HSK (Chinese Proficiency Test)

The HSK (Hanyu Shuiping Kaoshi - Chinese Proficiency Test) assesses your ability to use Chinese in your daily life, and in academic and professional situations.

The HSK has six levels, ranging from beginner (level 1) to advanced (level 6), which test your reading, listening, and writing.

We also offer the HSKK (Hanyu Shuiping Kouyu Kaoshi - Chinese Speaking Proficiency Test) on selected dates. The test is assessed from an audio recording.

Next exam dates

Test Date: 17th October 2026(Saturday), Register by 18th September 2026(Friday)

Test Date: 7th November 2026(Saturday), Register by 9th October 2026(Friday)

Important information

Exam dates

Test Date: 17th October 2026(Saturday), Register by 18th September 2026(Friday)

Test Date: 7th November 2026(Saturday), Register by 9th October 2026(Friday)

Exam times

9:00am

HSK 2
HSK 4
HSK 6

1:30pm

HSK 1
HSK 3
HSK 5

4:30pm

All HSKK levels

Exam fees

HSK

Level 1 - £10

Level 2 - £20

Level 3 - £30

Level 4 - £40

Level 5 - £50

Level 6 - £60

HSKK

HSKK Primary - £15

HSKK Intermediate - £25

HSKK Advanced - £35

Pay your exam fee via the University of Leeds online store. If you are taking more than one exam, you will need to register separately for each one.

Making the payment does not complete the registration process. See 'How to register for the exam' below.

Please note that the exam fee is non-refundable. Please ensure that you have entered the correct fee for the level you are taking before beginning the booking process.

Certificate fee

A paper copy of your certificate is not currently included in the exam fees. Candidates who require a paper copy must request this themselves and pay an additional fee. You can do this through the Extra Score Report service on the chinesetest.cn website.

Information for registered candidates (in-person exams)

Applicants will be issued with an admission ticket and directions to the test centre after we have processed your registration.

The time and place specified on the admission ticket may be subject to change. You will receive confirmation of your exam date and time prior to the exam.

You will need to bring the ticket and personal ID when attending the exam.

Register for the HSK

There are three important steps to register for a HSK exam. In order to successfully sign up for an exam you MUST register on chinesetest.cn AND make your online store payment before the registration deadline.

1. Register for the test

Sign up via www.chinesetest.cn. You will need to log in as a test taker (or create an account). Please use your Passport Number as the ID number when registering on www.chinesetest.cn.

2. Make your payment

Once you are registered on the Chinese Test website, you need to pay the exam centre (that's us) to complete the registration. Pay your exam fee via the University of Leeds online store. You will need to take a note of the exam fee for your chosen level(s) and adjust the online payment manually to the appropriate amount.

3. Registering using photo ID

When registering, you will be asked to provide a photo which will appear on your HSK exam transcript, it should be like a standard UK passport photo.

- ID-style photo
- White background
- File size between 15–500 KB
- Portrait

Why take the HSK?

Track your progress

It's very motivating to work your way through the levels as your Chinese improves.

Scholarships

CLEC offers scholarships for non-Chinese students to study in China, and a HSK certificate is required even if you have a Chinese degree. For full details visit the CLEC scholarships website.

Employment

Putting your HSK level on your CV is the best way to demonstrate your Chinese ability to potential employers, as it shows your level relative to an international standard.

Chinese work permits

You receive additional points for HSK scores in work permit applications.