Standardized tests
HSK: Hanyu Shuiping Kaoshi 汉语水平考试
This is the official standard test used in Mainland China for Chinese proficiency level. Taking this exam is essential to applying to overseas programs in China that are conducted in Mandarin. In 2021, the format of the HSK has was revised include many more words, and to include nine levels instead of six, so many online test preparation materials still go by the format of the old exams.
- Official website
- A helpful guide to the HSK on improvemandarin.com
- HSK Academy: website with vocabulary lists, sentence examples, and practice materials
Prepare Yourself for the Chinese Language Proficiency Exam (HSK). Elementary Chinese Language Difficulty Levels by ISBN: 9783959355032Publication Date: 2019-07-10
Prepare Yourself for the Chinese Language Proficiency Exam (HSK). Intermediate Chinese Language Difficulty Levels by ISBN: 9783959355056Publication Date: 2019-07-10
Prepare Yourself for the Chinese Language Proficiency Exam (HSK). Advanced Chinese Language Difficulty Levels by ISBN: 9783959355070Publication Date: 2019-07-10
TOCFL: Test of Chinese as a Foreign Language
This is the standard test used for university and job entry in Taiwan.
- Official website: includes testing guidelines, explanation of levels, and some preparation materials
- TOCFL Website from TECO, Taiwanese Economic and Cultural Office in the US: Includes word lists and testing guidelines in English.