2 academic years. These students have mastered about
900 commonly used
words.
The HSK Speaking Test (Advanced Level) is intended for the
students who have studied
Chinese 2-3 class hours per week for more than 2 academic years. These students have
mastered about 3,000
common words.
II. Test Levels
The different levels of HSKK are correspond to some of the
levels in the Chinese
Language Proficiency Scales For Speakers of Other Languages (CLPS), and its
correspondence to HSK
are showed as follows:
|
HSKK
|
HSK
|
CLPS
|
|
HSK (Advanced Level)
|
HSK (Level VI)
|
Level V
|
|
HSK (Level V)
|
||
|
HSK (Intermediate Level)
|
HSK (Level IV)
|
Level IV
|
|
HSK (Level III)
|
Level III
|
|
|
HSK (Primary level)
|
HSK (Level II)
|
Level II
|
|
HSK (Level I)
|
Level I
|
Test takers who are able to pass the HSK (Beginner Level) can
understand and use
oral expressions in Chinese on familiar and routine matters, and meet basic needs for communication.
Test takers who are able to pass the HSK (Intermediate Level)
can understand and
converse in Chinese fluently with native Chinese speakers.
Test takers who are able to pass the HSK (Advanced Level) can understand and express him/herself fully,
fluently and with ease.
III Test Content
The HSK Speaking Test (Beginner
Level) is comprised of three parts, containing 27 items
in total. The
duration of the test is about 17 minutes (including 7 minutes for preparation).
There are 15 items in Part I. For each item, a
sentence recording will
be played. The test takers should repeat the sentence. The duration of
this part is 4
minutes.
There are 10 items in Part II. For each item, the
recording of a
question will be played. The test takers should provide a brief answer. The duration
of this part is 3
minutes.
There are 2 items in Part III. There will be two
questions on the test
paper (with pinyin). The test takers should answer these questions using a minimum of
5 sentences per
answer. The duration of this part is 3 minutes.
The
HSK
Speaking Test
(Intermediate Level) is comprised of three parts, containing 14 items in total. The
duration of the test
is about 21 minutes (including 10 minutes for preparation).
There are 10 items in Part I. For each item, a
sentence recording will
be played. The test takers should repeat the sentence. The duration of
this part is 3
minutes.
There are 2 items in Part II. Each item consists
of an image. The test
takers should say something based on the picture. The
duration of this part is 4 minutes.
There are 2 items in Part III. The test
takers should answer
the
two
questions
(with pinyin). The duration of this
part is 4 minutes.
The
HSK
Speaking Test (Advanced
Level) is comprised of three parts, containing 6 items in total. The duration of the
test is about 24 minutes (including 10 minutes for preparation).
There are 3 items in Part I. For each item,
the
recording
of a passage will be
played, and the test takers should repeat the content. The duration of
this part is 7
minutes.
There is 1 item in Part II. There will be a
passage on the test paper,
and the test takers should read it out aloud. The duration of
this part is 2
minutes.
There are 2 items in Part III. The test
takers should answer
the
two
questions on the
test paper. The duration of this part is 5 minutes.
V. Results Certificate
Test takers will receive the results for the HSKK
issued by Center for
Language Education and Cooperation one month after the test. The test result is
long-term available, but the
score report to be used for the application to Chinese universities and colleges is
valid within two years
(from the test date).
The full scores of HSKK beginner, intermediate and advanced
levels are 100, and
passing scores are 60.
|
Full Score
|
Passing Score
|
Your Score
|
|
100 |
60 |
-- |
|
Section
|
Number of Items
|
Duration (Min)
|
|
|
Part I
|
Listen and Repeat
|
15
|
4
|
|
Part II
|
Listen and Reply
|
10
|
3
|
|
Part III
|
Answer the
Questions
|
2
|
3
|
|
Total
|
27
|
10
|
|
There are 2 items in Part III. There will be two questions on the test paper (in pinyin). The test taker should answer these questions using a minimum of 5 sentences per answer.
|
Max Score
|
Passing Score
|
Your Score
|
|
100
|
60
|
|
As a Chinese language certificate for foreign students' entry into Chinese colleges, the results of the HSK are valid for two years (beginning from the test date).
