This programme:
● Develops National Chinese Language Proficiency Standards and promotes their international application and adoption;
● Works on international Chinese test syllabi, develops and implements a series of HSK, HSKK, YCT etc; and
● Accredits Chinese language tests offered by other countries or regions.
The HSK examines the ability of non-native speakers to communicate in Chinese in their daily life, study and work in accordance to the Chinese Language Proficiency Scales for Speakers of Other Languages and the HSK Test Syllabi. The Test consists of six levels, serving as a prerequisite for foreign students to study in China and to apply for scholarships; for foreigners to work in China, apply for permanent residence, immigration, etc. It is also widely used by multinational enterprises as a key basis for recruitment and promotion.
This program provides authoritative specialized Chinese proficiency tests, the integrated consultation on teaching, learning and examination, standardized test service and supporting courses for such tests.
● HSK Speaking Test (HSKK)
HSKK assesses the test takers' oral Chinese abilities. It consists of three levels: HSKK (Beginner Level), HSKK (Intermediate Level) and HSKK (Advanced Level). HSKK is conducted in the form of audio recording.
●?Youth Chinese Test (YCT)
YCT assesses non-native primary and middle school students' ability to use Chinese in their daily lives. YCT consists of a written test and an oral test, which are independent to each other. The written test consists of four levels, and the speaking test consists of two levels.
We gained our registered test status April 2012.? We administer the following standard tests: HSK (Chinese Proficiency Test ) - 汉语水平考试
Please note that the online Chinese Test (Home Edition) is no longer available. All tests in 2026 will be conducted in a paper-based format at our test centre.
Test levels:
YCT1 to YCT4
HSK1 to HSK6
HSKK (basic / intermediate / advanced) ?
Dates and registration deadlines:
View the list of 2026 tests, paper based.
Registration:
Please complete the relevant registration form: YCT registration form or HSK HSKK registration form, and email it with the requested documents to: confucius@soton.ac.uk
Payment:?
For all , payment is online via the 九色视频 Online Store.? Please note that an enrolment fee applies for each test and fees are non-refundable. "Groups" refer to a minimum of 5 Candidates.
For YCT, please follow this . For HSK, please follow this For HSKK, please follow this .? If you are unable to pay online, please email the Confucius Institute.
For all other information, please refer to the HSK fact sheet (En) or HSK fact sheet (CN) and registration forms. If you have any queries, do not hesitate to email us at confucius@soton.ac.uk