China's Hands Shuiping Kaoshi. also known as HSK or the Chinese Proficiency Test, is the national standardized test designed and developed by the HSK Center of Beijing Language and Culture University to assess the Chinese language proficiency of non-native speakers ( including foreigners, overseas Chinese and students from Chinese national minorities ). According to level of difficulty, HSK is divided into three categories: beginning level (HSK Basic}, elementary to intermediate level ( HSK Elementary-Intermediate ), and advanced level ( HSK Advanced ), These Three categories of the test from a comprehensive testing system, ranging from beginning to advanced level. As tests of general language proficiency, HSK is not based on any particular textbook or course of study. Therefore candidates may refer to any textbook in preparing for the test.

In order to be thoroughly familiar with the test, candidates are expected to read the HSK Guide for Basic, Elementary-Intermediate and Advanced level and the User Handbook which describes the organization and content of the test. Had is held regularly in China and other countries each year. Certificates of HSK will be issued to those who have secured the required scores.

HSK and the issuing of HSK Certificates are supervised by the State Commission of Chinese Proficiency Test under the Ministry of Education. HSK is jointly administered by the Office of the State Commission of Chinese Proficiency Test under the State Commission of Chinese Proficiency Test and the HSK Center of Beijing Language and Culture University.