|
Section
|
Number of
Items
|
Duration
(Min)
|
|
|
Part I
|
Listen and Repeat
|
10
|
3
|
|
Part II
|
Picture
Description
|
2
|
4
|
|
Part III
|
Answer the
Questions
|
2
|
4
|
|
Total
|
14
|
11
|
|
|
Max Score
|
Passing Score
|
Your Score
|
|
100
|
60
|
|
|
Section
|
Number of
Items
|
Duration
(Min)
|
|
|
Part I
|
Listen and Repeat
|
3
|
7
|
|
Part II
|
Read Aloud
|
1
|
2
|
|
Part III
|
Answer the
Questions
|
2
|
5
|
|
Total
|
6
|
14
|
|
|
Max Score
|
Passing Score
|
Your Score
|
|
100
|
60
|
|
Youth Chinese Test(YCT)
|
Writing Test
|
|
Speaking Test
|
|
YCT (Level IV)
|
|
YCT (Intermediate
Level)
|
|
YCT (Level III)
|
|
YCT (Beginner
Level)
|
|
YCT (Level II)
|
|
|
|
YCT (Level I)
|
|
|
New HSK
|
New YCT
|
Vocabulary
|
CLPS
|
CEF
|
|
HSK (Level VI)
|
|
Over 5,000
|
Level V
|
C2
|
|
HSK (Level V)
|
|
2,500
|
C1
|
|
|
HSK (Level IV)
|
|
1,200
|
Level IV
|
B2
|
|
HSK (Level III)
|
YCT (Level IV)
|
600
|
Level III
|
B1
|
|
HSK (Level II)
|
YCT (Level III)
|
300
|
Level II
|
A2
|
|
HSK (Level I)
|
YCT (Level II)
|
150
|
Level I
|
A1
|
|
|
YCT (Level I)
|
80
|
|
|
Test takers will receive their test results for the new YCT issued by Center for Language Education and Cooperatio within three weeks after the test.
|
Section
|
Number of Items
|
Duration
(Min)
|
||
|
I. Listening
|
Part I
|
5
|
20
|
About 10
|
|
Part II
|
5
|
|||
|
Part III
|
5
|
|||
|
Part IV
|
5
|
|||
|
Filling out the answer sheet(Mark
your
answers for listening comprehension on Answer Sheet)
|
3
|
|||
|
II. Reading
|
Part I
|
5
|
15
|
17
|
|
Part II
|
5
|
|||
|
Part III
|
5
|
|||
|
Total
|
/
|
35
|
About 30
|
|
|
|
Max Score
|
Your Score
|
|
Listening
|
100
|
|
|
Reading
|
100
|
|
|
Total
|
200
|
|
|
Section
|
Number of Items
|
Duration (Min)
|
||||
|
I. Listening
|
Part I
|
5
|
20
|
About 15
|
||
|
Part II
|
5
|
|||||
|
Part III
|
5
|
|||||
|
Part IV
|
5
|
|||||
|
Filling out the answer sheet(Mark
your
answers for listening comprehension on Answer Sheet)
|
3
|
|||||
|
II. Reading
|
Part I
|
5
|
20
|
27
|
||
|
Part II
|
5
|
|||||
|
Part III
|
5
|
|||||
|
Part IV
|
5
|
|||||
|
Total
|
/
|
40
|
About 45
|
|||
|
|
Max Score
|
Your Score
|
|
Listening
|
100
|
|
|
Reading
|
100
|
|
|
Total
|
200
|
|
|
Section
|
Number of Items
|
Duration (Min)
|
||
|
I. Listening
|
Part I
|
10
|
35
|
About 20
|
|
Part II
|
10
|
|||
|
Part III
|
10
|
|||
|
Part IV
|
5
|
|||
|
Filling out the answer sheet(Mark
your
answers for listening comprehension on Answer Sheet)
|
5
|
|||
|
II. Reading
|
Part I
|
5
|
25
|
30
|
|
Part II
|
5
|
|||
|
Part III
|
5
|
|||
|
Part IV
|
10
|
|||
|
Total
|
/
|
60
|
About 55
|
|
|
|
Max Score
|
Your Score
|
|
Listening
|
100
|
|
|
Reading
|
100
|
|
|
Total
|
200
|
|
|
Section
|
Number of Items
|
Duration (Min)
|
||
|
I. Listening
|
Part I
|
10
|
40
|
About 30
|
|
Part II
|
10
|
|||
|
Part III
|
10
|
|||
|
Part IV
|
10
|
|||
|
Filling out the answer sheet(Mark your
answers for listening comprehension on Answer Sheet)
|
5
|
|||
|
II. Reading
|
Part I
|
5
|
30
|
30
|
|
Part II
|
10
|
|||
|
Part III
|
10
|
|||
|
Part IV
|
5
|
|||
|
III. Writing
|
Part I
|
5
|
10
|
15
|
|
Part II
|
5
|
|||
|
Total
|
/
|
80
|
About 80
|
|
|
|
Max Score
|
Your Score
|
|
Listening
|
100
|
|
|
Reading
|
100
|
|
|
Writing
|
100
|
|
|
Total
|
300
|
|
|
Section
|
Number of Items
|
Duration (Min)
|
|
|
Part I
|
Listen and Repeat
|
15
|
6
|
|
Part II
|
Listen and Reply
|
5
|
2
|
|
Part III
|
Describe Pictures
|
5
|
4
|
|
Total
|
25
|
19(including 7 minutes for
preparation)
|
|
|
Max Score
|
Passing Score
|
Your Score
|
|
100
|
60
|
|
|
Section
|
Number of Items
|
Duration (Min)
|
|
|
Part I
|
Listen and Repeat
|
10
|
5
|
|
Part II
|
Describe Pictures
|
2
|
3
|
|
Part III
|
Answer the
Questions
|
2
|
3
|
|
Total
|
14
|
21
(including 10 minutes for preparation)
