The international certification in Mandarin consists of two separate exams, the HSK short for Hanyu Shuiping Kaoshi ( 汉语水平考试 ), which means “Mandarin Level Exam” and the HSKK or the Hanyu Shuiping Kouyu Kaoshi ( 汉语水平口语考试 ), which means “Mandarin Level Spoken Language Exam”.
DIFFERENT SKILL SETS
The HSK grades a students listening comprehension, reading and writing skills, while the HSKK grades a students speaking skills. There are six levels of the HSK (9 according to the new system) and three levels of the HSKK – primary, intermediate and Advanced. Students of HSK levels 1-3 are encouraged to give the HSKK Primary test, while students of HSK level 4 and 5 give the HSKK Intermediate and those that have completed atleast a HSK 6 or above give the HSKK Advanced test.
Inchin Closer students are confident, and always pass the HSK and HSKK exams with flying colours as our classrooms focus on conversational Mandarin. Teaching material and techniques focus on getting students to speak, listen and understand as well as read and write Mandarin with confidence.
ADVANTAGES
The exams are beneficial as they help our students to apply for scholarships to study in Chinese Universities, create unique college applications for US and UK Universities and apply for job opportunities abroad. In addition, the HSK and HSKK exam certifications are internationally recognised for a period of two years.
REGISTRATION & COSTS
Both the HSK and HSKK exams are conducted by the Hanban Institute and can be applied for by creating an account on the chinesetest.cn website. Once registered, students can apply for the exam of their choice in their preferred location. India currently only has one location for both the HSK and HSKK exams. The exams are only paper based and online options are not available. Once you have created an account and selected the test center of your choice, you will need to upload a photo and make the payment. HSK 1 exams cost Rs. 1,500, HSK 2 Rs. 2,500 and so on. Students use the same website and procedure to apply for the HSKK exams as well. Both exams the HSK and HSKK can be given on a single day as their timings are usually different.
WHICH EXAM TO CHOOSE?
Students are often confused over which exam to take. While the HSK exams are more popular and are used as a benchmark for many employers, the HSKK exam is a great yardstick for speaking ability – a skill more applicable for daily life.
If you are planning on moving to China, have a job there or wish to show an additional qualification, the HSKK exam is your best bet. If you are keen to just get a certificate to prove your Mandarin language level or apply to a university or job the HSK exam will suffice.
HOW CAN I APPLY?
All Inchin Closer courses are designed around the HSK and HSKK exams. With a special focus on conversational Mandarin, Inchin Closers courses are unique in helping students to train for and practice for the HSKK and HSK certifications. Inchin Closer will also help all students to apply for the HSK and HSKK exams as well as provide coordination and administration between the test center and student.
