FAQs

CONFUCIUS INSTITUTE

Frequently Asked Questions

Check the general FAQs here first and have success with your exam.

For most information on exams, including a list of FAQs covering registrations, detail changes, admission tickets and more, visit the Chinese Testing International (CTI) website.

For inquiries related to the CTCSOL exam, the information and FAQs are available on the following webpage.

REGISTRATION

How do I register and pay for an exam?

There are TWO steps you must do on two different sites.

Register your details on the Chinese Test site www.chinesetest.cn and pay CI https://ci.ac.nz/exams/exam-dates/ to sit the test. Ensure you do BOTH before the deadline date, usually a month before exam date.

Why does my payment status read ‘unpaid’ when I have paid?

Check again after the registration deadline as this is when updates occur.

How do I know which level to take?

Descriptions of the levels of each test can be found under CI’s exam section https://ci.ac.nz/exams/ or CTI’s site www.chinesetest.cn which also has sample tests you can view.

Can I skip test levels or do I have to start at Level 1?

There is no requirement to take any level before being allowed to take another. You can start with any level you wish, including HSK Level 6!

Can I still register after the registration deadline?

No, you will need to select another test date. Please do not leave registration to the last minute as registration and payment links can get overloaded and be inaccessible. Both must be done before deadline New Zealand time.

Can I cancel my registration and get a refund after payment has been made?

No. The test fee is non-refundable after payment has been made and after registration deadline. However, if it is before the registration deadline, you can check if your registration can be moved to another test date.

How do I correct registration information?

Before the registration deadline, you can log into CTI www.chinesetest.cn and edit your personal information only on the ‘Personal Center’ page, ‘Test Record’ section. ) your information. After the registration deadline, you need to contact CI (exam@ci.ac.nz) to make any changes.

Can I change the test date after I have registered?

You can apply to change the test date but cannot cancel the registered test; registered test center or test level. Go to CTI www.chinesetest.cn to find out if and how to change your test date, the timeframes and the costs to change.

You can change a test date only ONCE for each registration.

After the completion of registration, can I change the test level?

If the test fee has not been paid, you can cancel your registration before the deadline and re-apply for a new level. If the payment has been completed, you cannot change the test level.

What do I do if I have a username error or password loss?

Go to CTI www.chinesetest.cn and enter your email address in the Username field. If you lose your password, use the Find Password function and an email for password recovery will be sent to your registered email address.

What are the photo requirements when registering online?

A digital photo is required only when you register for HSK level 3 and above. The photo should:

be a recent photo of the test taker for identification purposes (in a standard size of 45mm x 35mm between 30 to 100KB).
NOT be of the test taker doing an activity or with a landscape background.
NOT be of the test taker wearing a hat, scarf, headband or sunglasses (unless worn for religious reasons).
be in black and white OR colour with a white background preferred.

I am a holder of the People’s Republic of China passport, can I sit the test?

Yes.

THE TEST

What shall I bring to the test?

Please bring your official ID that you used for your registration, such as your passport, student ID, or driver’s licence; the admission ticket; pencils and an eraser rubber. Any candidate without the admission ticket or official identity will not be allowed to sit the test.

How do I get my test admission ticket?

Log into CTI www.chinesetest.cn and print your ticket from the Personal Center page. The test admission ticket is usually available ONE week before the test, not any earlier. If you have difficulty accessing the site, try again later or from a different computer. Contact CI, exam@ci.ac.nz if you continue to have difficulty.

Where will the test be held?

The venue, time and other details of the test will be on your Admission Ticket. The ticket is available ONE week before the test, not any earlier.

How can I prepare for the test?

You can find resources including mock tests at CTI http://www.chinesetest.cn/godownload.do to help you prepare for the test. CI also offers Exam Preparation Courses. https://ci.ac.nz/courses/hsk-exam-preparation-courses/

How can I get test reference materials?

Visit CTI www.chinesetest.cn to download test guidelines and sample materials. For more and most recent materials, visit the Online Book Store section or email bookService@chinesetest.cn.

What writing style for Chinese characters is used on the test paper?

Simplified characters are used on the test paper. However, you can write in either simplified or traditional characters to answer questions or for the composition.

TEST RESULTS

When and how can I view my test score?

Test scores are usually available online www.chinesetest.cn ONE MONTH after the test has been taken. You will need your registration number, as on your Admission Ticket, to access the information.

When will I get my test certificate?

Certificates can be collected from the CI office or will be posted approximately TWO MONTHS after the test has been taken.

How can I change my personal information if it is incorrect on my certificate?

You can log into CTI www.chinesetest.cn and apply for an additional certificate. To update your details, go to Personal Center page, edit your details and upload a copy of your ID. CTI will review your request and if successful, will ask you to pay a fee before sending an updated certificate to you.

How do I know if I have passed my test or not?

Your total score is the sum of different parts of the test. Typically, a pass for:

HSK 1 and 2 is 120/200
HSK 3 and 4 is 180/300
HSK 5 and 6 is 180/300.

Can I apply for a second attempt if the first test result is unsatisfactory?

Yes. However, you will need to register and pay the fee again. There is no limit to how many times you can take the test.

Will my test certificate expire?

Your certificate does not have an expiry date. It shows that on a particular date you demonstrated language skills at a specific level. However, if you wish to use your HSK score to apply for admission to a college or university in China, your score is valid for TWO YEARS ONLY from the date you took the test.

What are HSK test scores used for?

Test scores are used by different organizations and different people for different purposes. For example:

to recruit students, classify students or exempt students from some courses and grant credits.
to employ, train and promote employees.
to assess learner’s Chinese proficiency and identify areas for improvement.
to evaluate teaching standards and the effectiveness of curriculum.
to apply for Confucius Institute scholarships.