|
|
|
Max Score
|
Passing Score
|
Your Score
|
|
100
|
60
|
|
Business Chinese Test(BCT)
The BCT, as an international, standardized test of Chinese language proficiency, focuses on assessing non-native Chinese speakers' abilities to use the Chinese language in real business or common working environments.
The BCT consists of a writing test and a speaking test, which are independent of each other. The writing test is divided into two levels, namely, the BCT (A), and the BCT (B). The different levels of the BCT can meet some of the levels in the Chinese Language Proficiency Scales for Speakers of Other Languages (CLPS) and the Common European Framework of Reference (CEF), as well as HSK and YCT levels; details are as follows:
|
HSK
|
YCT
|
BCT
|
Vocabulary
|
CLPS
|
CEF
|
|
HSK (Level VI)
|
|
BCT（B）
|
Over 5,000
|
Level V
|
C2
|
|
HSK (Level V)
|
|
2,500
|
C1
|
||
|
HSK (Level IV)
|
|
1,200
|
Level IV
|
B2
|
|
|
HSK (Level III)
|
YCT (Level IV)
|
BCT（A）
|
600
|
Level III
|
B1
|
|
HSK (Level II)
|
YCT (Level III)
|
300
|
Level II
|
A2
|
|
|
HSK (Level I)
|
YCT (Level II)
|
150
|
Level I
|
A1
|
|
|
YCT (Level I)
|
|
80
|
|
|
I. Capability Description
Test takers who are able to pass the BCT (A) can understand and use Chinese language to accomplish the tasks of daily communication and basic business communication.
Test takers who are able to pass the BCT (B) can understand and use the Chinese language to complete more complex business communication tasks.
Test takers who took the BCT (Oral), can understand and use the Chinese language to complete kinds of different business communication tasks, and therefore their language competence can be divided into five proficiency levels.
II. Test Principles
Promote learning through examination: encourage Chinese language learners' interest and confidence, and further broaden the scope of the test in accordance with the actual demands of overseas Business Chinese learners and Chinese speakers in a general working environment.
Promote teaching through examination: provide teachers and self-learners with graded, task-based teaching resources and suggestions related to business Chinese, and help teaching and training institutions systematically and effectively improve business Chinese learners and speakers' abilities to use the Chinese language in real business or common working environments.
Provide positive feedback for test takers: evaluate test takers' ability to complete various language tasks by asking them to carry out a series of typical business language tasks and provide positive feedback for Chinese language learners to plan their future studies.
III. Test Purposes
BCT test results provide reference to following purposes:
1.Provide a basis for employers to assess non-native Chinese speakers' (candidates) Chinese competence in daily work. Test scores can be used as a reference for employee recruitment, selection, placement and promotion.
2. Help relevant teaching and training institutions to assess students' business Chinese proficiency in recruitment, class divisions, and granting credits.
3. Help learners to improve and evaluate and improve their business Chinese competence.
IV. Results Certificate
Test takers will receive their test results for the BCT issued by Center for Language Education and Cooperation after one month after the test. In the meantime, test takers will be allowed to inquire their scores on website www.chinesetest.cn.
The BCT (A) is an international, standardized test in Chinese language
proficiency
that
focuses on testing non-native Chinese speakers' abilities to use the Chinese
language in real
business
or common working environments, and that evaluates the language tasks they are able
to complete.
