CHINESE – HSK COURSE

Course Description – HSK Diploma Course

The homestudies HSK course prepares you specifically for the HSK Chinese exam (Hanyu Shuiping Kaoshi). Your certified native-speaking Chinese teacher works with you one-on-one via Zoom or Google Meet, focusing entirely on the skills you need to pass your HSK exam with confidence. You can start at any time.

What is the HSK certificate?

The HSK is the official standardised Chinese language proficiency test, administered by Chinese Testing International (CTI). It is internationally recognised and serves as proof of your Chinese language ability. An HSK certificate is often required to study or work in China and is valid for two years.

The new HSK 3.0 – Three Stages, Nine Levels

As of July 2026, the HSK has been restructured from 6 to 9 levels, organised into three stages:

Elementary Stage (Levels 1–3)

• Level 1: 300 words – basic phrases and simple sentences
• Level 2: approx. 1,200 words – daily life, shopping, travel
• Level 3: approx. 2,200 words – daily communication for study and work

Intermediate Stage (Levels 4–6)

• Level 4: undergraduate entry level – includes translation skills
• Level 5: the “fluency wall” – reading newspapers, watching films
• Level 6: near-native reading speed, complex summaries

Advanced Stage (Levels 7–9)

• Levels 7–9 are assessed in a single exam (210 minutes). Your score determines whether you achieve Level 7, 8 or 9. Includes translation and oral defence sections. Aimed at PhD students, translators and professionals.

Important: From Level 3 onwards, the oral exam (HSKK) is mandatory and graded together with the written test.

HSK examination in Switzerland

In Switzerland, the HSK exam can be taken at two locations:

• University of Zurich – Asien-Orient-Institut (typically in autumn)
• Chinese Institute Geneva Foundation (typically in May)

Online exam options are also available at selected dates. Visit the official CTI website for current dates and registration.