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. 

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 

YCT 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.