Following the principle of practicality, oriented towards speaking and listening,
and
emphasizing
abilities in the workplace, this test aims to recreate actual situations in the
workplace and
takes
practical content for communications as the method of examining test takers'
abilities to use
Chinese to
meet their needs in a working environment.
I. Test Structure
The BCT (A) contains 70 questions and consists of three parts:
listening, reading
and
writing.
Table 1 Test Structure of BCT (A)
|
Test
Item
|
Number of
Questions |
Duration of
Test (minutes) |
||
|
Write
down
personal information (before the listening section starts) |
5
|
|||
|
1.
Listening
|
Section One
|
10
|
30
|
About
20 |
|
Section Two
|
10
|
|||
|
Section Three
|
10
|
|||
|
2.
Reading
|
Section One
|
10
|
30
|
30
|
|
Section Two
|
20
|
|||
|
3.
Writing
|
10
|
10
|
||
|
Mark
your
answers on the Answer Sheet (after the listening section) |
5
|
|||
|
Total
|
/
|
70
|
About
70 |
|
1. Listening
Section One contains ten
questions. You
will hear a word or phrase for
each question twice. On the test paper, there is a picture for each question. Answer
whether the
content of
the picture is true or false according to what you hear.
Section Two contains ten
questions. You
will hear a sentence for each
question twice. On the test paper, there are three pictures for each question. Choose
the right one
according to what you hear.
Section Three contains ten
questions.
For each question, you will hear
a dialogue between two people and a question based on the dialogue twice. Choose the
best answer
from the
three choices on the test paper according to what you hear.
2. Reading
Section One contains ten
questions. One
or two sentences with a blank
will be provided for each of the first five questions. Choose the best answer from the
choices to
complete
the sentence. The other five questions are five blanks in a table or a short passage of
practical
writing.
Choose the best answers to complete the table or the passage.
Section Two contains twenty
questions.
A series of reading materials
will be provided, including pictures, tables, paragraphs, passages, etc. Each piece of
reading
material will
be followed by one to three questions, with three choices. Choose the best answer to the
question.
3. Writing
This part contains ten
questions. For
each question, there is a
sentence with a blank. Use the correct Chinese character or phrase (Pinyin of the word
or phrase
will be
provided) to fill in the blank.
II.
Competence Description
and Content
Illustration of BCT (A)
The BCT (A) examines the
communicative
competence of test takers in
realistic situations when using Chinese. The competence description and content
illustration are
listed in
the table below:
Table 2 Competence Description and
Content Illustration of BCT
(A)
|
Sub-test |
Competence
Description |
Content
Illustration |
|
Listening |
Capable of understanding
articles for use
closely related to work and life
|
Simple daily articles and
office supplies
|
|
Capable of understanding basic
information
about number and quantity in
working and living environments |
Basic information in a visa
form such as
name, and passport number Numbers (including date, time,
and price)
|
|
|
Capable of understanding other
people's
brief introductions in working and
living environments |
Names, ages, nationalities,
company names,
positions, contact information,
etc. Hobbies, interests, physical
conditions,
etc. |
|
|
Capable of understanding basic
instructions and requirements in working and
living environments |
Making a phone call, giving a
signature,
etc. |
|
|
Capable of understanding basic
daily
expressions in working and living
environments |
Introductions, greetings,
welcomes,
wishes, appreciations, apologies,
farewells, etc. |
|
|
Capable of understanding basic
instructions and requirements in working and
living environments |
Enquiring about price, payment
method,
etc. |
|
|
Capable of understanding
introductions or
descriptions of other people's
basic information in working and living environments |
Companies, positions, contact
information,
etc. |
|
|
Capable of understanding
introductions or
descriptions of other people's
conditions in working and living environments |
Physical conditions, working
conditions,
etc. |
|
|
Capable of understanding the
introduction
or description of something in
working and living environments |
Features and price of a
commodity,
introduction of a place, etc. |
|
|
Capable of understanding brief
notices and
arrangements in working and
living environments |
Conference notices, routes,
time
arrangement, etc. |
|
|
Reading |
Capable of reading Pinyin,
basic Chinese
characters, phrases, numbers,
personal information, etc. |
Simple signs (such as those of
washrooms,
supermarkets, subways, and
airports) Simple places (such as office
and hotel
room), menus, schedules, etc. |
|
Capable of reading basic
Chinese
characters, phrases, sentences, and short
written materials; capable of understanding requirements and
acquiring related
information from short written materials |
Simple forms such as visa
forms, price
lists, balance sheets, and calendars
Simple expressions in working
and living
environments Name cards, notices, notes,
messages,
short messages, etc. which are
commonly used in daily life |
|
|
Capable of reading short
written materials
common in daily life and work,
understanding their general ideas, and recognizing basic
information; capable of
identify in passages of familiar topics specific information needed
|
Frequently used expressions in
business
etiquette and formal occasions Brief introductions of
products,
advertisements, etc. Short weather forecasts,
traffic
information, etc. Notices, telephone records,
messages,
notes, short messages, emails,
calendars, etc. |
|
|
Writing |
Capable of writing from memory
basic
Chinese characters |
|
|
Capable of filling in forms as
required
|
Simple forms such as visa
forms and
customs forms Simple in-company forms such
as leave
application forms, and reimbursement
forms Personal calendars recording
one's daily
life and work arrangements |
III. Reference
Vocabulary
The BCT (A) has set up a
reference
vocabulary of 600 words according
to language competence, can-do statements, word frequencies of various authoritative
Chinese
corpora, and
the actual state of international Chinese language teaching.
