If your kids are learning Mandarin, you’ve probably heard of the HSK test. This test is one of the most well-known ways to measure children’s ability to utilize Mandarin fluently. As one of the official tests, taking the HSK test might feel like a big step, especially since the first level is already covering more compared to the YCT level 1 test. However, the right preparation can help your children to be able to take the exam successfully. In this article, we will discuss HSK general information, level, exam structures, and study tips that will assist you in providing the right learning environment for your children. 

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The HSK test is used to measure non-Chinese people’s ability in mastering Mandarin as a foreign language. At first glance, this test might seem similar to the Youth Chinese Test (YCT). However, the HSK test greatly differs from YCT, especially in terms of its benefits, age requirements, and levels. If you have little to no prior knowledge on the HSK test, here are several general information about the test that you need to know. 

HSK Test Requirements  

Although both YCT and HSK tests are meant to measure non-native people’s ability in using Mandarin as a second language, there is a glaring difference that separates the two from each other. Unlike YCT that mainly focuses on measuring primary and middle school students. The HSK exam doesn’t have a strict age requirement. This means, children in primary level and adults can take the same test, as long as they’ve reached their desired level. So, what age is the HSK test for kids? Technically, there is no age limit. However, many children in primary or lower secondary begin with HSK 1 or HSK 2 tests. We will discuss further about the HSK levels in the next section. 

Furthermore, another important requirement that you should keep in mind if you’re trying to register your children to the HSK text, you need to prepare a valid identification such as passport and an updated passport-sized photo of your child. These documents are necessary to be officially registered for the HSK exam. 

HSK Test Benefits

The HSK test gains its popularity as a measurement of Chinese proficiency due to its many benefits. As previously mentioned, these exams can be taken by people at any age as long as they’re non-native and have the necessary documents. With this criteria, HSK results are globally recognised and can be used in many different occasions. For example, many universities that use Chinese as its primary language will require each student to have HSK certificates to prove their ability in participating actively in classes. Other than academic benefits, many companies have started to put HSK certification as their main criteria, especially if the company is actively engaging with other parties from different countries. Therefore, HSK tests are not only meant to keep track of your children’s progress in learning Mandarin, but can also be a long term investment that helps them achieve better results academically and broaden career opportunities. 

HSK Test General Rules 

Before registering your kids to take the HSK tests, having a thorough understanding of the exam itself is utterly important to avoid issues in the future. When it comes to taking the HSK test and receiving the results, there are a few things that you need to keep in mind. Here are a few general rules implemented in the HSK test. 

1. HSK certificates are only valid for 2 years after receiving the results. Once it expires, your children need to take another exam to be able to acquire a valid certificate for academic and work purposes. 
2. HSK exams are available on paper and computer depending on your exam locations. Therefore, it is important to check the details of your children’s nearest exam center before registering. 
3. HSK test results will be available around 10-25 days after you’ve completed the exam. However, acquiring the physical copy of the certificate will need more time depending on your current area.

HSK tests have different levels that kids can take to measure their fluency in using Mandarin as a foreign language. With the most recent update, the HSK test consists of 9 different levels. However, HSK tests level 7-9 are usually taken by scholars and students majoring in Chinese literature. As this article will focus on preparing kids for HSK tests, we will focus on HSK level 1-6. 

Aside from taking the HSK test, there is also an oral exam that you can take to measure your ability in speaking Mandarin verbally. Unlike the other sections, the speaking test in HSK (known as HSKK) only has three different levels: beginner, intermediate, and advanced. Usually, the beginner level for HSKK will be suitable for those who are about to take HSK 3. In this table, we will cover general aspects of the different HSK levels. 

Now that you have a better grasp on the general overview of HSK tests, one thing that you can keep in mind to help your children prepare for their exam is by learning about the different test sections that they need to complete. Understanding each section will help you in providing better support to your children and help them decide which part they need to focus on.  

