Are you preparing for your Chinese exam?
Here are some curiosities that will definitely surprise you:

Over 6 million people have taken the HSK since its creation

Since its official launch in 1992, the HSK has become the global standard for certifying Mandarin Chinese proficiency among non-native speakers.

More than 70% of candidates pass HSK 1 and 2 on their first attempt... but fewer than 35% pass HSK 5 or 6 the first time

The leap in difficulty from the basic to the advanced levels is huge and represents a real challenge for students.

Before HSK 1-6 (and soon 1-9 with HSK 3.0), there were up to 11 levels

Originally, the HSK was divided into 11 different grades. It was later simplified to make it easier to recognize internationally.

The first official HSK test center outside of China was in Singapore

Singapore, with its large Chinese-speaking community, was the first country to officially offer the HSK abroad.

HSK is valid in more than 120 countries

Today, there are over 300 official HSK test centers around the world, making it a truly global certification.

South Korea leads the ranking of countries with the most HSK candidates

Historically, more than 40% of HSK candidates outside China come from South Korea, followed by Japan and Thailand.

Some centers allow you to take the exam from home

After the pandemic, Hanban introduced the HSK Home Edition in certain countries, allowing students to take the test online under strict remote supervision.

There is such a thing as an "HSK Scholarship"

Achieving a high score on the HSK can open the door to scholarships for studying at Chinese universities.

HSK winners are awarded prizes in international competitions

Competitions like "Chinese Bridge" reward the best Chinese learners with trips to China, scholarships, and cultural programs.

In some countries, the HSK serves as a requirement for naturalization

For example, in South Korea, having an official Chinese language certification like the HSK can add points to immigration or naturalization processes.

HSK 3.0 requires cultural knowledge as well as linguistic skills

The new standard not only tests vocabulary and grammar but also knowledge of Chinese culture, history, society, and contemporary life.

Are you curious to learn more?
If you really want to understand what the HSK is all about, you can explore it for free with our Chinesimple app: discover vocabulary, real practice tests, and find out which level suits you best.
Your journey to mastering Chinese starts here!

📱 Learn with Chinesimple on Google Play or App Store