IV. Score System
The BCT (A) score report
records a test
taker's sub-test scores and
total score, without setting a passing score.
The BCT (A) test paper
consists of
three sub-tests: listening, reading
and writing, with a total score of 300 points. Its score system is shown in the table
below:
Table 3 Score System of BCT (A)
|
Listening
|
Reading |
Writing |
Total
|
|
|
Number of
questions |
30
|
30
|
10
|
70
|
|
Maximum score
of sub-test |
100
|
100
|
100
|
300
|
V. Test Principles
Promote learning through
examination:
encourage Chinese language
learners' interest and confidence, and further broaden the scope of the test in
accordance with the
actual
demands of overseas Business Chinese learners and Chinese speakers in a general working
environment.
Promote teaching through
examination:
provide teachers and
self-learners with graded, task-based teaching resources and suggestions related to
business
Chinese, and
help teaching and training institutions systematically and effectively improve business
Chinese
learners and
speakers' abilities to use the Chinese language in real business or common working
environments.
Provide positive feedback
for test
takers: evaluate test takers'
ability to complete various language tasks by asking them to carry out a series of
typical business
language
tasks and provide positive feedback for Chinese language learners to plan their future
studies.
VI. Test
Purposes
1.Provide a
basis for employers to
assess
non-native Chinese speakers' (candidates) Chinese competence in daily work. Test scores
can be used
as a
reference for employee recruitment, selection, placement and promotion.
2. Help
relevant teaching and training
institutions to assess students' business Chinese proficiency in recruitment, class
divisions, and
granting
credits.
3. Help learners to evaluate and improve their business Chinese competence.
The BCT (B) is an international, standardized test in Chinese language
proficiency
that
focuses on testing non-native Chinese speakers' abilities to use the Chinese
language in real
business
or common working environments, and that evaluates the language tasks they are able
to complete.
Following the principle of practicality, oriented towards speaking and listening,
and
emphasizing
abilities in the workplace, this test aims to recreate actual situations in the
workplace and
takes
practical content for communications as the method of examining test takers'
abilities to use
Chinese to
meet their needs in the working environment.
I. Test Structure
The BCT (B) contains 92 questions and consists of three parts:
listening, reading
and
writing.
Table 1 Structure of BCT (B)
|
Test Item
|
Number of Questions
|
Duration of Test (minutes)
|
||
|
Write down personal information (before the
listening section
starts)
|
5
|
|||
|
1. Listening
|
Section One
|
20
|
50
|
About 35
|
|
Section Two
|
15
|
|||
|
Section Three
|
15
|
|||
|
2. Reading
|
Section One
|
20
|
40
|
60
|
|
Section Two
|
10
|
|||
|
Section Three
|
10
|
|||
|
3. Writing
|
2
|
40
|
||
|
Mark your answers on the Answer Sheet (after the
listening
section)
|
5
|
|||
|
Total
|
/
|
92
|
About 145
|
|
1. Listening
Section One contains twenty questions. A two-sentence dialogue between
two people
and a
question based on the dialogue will be read once for each question. Choose the best
answer from
the four
choices on the test paper according to what you hear.
Section Two contains fifteen questions. A four-sentence dialogue
between two people
and a
question based on the dialogue will be read once for each question. Choose the best
answer from
the four
choices on the test paper according to what you hear.
