Three Kinds of Chinese Proficiency Tests in China
In China, there are about three main kinds of Chinese proficiency tests for those foreigners who want to test their ability of applying Chinese in their daily lives and communication. The following introduction of these tests may help you to make a clear plan for your Chinese learning.
Chinese Proficiency Test (HSK)
The Chinese proficiency Test (HSK) is a series of tests which aim to assess the non-native speakers' capabilities of applying Chinese language in their daily study, life and work. It consists of HSK (Basic), HSK (Elementary-intermediate) and HSK (Advanced) tests. At present there are about 161 test centers in 38 countries all over the world.
a. HSK (Basic)
It aims for beginners who have studied modern Chinese for 100-800 hours and have mastered about 400 to 3000 Chinese characters (commonly used characters of Group A and B) and grammar items (Group A and B).
b. HSK (Elementary-intermediate)
It aims for elementary and intermediate learners who have studied modern Chinese for 400-2000 hours and have mastered 2000 to 5000 Chinese characters (commonly used characters of A, B and C) and grammar items (Group A, B and C).
c. HSK (Advanced)
It aims for those who have studied modern Chinese for more than 3000 hours and have mastered 5000 to 8000 Chinese characters (commonly used characters of Group A, B, C and D) and grammar items (Group A, B, C and D).
Business Chinese Test (BCT)
Business Chinese Test aims to assess the learners' communicative capabilities in applying Chinese language in business activities. The whole test consists of four parts, including listening, reading, speaking and writing.
If you get a good score in this test, it will be useful when you want to work in the government departments and enterprises in China. People who have reached the elementary or above level of Chinese can join such test.
Young Learners Chinese Test (YCT)
It is a kind of test for non-native Chinese learners under the age of 15. It consists of three levels.
a. Level 1
It aims for youngsters who have studied Chinese for roughly 150 hours and mastered a vocabulary of about 500 Chinese characters.
b. Level 2
It aims for youngsters who have studied Chinese for roughly 250 hours and mastered a vocabulary of about 1100 Chinese characters.
c. Level 3
It aims for youngsters who have studied Chinese for roughly 400 hours and mastered a vocabulary of about 1700 Chinese characters.
