On 21st September, nearly 50 candidates from the Oceania region participated in the CTCSOL (Certificate for Teachers of Chinese to Speakers of Other Languages) written exam, held online. This exam is a key milestone for aspiring Chinese language teachers, offering them the opportunity to gain internationally recognised certification.

Passing the written and interview exams demonstrates a candidate’s proficiency in language pedagogy and opens doors to teaching opportunities. Certified educators are well-equipped to support students in their Chinese language journey and to promote cross-cultural understanding.

As the demand for Chinese language education continues to grow globally, obtaining the CTCSOL certification is becoming an essential credential for educators.  As the written exam concluded, we extend our best wishes to all the candidates and hope that your preparation yields the desired results. We look forward to seeing you again in the interview exam in December.

For more info on the CTCSOL exam, visit https://ci.ac.nz/exams/ctcsol/

On Sunday, 21st April , the iconic Clocktower at the University of Auckland hosted the first HSK exam of 2024, with nearly a hundred candidates from wider Auckland participating. The examinees ranged from students of various educational levels, spanning from primary to tertiary education, as well as learners from community Chinese schools and individuals from diverse backgrounds, with ages ranging from 5 to over 50 years old.

Since 2007, the Confucius Institute at the University of Auckland has been promoting Chinese language and proficiency exams in New Zealand, having provided HSK exams for tens of thousands of Chinese learners across the country. The professional team of supervisors, comprised of local Chinese-language teachers and assistants from China, is known for its rich experience and dedicated work, consistently ensuring the smooth running of examinations at all levels.

Several schools organized their students to participate in the exam. Thirty-seven students from a community tutoring school in West Auckland sat in the HSK Level 3-5 exams this time. Lead teacher Ms Li of the school expressed in the interview that when the students heard about the opportunity to participate in the internationally standardized HSK exam, they were all excited and eager to take on the challenge. She also believes that compared to regular assessments, HSK reflects students’ overall language abilities more comprehensively, serving as both an evaluation of past teaching achievements and a reference for future educational goals. The exam has also ignited students’ enthusiasm for learning Chinese and enhanced their intrinsic motivation for further studying. Ms Li further indicated that the group registration service provided by CI streamlined the process, greatly facilitating parents and students, and facilitating the smooth promotion and organisation of the exams.

Gisa, who previously participated in Level 1 last December and achieved excellent results, returned this year. She highlighted the excellent organisation of the exam team and plans to challenge herself with the Level 3 after completing her master’s studies at the end of the year.

Zoe-Robin, an HSK Level 4 candidate, mentioned that one reason she took the exam was her intention to apply for scholarships to study in China. She also found the exam helpful for reviewing, consolidating, and improving her Chinese language skills, which in turn benefits her teaching practices, as many of her students are from China.

Students of Chinese descent Sihua and Lechen, from a local community tutoring school, participated in the HSK Level 6 this time. As learners who have been studying Chinese for years, they acknowledged the professionalism of the exam team. What they both found impressive were the clear instructions and guidance provided by the examiners. They are confident in participating in this year’s HSK levels 7-9 online exams.

The first CTCSOL written exam of 2024 took place this past Saturday, 13th April. Candidates from various corners of Oceania sat in the exam, and the atmosphere was charged with anticipation and determination.

The exam, designed to assess proficiency in teaching Chinese to speakers of other languages, attracted participants from diverse backgrounds. From educators in the field to enthusiastic newcomers, candidates represented a spectrum of experiences and aspirations.

Behind the scenes, a dedicated team of supervisors ensured a seamless and smooth testing experience for all. Their collaborative efforts aimed to alleviate any potential technical glitches or logistical hiccups, allowing candidates to focus solely on showcasing their skills and knowledge.

This year, we witnessed a growing confidence among the candidates. Many view this certification as a crucial step in their journey towards becoming proficient Chinese language instructors. The consistent number of candidates underscores the increasing interest and demand for Chinese language teaching in the region.

As the written exam concluded, we extend our best wishes to all the candidates and hope that your preparation yields the desired results. We look forward to seeing you again in the interview exam in June.

For more info on the CTCSOL exam, visit https://ci.ac.nz/exams/ctcsol/

For the first time, HSK 7-9 test will be held in New Zealand on November 12, 2023. There will be the only HSK test for Bands 7-9 of the advanced level in 2023.The organiser of HSK 7-9 test is the Confucius Institute in Auckland.

In 2023, HSK 7-9 test only has one format – internet-based. All test participants are required to have their own computer (with Windows system) and other related equipment such as headset in order to meet the online test requirements (See “Current Event” page for details).

The fee for the exam is $220 (NZD). Registration has now been open, and will be closed at 30th Oct 2023. For information regarding the eligibility, test content and structure, please visit here.

For those who are interested. please do not hesitate to contact us at exam@ci.ac.nz

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The first CTCSOL interview test for the year was successfully held on the first and second weekends of July. We set up five online test rooms, and over 50 candidates participated in the one-on-one interviews. The number of registrations has remained steady compared to the same period last year, with a slight increase.

The interview is conducted by a panel of examiners for candidates who have passed the written test. It focuses on assessing the candidates’ ability to design teaching plans using various methods, organize and implement teaching processes, fulfil teaching tasks, and communicate and assist in teaching in English language. Additionally, it evaluates candidates’ communication skills, psychological qualities, teaching strategies, and other essential professional qualities. We are delighted to see an increasing interest in learning Chinese and understanding Chinese culture in the Oceania region, with more and more people aspiring to become qualified Chinese teachers. Congrats to all the candidates who sit in the exam, and best wishes for achieving excellent results!