Section Three contains fifteen questions. Five passages followed by a
few questions
will be
read to you once. Choose the best answer from the choices on the test paper
according to what
you hear.
2. Reading
Section One contains twenty questions. A series of reading materials
will be
provided,
including pictures, tables, paragraphs, passages, etc. Each piece of reading
material will be
followed
by a few questions, each with four choices. Choose the best answer to the
question.
Section Two contains ten questions. There are two passages with five
blanks each.
Choose
five best answers from seven choices to complete each passage according to the
context.
Section Three contains ten questions. This section is divided into two
groups, each
with
five questions. Four passages and several questions or sentences will be provided on
the test
paper.
Match each question or sentence with its related passage.
3. Writing
Section One contains one question. A written text or table will be
provided. Write
at least
80 Chinese characters according to the directions.
Section Two contains one question. A written text or table will be
provided. Write
at least
150 Chinese characters according to the directions.
II. Competence Description and Content Illustration of BCT
(B)
The BCT (B) examines the communicative competence of test takers in
realistic
situations
when using Chinese. The competence description and content illustration are listed
in the table
below:
Table 2 Competence Description and Content Illustration of the BCT
(B)
|
Sub-test
|
Competence Description
|
Content Illustration
|
|
Listening
|
Capable of understanding general introductions in
working and
living
environments
|
Brief introductions of other
people
Introductions of companies of business
contacts
Introductions of projects and
products
|
|
Capable of understanding basic instructions in
working and
living
environments
|
Information about one's job
Training materials relevant with one's own
job
Route descriptions
Instructions of commonly used equipment and
appliances
|
|
|
Capable of understanding notices and schedules in
working and
living
environments
|
Notices in daily life such as time and place of an
appointment
Announcements in public places like airport, train
or bus
station,
shopping mall, and hospital
Notices like conference program, working
arrangement, and
schedule
|
|
|
Capable of understanding news in test takers'
familiar fields
in
media
|
News on radio, TV, etc.
|
|
|
Capable of understanding conversations for specific
purposes
|
Leaving a message on the phone or replying to the
message
Communicating work issues with
colleagues
Communicating equipment problems with
servicemen
Communicating issues of product quality and
after-sales
service;
Communicating career planning with one's
boss
|
|
|
Capable of understanding formal talks or
meetings
|
Basic communication in activities like business
dinners;
Conducting a job interview in one's own
professional or
business
field
|
|
|
Capable of understanding discussion or talk
about
something or
someone in working or living environments
|
Discussions by other people on common topics or
important
current
affairs;
Giving a simple evaluation of goods and
companies
Major points of the other side in business
negotiations
Understanding basic attitudes of clients, such as
agreement,
opposition
and complaint
|
|
|
Reading
|
Capable of reading signs and labels in working or
living
environments
|
Signs of meeting rooms, shop signs, names of
companies and
organizations
Traffic signs, warning signs on packages,
information on name
cards
|
|
Capable of reading complex language materials of
certain
lengths;
capable of grasping their main idea, as well as important facts
and
details.
|
Searching for necessary information in a given
table, such as a
schedule, program, menu, directory, list, visa application form,
application
form
for leave, etc.
Understanding important information in expository
and narrative
materials, such as notes, emails, mails, notices, faxes,
memos, travel
guidebook, itinerary, product instructions, workflow
instructions, product
descriptions, formal letters like complaint letters, resumes,
job
application
letters, contracts, project reports, work reports, business
statements,
rules &
regulations, etc.
|
|
|
Capable of reading language materials of certain
lengths,
grasping the
text structure, and choosing the appropriate linking sentences
in terms of
passage
meaning and structure according to the
context
|
Choosing, according to the context, the most
appropriate
sentence from
several choices to fill in the blank in the incomplete
passage
|
|
|
Capable of reading a number of relevant materials
and finding
out the
key information
|
Searching and matching information of, such as
several
hotels
|
|
|
Writing
|
Capable of describing daily life, work, social
topics or tables
&
diagrams in an objective way, and conveying or expressing
appropriate
information
|
Making lists, and writing schedules, notes,
notices, faxes,
memos and
analysis diagrams
|
|
Capable of taking notes or explaining on a given
topic, and
writing
relevant files or instructions; capable of showing the
circumstances
objectively and
correctly and expressing one's own view
accurately
|
Writing minutes of a meeting, instructions (such as
short route
instructions, equipment instructions, workflow instructions),
business
letters (such
as complaint letters, letters of thanks, invitation letters),
personal
resumes, job
application letters, reports (such as, survey reports and work
reports),
contract
texts, or argumentation & analysis on a given
topic
|
III. Reference Vocabulary
The BCT (B) has set up a reference vocabulary of 4000 words according
to language
competence, can-do statements, word frequencies of various authoritative Chinese
corpora, and
the state
of international Chinese language teaching.
