The Chinese Proficiency Test (HSK) is China's national standardized test created and developed by the HSK Center of Beijing Language and Culture University to evaluate the level of Chinese language of non-native speakers (such as foreigners, abroad Chinese and students from Chinese nationwide minorities).

HSK is separated into three classes: beginning level, elementary to intermediate degree, and sophisticated degree.

HSK (Basic) is actually a standardized test designed for novices. It's most proper for those who have acquired 400-3000 elementary Chinese words (referring to level A and B in the Outline of HSK Grammar).

HSK Elementary-Intermediate is suitable for individuals who have mastery of 2000-5000 Chinese words and phrases (referring to levels A, B and C in the outline of HSK Vocabulary) and rules of grammar (referring to levels A, B and C within the outline of HSK Grammar).

HSK Advanced applies to those who have mastery of 5000-8000 Chinese words and phrases (referring to level A, B, C and D while in the Outline of HSK Vocabulary) and also the corresponding rules of grammar (referring to level A, B, C and D inside the Outline of HSK Grammar).