Chinese-language tests & competitions

VBCI facilitates the international Chinese-language proficiency tests for non-native speakers of Chinese.

Types of tests

The tests are offered in three categories:

HSK language-proficiency test: Mandarin for general use
HSKK language-proficiency test: Oral test
YCT language-proficiency tests for primary and secondary school students

They are centralised and conducted through Chinese Test as a way of establishing the ability of non-native Chinese speakers for work or study.

HSK language-proficiency tests

The HSK (Hanyu Shuiping Kaoshi) is an international standardised test to assess the Chinese-language proficiency of non-native speakers (foreigners, Chinese people living overseas and Chinese national minorities). It is aimed primarily at adult Chinese learners.

HSK tests are held across the globe on a regular basis. Candidates who pass the test are awarded the relevant level of Chinese Proficiency Certificate. The VBCI is an authorised facilitator of the tests.

The results of the HSK tests are recognised by Chinese education institutions as an indication of proficiency-level in Mandarin. Passing a particular level of the HSK tests is a pre-requisite for many scholarships and fellowships (check with your Chinese host institution).

Please refer to the VBCI Chinese Language Proficiency Test Plan for more information.

VBCI Chinese Language Proficiency Test Plan 2024 (PDF, 331.93 KB)

: The HSK test scores are accepted as an indication of Chinese-language ability by the following groups:
educational institutions to recruit students, classify students, exempt students from some courses and grant credits
employers to employ, train and promote staff
Chinese learners to understand and improve their language skills
Chinese teaching and training organisations to evaluate teaching standards and effectiveness.
: The tests are conducted at six levels, from beginner to advanced:
HSK - Level 1 - Beginners who can understand and use some simple Chinese characters and sentences to communicate.
HSK - Level 2 - Beginners who can use Chinese in a simple and direct manner, applying it in a basic fashion in their daily lives.
HSK - Level 3 - Beginners to intermediate learners who can use Chinese in their personal lives, studies and work, and can communicate most of their needs during a Chinese tour.
HSK - Level 4 - Intermediate learners who can discuss a relatively wide range of topics in Chinese and can communicate with Chinese speakers at a high standard.
HSK - Level 5 - Advanced learners who can read Chinese newspapers and magazines, watch Chinese films and can write and deliver a long speech in Chinese.
HSK - Level 6 - Advanced learners who can easily understand any information communicated in Chinese and can smoothly express themselves in writing or speech.
: Costs
HSK Levels Cost
HSK Level 1 & 2 AUD $35
HSK Level 3 & 4 AUD $55
HSK Level 5 & 6 AUD $75
Contact us for more information.
Register
Step one: Choose the test
On the Chinese Test website, choose the level of Chinese Proficiency Test.
Please use IE browser (above Version 6.0) or Firefox browser. Other browsers are not currently supported.
Step 2: Log in or register
Log in with your User Name and Password.
If this is your first time registering:
Select 'New User'
Fill in an account to create an account
Submit
Click 'register now'
Step 3: Choose the test centre
Re-select your test, and fill in the application form.
Under Continent: choose Oceania
Under Country: choose Australia
Under 'Test format': choose 'Paper-based format'
Under 'Test Center': choose 'Business Institute at Victoria University'
Under 'Test Date': select your preferred date
Payment
Pay online

HSK Levels	Cost
HSK Level 1 & 2	AUD $35
HSK Level 3 & 4	AUD $55
HSK Level 5 & 6	AUD $75

YCT Tests

Youth Chinese Test (YCT), an international standardised test of Chinese language proficiency, assesses the primary and middle school students' abilities to use Chinese as second language in their daily and academic lives.

YCT is divided into writing and speaking tests, which are independent to each other.

The writing test consists of four levels:

YCT (level I)
YCT (level II)
YCT (level III)
YCT (level IV).

The speaking test consists of two levels:

YCT Speaking (Primary Level)
YCT Speaking (Intermediate Level).

Learn more about YCT on the official website

Chinese Bridge Competition & Tours

Chinese Bridge is an international Chinese language and cultural competition. It provides an opportunity for students to demonstrate their Chinese language and cultural skills through speeches and other diverse talents, such as dance or music.

VBCI provides free language coaching to successful applicants.