IV. Score System
The BCT (B) score report records a test taker's sub-test scores and
total score,
without
setting any passing score.
The BCT (B) test paper consists of three sub-tests: listening, reading
and writing,
with a
total score of 300 points. Its score system is shown in the table
below:
Table 3 Score System of BCT (B)
|
Listening
|
Reading
|
Writing
|
Total
|
|
|
Number of questions
|
50
|
40
|
2
|
92
|
|
Maximum score of sub-test
|
100
|
100
|
100
|
300
|
V. Test Principles
Promote learning through examination: encourage Chinese language
learners' interest
and
confidence, and further broaden the scope of the test in accordance with the actual
demands of
overseas
Business Chinese learners and Chinese speakers in a general working
environment.
Promote teaching through examination: provide teachers and
self-learners with
graded,
task-based teaching resources and suggestions related to business Chinese, and help
teaching and
training institutions systematically and effectively improve business Chinese
learners and
speakers'
Chinese language communicative competence in a realistic business environment.
Provide positive feedback for test takers: evaluate test takers'
ability to
complete
various language tasks in a business environment by asking them to carry out a
series of typical
business language tasks and provide positive feedback for Chinese language learners
to plan
their future
studies.
VI. Test Purposes
1.Provide a basis for employers to assess non-native Chinese speakers'
(candidates)
Chinese
competence in daily work. Test scores can be used as a reference for employee
recruitment,
selection,
placement and promotion.
2. Help relevant teaching and training institutions to assess students'
business
Chinese
proficiency in recruitment, class divisions, and granting
credits.
3. Help learners to evaluate and improve their business Chinese
competence.
The BCT (Oral iBT), a Computer Adaptive Test(CAT), is an international,
standardized test
in Chinese language proficiency that focuses on testing non-native Chinese speakers'
abilities
to use
the Chinese Oral language in real business or common working environments, and that
evaluates
the
language tasks they are able to complete. Following the principle of practicality,
oriented
towards
speaking and listening, and emphasizing abilities in the workplace, this test aims
to recreate
actual
situations in the workplace and takes practical content for communications as the
method of
examining
test takers' abilities to use Oral Chinese to meet their needs in the working
environment
conducted via
Internet, according to their characteristics and occupation.
I. Test Structure
Table 1 Structure of BCT (Oral iBT)
|
Test Item
|
Number of Questions
|
Duration of Test (minutes)
|
|
Section 1
|
4
|
2
|
|
Section 2
|
4
|
2
|
|
Section 3
|
3
|
5
|
|
Section 4
|
3
|
5
|
|
Section 5
|
1
|
6
|
|
Login, Volume Adjustment,
Questionnaire
(Ahead of the Test)
|
5
|
|
|
Total
|
15
|
25
|
The test lasts 25 minutes in total (including time for the test takers
to login in
to the
system, adjust devices and answer the questionnaire).
The first part includes four questions. The test takers shall listen to
each
question once,
and will be afforded the opportunity to listen to the questions a second time. Each
question
contains
one question with a picture. The test takers shall refer to the picture to answer
the
question.
The second part includes four questions. The test takers shall listen
to each
question
once, and will be afforded the opportunity to listen to the questions a second time.
Each
question
contains one question with a picture. The test takers shall answer the questions as
required.
The third part includes three questions. The test takers shall listen
to each
question
once, and will be afforded the opportunity to listen to the questions a second time.
Each
question
contains a scenario description with a request or question as well as a picture as
reference for
the
test takers.
The fourth part includes three questions. The test takers shall listen
to each
question
once, and will be afforded the opportunity to listen to the questions a second time.
Each
question
contains a background description. The test takers shall answer the questions as
required.
The fifth section consists of only one question. The test takers shall
listen to
each
question once, and will have the opportunity to listen to the question a second
time. This
question
contains a background description and requirements with four pictures for the test
takers'
reference.
