Chinese Language Proficiency Tests 2025
The Confucius Institute at the University of Glasgow are pleased to offer in person, paper-based HSK (Written), HSKK (Oral), YCT (Written) and YCT (Oral) Chinese Mandarin proficiency language exams. These internationally standardised tests are administered by the Chinese Testing International Centre (CTI) and are designed to assess the Chinese language proficiency of non-native speakers.
These exams are useful for those who are looking to become eligible for Chinese scholarship opportunities, improve employment or academic prospects, or as a way to continue challenging yourself throughout your language learning journey.
For descriptions of test levels and other useful information, please see further details below.
Contact us
If you have any further queries about the Chinese Language Proficiency Tests, then please contact us at confucius-enquiries@glasgow.ac.uk and we will be happy to advise further.
Application Process
If you would like to register to sit a Chinese (Mandarin) proficiency exam with us, then you can use the application forms below:
HSK-HSKK Application Form 2025
Once the registration form has been completed in full, please send directly to confucius-enquiries@glasgow.ac.uk, with scans/images of the relevant supporting documents:
- Passport open at photo page
- Student ID (if applicable)
- Digital passport style photo (neutral background preferred)
Our team will then send you the online payment link to complete registration, with further instructions on the exam timings and location.
It is important to note that the application, supporting documents and payment must be completed by 4:30pm (UK time) on the application deadline dates listed below to be successfully registered in time.
Application Deadlines
HSK & HSKK Deadlines
|
Exam Date |
HSK & HSKK |
Registration Deadline |
Score Announcement |
|
Jan 12 (Sun) |
Written Test & Oral Test |
13 Dec 2024 |
19 Feb |
|
Mar 09 (Sun) |
Written Test & Oral Test |
06 Feb |
09 Apr |
|
Apr 12 (Sat) |
Written Test & Oral Test |
13 Mar |
19 May |
|
May 17 (Sat) |
Written Test & Oral Test |
17 Apr |
17 Jun |
|
Jun 22 (Sun) |
Written Test & Oral Test |
23 May |
22 Jul |
|
Jul 19 (Sat) |
Written Test & Oral Test |
19 Jun |
19 Aug |
|
Aug 17 (Sat) |
Written Test & Oral Test |
18 Jul |
17 Sep |
|
Sep 07 (Sun) |
Written Test & Oral Test |
08 Aug |
14 Oct |
|
Oct 18 (Sat) |
Written Test & Oral Test |
18 Sep |
18 Nov |
|
Nov 15 (Sat) |
Written Test & Oral Test |
16 Oct |
15 Dec |
|
Dec 07 (Sun) |
Written Test & Oral Test |
07 Nov |
07 Jan 2026 |
YCT (Written) & YCT (Oral) Deadlines
|
Exam Date |
YCT |
Registration Deadline |
Score Announcement |
|
Jan 04 (Sat) |
Written Test |
08 Dec 2024 |
11 Feb |
|
Mar 09 (Sun) |
Written Test |
07 Feb |
09 Apr |
|
May 24 (Sat) |
Written & Oral Test |
24 Apr |
24 Jun |
|
Aug 17 (Sun) |
Written Test |
18 Jul |
17 Sep |
|
Oct 18 (Sat) |
Written & Oral Test |
18 Sep |
18 Nov |
|
Nov 23 (Sun) |
Written & Oral Test |
24 Oct |
23 Dec |
Types of Test Available
HSK (Written)
The HSK Written Test (HSK) is designed to assess listening, reading and writing Chinese ability, and is conducted in the form of an audio listening and written exam.
HSK (Written) Exam Duration, Vocabulary and Score
|
Level |
Exam Duration |
Vocabulary (words) |
Total Score |
Passing Score |
|
HSK Level 1 |
40 minutes |
150 |
200 |
120 |
|
HSK Level 2 |
55 minutes |
300 |
200 |
120 |
|
HSK Level 3 |
90 minutes |
600 |
300 |
180 |
|
HSK Level 4 |
105 minutes |
1200 |
300 |
180 |
|
HSK Level 5 |
125 minutes |
2500 |
300 |
180 |
|
HSK Level 6 |
140 minutes |
5000 |
300 |
180 |
HSKK (Oral)
The HSK Speaking Test (HSKK) is designed to assess listening and spoken Chinese ability, and is conducted in the form of an audio listening and recorded speaking exam.
