What is the Chinese Proficiency Test (HSK)?

The HSK is the national standardized test of Chinese language proficiency for speakers whose first language is not Chinese. More than 100 HSK centers have been set up in 33 countries, and over 540,000 people have taken the test.

Authentic certificate
Chinese proficiency certificates are issued by the State Committee for the Chinese Proficiency Test of China, under the supervision of the China National Office for Teaching Chinese as a Foreign Language (Hanban), in accordance with HSK scores and are recognized as authentic Chinese proficiency certificates in many countries all over the world. They are a reference standard used by different types of enterprises, organizations and educational institutions in recruiting people for jobs for which Chinese language skills are necessary. 

Chinese proficiency certificates are also evidence of the Chinese language skills of foreign students applying for enrollment into different types of schools at various levels in China. The Hanban (http://www.hanban.org/) offers scholarships for studying in China to foreign candidates with excellent HSK scores.

Leiden University and the Confucius Institute

The Department of Chinese Studies at Leiden University plays a leading role in the teaching and research of Chinese languages and cultures in the Netherlands. The Confucius Institute is a leading educational institute, with locations spread internationally. Its primary task is to offer courses in Chinese languages and cultures.

Further information

For more general information on the test, go to the website of the Confucius Institute.

You may also check the model exam.

What is the Test of Chinese as a Foreign Language (TOCFL)?

The Test of Chinese as a Foreign Language (TOCFL) is aimed at people who aren’t native Chinese speakers. The test has six levels according to the knowledge of the participants. The test-taker can freely choose the test version either in simplified or traditional characters.

All participants will receive a document with their test results. Those who pass the exam also receive a certificate which can serve as credential for applying for a Taiwan scholarship, applying for admission to the academic programs at colleges and universities in Taiwan, getting a job, etc.

For more general information and a model-exam: see website.

For more information on the exams in the Netherlands, please contact Y. Wang or Kelly van de Paer.

Registration

Registration can be submitted until March 20, 2017.

Examination fee: 20 Euros (each band).

Procedure

1. Download the registration form (also available as word file)
2. Fill in the registration form
3. Transfer the examination fee to the following bank account, with your full-name and note: “TOCFL Leiden”
   Name: Kelly Van de Paer
   IBAN : BE21 0012 9455 2603
   BIC : GEBA BE BB
4. Send the (1) registration form; (2) proof of transfer of examination fee (digital file or scanned file), and (3) color-scanned passport or ID card (the part with the photo) to Y. Wang or Kelly Van de Paer before March 20, 2017.

Note that

• participants will receive a confirmation once we have received the complete application.
• participants can only register for one band. The examination fee for each band is 20 Euro.
• after paying the examination fee, applicants are not allowed to request refund, ask for extension or reschedule the test.
• the registration fee will not be returned and postponement of participation is not possible. 
• if you have any questions, please contact Ms. Ying-ting Wang (tocfl.nl@gmail.com)

Test date and venue

Date and time: Saturday April 22, 2017. From 14.00-16.00 hours.
Venue: Lipsius building (Cleveringaplaats 1, 2311BD Leiden)
Room: to be announced