HSK outside of China?

rich
March 08, 2008, 08:21 PM posted in General Discussion

Anyone know much about the HSK (Chinese proficiency exam), such as when and where it is?   From what I know about IN China, it is the 4th Sunday of May, second Sunday of January.  Yet I can't be in China in May (not unless I cancel a bunch of stuff) but have to have my test scores to FuDan University if I go there.  

I've search and search the 'net for times OUTSIDE of China, yet to know avail.  I am hoping I can take it here in Britain sometime.  I have found that there is an organization in London for training people for the HSK, but couldn't find any exam dates.  Anyone have any ideas?

Also, if you know any good resources for studying for the HSK (books, software, websites, etc.), you post them here too.  

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auntie68
March 08, 2008, 10:45 PM

Hi rich. This hsk list shows two exam centres in the UK; the main page directs us to check with the individual centres for test dates (for hsk outside Mainland China): http://www.hsk.org.cn/arrg_srv2time_f.aspx Good luck!

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rich
March 09, 2008, 11:27 PM

Thanks Auntie! Guess I will have to call those numbers when I get time.  No email addresses.  I did find teaching centers and emailed, so hopefully a reply this week.

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RJ
March 09, 2008, 11:42 PM

Rich can you explain how the HSK works. There are several levels correct?

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sebastian
March 10, 2008, 05:53 AM

RJBerki, the HSK has 11 score levels with 1 being the lowest competence and 11 being the highest competence. Depending on what level you want to obtain, you can choose one of the following different versions of the HSK test: HSK Basic: Score levels 1-3, consists of listening, grammar and reading subtests. HSK Elementary-Intermediate: Score levels 3-8, consists of listening, grammar, reading, and cloze subtests. HSK Advanced: Score levels 9-11, similar to HSK Elementary-Intermediate + composition and oral test. There is also another new HSK test called HSK Threshold that tests whether you know some very basic things (easier than HSK Basic). In my opinion HSK Elemenatary-Intermediate is the most useful test in terms of admission to universities and fulfilling job requirements. For example, most good universities in China require HSK level 6 for undergraduate or postgraduate studies. (Despite the name the HSK Elementary-Intermediate is not elementary at all, especially compared to the CPod lessons. More like upper-intermediate/advanced). P.S.: There are more discussions on the HSK on the CPod forum at the moment. For example: http://forum.chinesepod.com/viewtopic.php?p=21514#21514

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RJ
March 10, 2008, 09:35 AM

sebastian- thanks for taking the time to explain the HSK. Its very clear. I heard that the govt was going to simplify the levels and reduce the number. Is that correct? Interesting that you need level 6 for university study but it goes all the way up to eleven.

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RJ
March 10, 2008, 09:47 AM

Sebastian - I just read the forum. Congratulations on your level 6! Thats great.

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rich
March 12, 2008, 01:49 PM

I've got to hope for a 6 to get in into the university... hopefully not too hard at my level.

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RJ
March 16, 2008, 12:07 AM

Well rich, I hope it all works out ok for you. Im sure it will. Let us know how it goes. Someday I would like to take the test as well. -RJ