HSKK (Oral) Exam Duration, Vocabulary and Score
|
Level |
Exam Duration |
Vocabulary (words) |
Total Score |
Passing Score |
|
HSKK Primary |
20 minutes |
200 |
100 |
60 |
|
HSKK Intermediate |
23 Minutes |
1100 |
100 |
60 |
|
HSKK Advanced |
25 minutes |
4100 |
100 |
60 |
YCT (Written)
The Youth Chinese Test (YCT Written) is designed to assess listening, reading and writing Chinese ability in younger Primary and Secondary age students, and is conducted in the form of an audio listening and written exam.
YCT (Written) Exam Duration, Vocabulary and Score
|
Level |
Exam Duration |
Vocabulary (words) |
Total Score |
Passing Score |
|
YCT Level 1 |
35 minutes |
83 |
200 |
120 |
|
YCT Level 2 |
50 minutes |
153 |
200 |
120 |
|
YCT Level 3 |
60 minutes |
306 |
200 |
120 |
|
YCT Level 4 |
85 minutes |
622 |
300 |
180 |
YCT (Oral)
The Youth Chinese Test (YCT Oral) is designed to assess listening and spoken Chinese ability in younger Primary and Secondary age students, and is conducted in the form of an audio listening and written exam.
YCT (Oral) Exam Duration, Vocabulary and Score
|
Level |
Exam Duration |
Vocabulary (words) |
Total Score |
Passing Score |
|
YCT Oral Primary |
19 minutes |
200 |
100 |
60 |
|
YCT Oral Intermediate |
21 Minutes |
600 |
100 |
60 |
For additional information and study resources, please visit the Chinese Testing International Centre (CTI) here - www.chinesetest.cn
Frequently Asked Questions
- Do UofG offer computer-based or online exams?
All of our HSK (Written), HSKK (Oral), YCT (Written) and YCT (Oral) exams are paper-based in person exams. These take place on the main Gilmorehill campus, and we do not offer computer-based or online at-home exams.
For more information on alternative test centres that may offer computer-based or online at-home exams, please visit the Chinese Testing International Centre (CTI) to use their search function here - www.chinesetest.cn
- How much does it cost?
Each exam is subject to a £10 enrolment fee, plus the examination fee from the tables below:
HSK (Written)
|
Level |
HSK 1 |
HSK 2 |
HSK 3 |
HSK 4 |
HSK 5 |
HSK 6 |
|
Individuals |
£20 |
£30 |
£40 |
£50 |
£60 |
£70 |
|
Groups |
£15 |
£25 |
£35 |
£45 |
£55 |
£65 |
|
Students* |
£15 |
£25 |
£35 |
£45 |
£55 |
£65 |
HSKK (Oral)
|
Level |
Basic |
Intermediate |
Advance |
|
Fee |
£25 |
£35 |
£45 |
YCT (Written)
|
Level |
YCT 1 |
YCT 2 |
YCT 3 |
YCT 4 |
|
Fee |
£5 |
£10 |
£20 |
£25 |
YCT (Oral)
|
Level |
YCT Oral Basic |
YCT Oral Intermediate |
|
Fee |
£10 |
£10 |
Once you submit your completed application to confucius-enquiries@glasgow.ac.uk, we will send you the online payment link to complete your registration.
- What is the deferral/refund policy?
Unfortunately, the examination fee is non-refundable and we are unable to provide refunds. If you need to defer your exam, then you can only do this before the standard registration deadline (usually 1 month before exam is due to take place.)
- What to expect on the day of the exam?
Before the exam date, you will be sent an email with instructions on the exam date, timings and venue.
On the day of the exam, it is a good idea to bring a copy of your ID. You should also bring a pencil, eraser and sharpener, however if you do not have these, then please let us know and we can provide you with some.
You will be asked to keep all phones and devices inside your backpack or with your belongings, and you will not be permitted to use these during the exam.
At the end of the exam, please make sure to take a note of your Admission Ticket number, as this will allow you to check your results online.
- How can I check my results?
You can check for the results directly online on the testing centre website, by entering the test admission ticket number (this will be a 17 digit number starting with the letter H) and your full participant name here: https://www.chinesetest.cn/query-score
Please note that the results are usually posted online one month after the exam takes place, full guidance on score announcement dates can be found above.
- Will I receive a certificate of my results?
You will receive a printed certificate approximately two months after your exam takes place. This will be sent directly to the Confucius Institute at the University of Glasgow office, and we will get in touch when it arrives to advise further on how you can pick this up.
- How long does my certificate/result remain valid?
Your HSK certificate is valid permanently, however your test results will only be valid for two years from the examination date for submission to Chinese university admissions and scholarship opportunities.