Update HSK3.0, HSK Band 7-9 is coming in 2021 December

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On April 20th, the "International Chinese Language Education Standards for Chinese Language Education (herein referred to as "Standards") new book release conference and international academic seminars hosted by Center for Language Education and Cooperation (CLEC) and Beijing Language and Culture University were held at the Beijing Language and Culture University.

The meeting discussed questions such as "How will the HSK be adjusted? What is the scope and range of the adjustments?"

1.What is the relationship between the "Standard" and the HSK test?

The "Standard" is a norm that guides all aspects of international Chinese learning, teaching, testing and evaluation, rather than the HSK test syllabus and implementation.

The "Standard" is instructive and non-mandatory, while the HSK test is instrumental and practical.

The "Standard" provides overall guidance for the HSK test, which is mainly reflected in the theories and concepts of the international Chinese education test. One is a learner-centered concept; the second is to highlight Chinese characteristics, and the third consists of verbal communication skills, topical content, quantitative language indicators, as well as the five basic skills of: listening, speaking, reading, writing and translation. Together these will improve the quality of international Chinese education and learners' Chinese proficiency in a more well rounded way.

The HSK test will be adjusted according to the theories and views put forth by the "Standard", such as increasing the examination of syllables (as opposed to words), Chinese characters, grammar, and placing further emphasis on writing skills. These show the direction for the  imminent adjustment of the HSK test.

2.How does the overall HSK test change?

Everyone is very concerned about whether the vocabulary in the "Standard" is still within the scope of the current HSK test.

In fact, the syllable list, Chinese character list, vocabulary list and grammar level outline in the "Standard" are the developed goals for foreign Chinese learners in the above four dimensions. The scope of the HSK test is required to refer to the specific conditions of Chinese education in various countries.

The existing HSK 1-6 test essentially meets the needs of foreign Chinese learners for the elementary and intermediate level tests, but for foreign Chinese learners who come to China to study in the master and doctoral stage, Chinese majors and overseas sinology studies, there is a lack of advanced Chinese. Essentially the current leveling is too low to evaluate these high level language requirements.

Therefore, HSK will first increase HSK levels 7-9 in accordance with the "Standards" and on the basis of maintaining the stability of the existing six-level exams, forming a "three-level nine-level" test level system. The current HSK 1-6 level test will not be adjusted in the near future.

3.When will HSK Levels 7-9 be tested? How to take the test?

Many candidates saw the "Standards" officially implemented on July 1, 2021, thinking that this was the time when the HSK began to adjust. However, according to the "Standard", the scientific development of HSK Level 7-9 requires a process. The current plan is to begin implementation in December 2021 and officially launch the test in March 2022.

The HSK level 7-9 test will adopt the format of "one paper and three levels", that is, one test paper, and the level will be determined according to the score.

4.How to change the existing HSK level 1-6 test?

The currently used HSK 1-6 levels will not be adjusted in the near future. The test effectiveness, test content, reference vocabulary and test format will remain unchanged and will continue to be implemented as is for the foreseeable future. The scores of candidates participating in HSK 1-6 levels are still valid, and the validity of the certificates already obtained remains unchanged. The textbooks and courses compiled and developed based on HSK 1-6 levels can still be used for preparation.

In the next 3-5 years, HSK 1-6 levels will be gradually adjusted based on the "Standards" and the actual conditions of Chinese learners in various countries. In general, they will continue to uphold the "learner-centered" philosophy and adhere to the principle of combining examination and teaching. A gradual progress of appropriate adjustments within the scope specified in the “Standard" will be used to improve the level 1-6 tests.

LIVE BROADCAST ABOUT HSK3.0

On 20:00-21:00, April 29th, we will have a live broadcast, about the new HSK 3.0, and anything you want to know about it and Chinese learning. Any questions are welcome!

Of interest in this live broadcast（Multiple choice）:

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