II. Competence Description and Content Illustration of BCT (Oral
iBT)
The
BCT (Oral iBT) examines the
communicative competence of
test
takers in realistic situations when using Chinese. The competence description and
content
illustration
are listed in the table below:
Table 2 Competence Description and Content Illustration of the BCT
(Oral
iBT))
|
Subject
|
Task
|
|
♦ Personal
Information
|
♦ be able to
introduce basic, personal information such as name, nationality,
etc.
|
|
♦ Description of
Route
|
♦ be able to
briefly
describe directions for walking or driving to various locations,
such as
where the
toilet is located
|
|
♦ Description of Living
Conditions
|
♦ be able to
briefly
describe daily living arrangements, such as daily living
habits
|
|
♦ Personal
Affairs
|
♦be able to
briefly
introduce personal affairs, such as a simple work
experience
|
|
♦ Information About
Others
|
♦be able to
briefly
introduce a person, such as his/her company, position, contact
information,
etc.
|
|
♦Basic Personal Job
Information
|
♦be able to
introduce
basic personal information such as company, position, contact
information,
etc.
|
|
♦ Personal Work
Information
|
♦ be able to
introduce personal information, such as job responsibilities,
scope of work,
etc.
|
|
♦ Company
Information
|
♦ be able to introduce basic
information about the company where
he/she
works
|
|
♦ Company product
Information
|
♦ be able to briefly
introduce the main products of his/her
company
|
|
♦Work
Description
|
♦be able to
briefly
describe work arrangement, such as schedule of projects,
meetings, and
etc.
|
|
♦ General
Topics
|
♦ be able to
express
personal opinions on topics of general interest such as weather,
hobbies,
etc.
|
|
♦ Work-related
Topics
|
♦ be able to
explain
personal ideas on work-related topics, such as the evaluation of
a product,
the
perception of the company's future development,
etc.
|
|
♦ Project
Information
|
♦be able to introduce the
main business scope of his/her
company
|
|
♦TaskExecution
Description
|
♦be able to briefly describe
how to perform a routine
task
|
|
♦ Work-related
Topics
|
♦be able to
discuss
work-related topics, such as personal career goals and plans for
the
future
|
|
♦
Speeches
|
♦be able to
prepare
speeches on topics of interest such as
hobbies
|
|
♦ Remarks
|
♦be able to deliver remarks
in different occasions, such as
toast,
opening words, thank-you remarks and etc.
|
|
♦ Work-related
Topics
|
♦ be able to
conduct
work-related conversations such as reporting on work
progress
|
|
♦ Work-related
Topics
|
♦ be able to
engage
in discussion on work-related topics such as explaining
charts
|
III. Reference Vocabulary
The BCT (Oral iBT) has set up a reference vocabulary of 4000 words
according to
language
competence, can-do statements, word frequencies of various authoritative Chinese
corpora, and
the state
of international Chinese language teaching.
IV. Score System
The BCT (Oral iBT) score report records a test taker's sub-test scores
and total
score,
without setting any passing score.
The BCT (Oral iBT) test paper consists of five sub-tests, with a total
score of 500
points.
Its score system is shown in the table below:
Table 3 Score System of BCT (Oral iBT)
|
Section 1
|
Section 2
|
Section 3
|
Section 4
|
Section 5
|
Total
|
|
|
Number of questions
|
4
|
4
|
3
|
3
|
1
|
15
|
|
Maximum score of sub-test
|
80
|
100
|
120
|
120
|
80
|
500
|
V. Test Principles
Promote learning through examination: encourage Chinese language
learners' interest
and
confidence, and further broaden the scope of the test in accordance with the actual
demands of
overseas
Business Chinese learners and Chinese speakers in a general working
environment.
Promote teaching through examination: provide teachers and
self-learners with
graded,
task-based teaching resources and suggestions related to business Chinese, and help
teaching and
training institutions systematically and effectively improve business Chinese
learners and
speakers'
Chinese language communicative competence in a realistic business environment.
Provide positive feedback for test takers: evaluate test takers'
ability to
complete
various language tasks in a business environment by asking them to carry out a
series of typical
business language tasks and provide positive feedback for Chinese language learners
to plan
their future
studies.
VI. Test Purposes
1.Provide a basis for employers to assess non-native Chinese speakers'
(candidates)
Chinese
competence in daily work. Test scores can be used as a reference for employee
recruitment,
selection,
placement and promotion.
2. Help relevant teaching and training institutions to assess students'
business
Chinese
proficiency in recruitment, class divisions, and granting
credits.
3. Help learners to evaluate and improve their business Chinese
competence.
