Official HSK level to career/university equivalence
The official HSK levels correspond to proficiency in Chinese and have some recognized equivalences for career and university admission, though these equivalences can vary by institution and country.
- HSK 1-3 approximately correspond to basic proficiency (CEFR A1-A2) and can qualify for very basic work or study settings.
- HSK 4 is often accepted for entry to some undergraduate university programs in China and equates roughly to CEFR B1-B2.
- HSK 5 is frequently required for most bachelor’s degree programs; it shows advanced Chinese proficiency (CEFR B2-C1).
- HSK 6 is needed for graduate and doctoral university programs and corresponds roughly to CEFR C1, with some debate whether it fully matches native or near-native level C2.
- The new HSK levels 7-9 (part of a recent revamp) aim to capture more advanced proficiency levels beyond HSK 6 but are still being implemented and assessed for equivalence.
For career use, having HSK certificate levels—especially from 4 to 6—demonstrates Chinese language competency that many employers require for roles involving Chinese language use, international trade, diplomacy, tourism, education, and business.
Chinese universities requiring HSK scores for admission vary but often:
- Accept HSK 4 for some undergraduate tracks,
- Require HSK 5 or 6 for bachelor’s and graduate programs respectively,
- May require HSKK (speaking test) advanced level for master’s and doctoral studies.
Exact cut-offs and score requirements depend on the university and program.
Summary table of common equivalences:
| HSK Level | CEFR Equivalent | Typical Career/University Use |
|---|---|---|
| 1-3 | A1-A2 | Basic communication, entry-level jobs |
| 4 | B1-B2 | Some undergraduate programs, medium proficiency jobs |
| 5 | B2-C1 | Most bachelor’s programs, advanced proficiency roles |
| 6 | C1 (some dispute) | Graduate & PhD admission, near-native professional roles |
| 7-9 | Beyond C1 | Highest proficiency, under implementation/evaluation |
This information reflects official guidelines from Chinese testing organizations and university admission requirements in China, alongside expert evaluations from language teaching associations and employers. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7