Listening Section

At the listening section, exam takers will be able to hear the recorded audio once or twice depending on the level they’re taking. In this section, exam takers will be instructed to decide whether a statement is right or wrong, choosing the right picture, and providing an answer based on the given options. Beginner level HSK usually has shorter audio, while advanced level HSK usually has longer audio files.  

Reading Section

At the listening section, exam takers will determine whether the provided phrases match the pictures, filling in blank texts, and giving answers based on the provided text. For those taking advanced levels HSK, the reading section will also consist of determining which sentences are grammatically incorrect. 

Writing Section 

The writing section differs greatly based on which level you are taking. For those planning to take HSK level 3 or 4, exam takers will be expected to make sentences from the provided words. These levels also consist of a “fill in the blank” section that exam takers need to complete. On the other hand, those taking HSK 5 and 6 will need to make a complete article consisting of 80-400 characters depending on which level they are taking. 

Speaking Section

Generally, the format for the speaking section in the HSK test remains the same. Usually, exam takers will need to listen to the provided audio files and repeat it back, describe several pictures, read a text passage out loud, and answer open ended questions. During this speaking section, exam takers will need to record their answer and submit it. 

As parents, guiding children in learning is highly important. Helping children with preparing for their HSK test is not only a sign of support, but also an opportunity to build a closer relationship between parents and their kids. Preparing kids for the HSK test doesn’t mean endless drilling. With small consistent steps and fun upbringing through stories or media, kids can build confidence in learning Mandarin while enjoying the entire process. Here are several tips that you can implement to help your children prepare for their HSK test. 

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Build a Strong Foundation

Before starting to prepare for HSK tests, children need to have a strong foundation in the basics of Mandarin. This foundation is important, especially if your kids are starting from the very beginning. For starters, you can begin by introducing your children to Pinyin and Mandarin tones. Mastering these basics are important since HSK level 1 and 2 are usually complemented with Chinese Pinyin to help beginners adjust. 

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Focus on Commonly Used Words

Vocabulary plays an important role in a lot of the exam sections, especially since exam takers will need to fill in the blanks, find the right phrases, and answer questions. Therefore, it is highly recommended that children start learning by understanding commonly used Chinese words during exams, especially the vocabulary that appears in day-to-day situations. 

Achieve Small Goals Consistently

Understanding all HSK materials in a short time might be quite overwhelming for children, especially those in the elementary levels. Although it’s not impossible for them to pass HSK 1 or 2, learning consistently is recommended to avoid them from burning out. As parents, you can try searching for the materials of your children’s HSK levels and break it into smaller pieces. In this way, you can encourage your child to focus on one easy task at a time. For example, you can encourage them to understand 10-20 new vocabulary words each week rather than forcing them to remember all in one sitting. 

Encourage Practice through Mock Tests

Practice is a great way to prepare your children to face the HSK test. Preferably, you can assist your kids in finding HSK mock tests or past papers and guide them through recognizing the questions’ patterns. To avoid children from being overwhelmed during the exam day, you can encourage them to practice for a certain duration of time, in accordance with the duration of the real HSK test sections. 

Implement in Chinese Media

This method can often be used if your children already display a strong foundation in understanding Mandarin as a second language. To deepen their understanding, you can try to introduce them to Chinese media. Learning through media will not only let them study in an interactive way, but also help them get used to using Mandarin in different contexts. 

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Enroll in HSK Courses

If you’re not familiar with HSK courses and how to help your children study independently, another alternative that you can try is by finding HSK courses. Enrolling your children in HSK courses can help them get connected with experienced teachers that can provide valuable insights and materials to learn from. Furthermore, learning with HSK courses also means that your children will get a structured curriculum to work with in order to ensure their success. 

As one of the available options to measure your children’s proficiency, HSK test gains its popularity since it can be recognised globally. Given this benefit, it is completely normal that HSK tests are often used as academic or professional requirements in different circumstances. Guiding your children throughout the learning process is important since children still need assistance in mastering Mandarin as a second language. Therefore, let’s start preparing your children for the HSK exam by enrolling with Elitekid.