About this placement test

Chinese HSK Placement Test is a free, English-UI web app from Chinese Copilot for L2 learners of Mandarin. You mark whether you recognize each Chinese word; we estimate an approximate HSK level from that recognition pattern. It is built for self-check and study planning, not for certificates, school admissions, or employer proof of proficiency. If you need a credential, sit an official exam at an authorized centre.

Who it is for. Absolute beginners who want a gentle compass reading, intermediate learners choosing the next textbook band, and advanced students who want a quick sanity check before booking a real paper. The interface stays in English so you can focus on Chinese characters and words without fighting another UI language. Teachers and tutors sometimes use it as a light diagnostic before a first lesson; that is fine as long as everyone understands the limits below.

HSK 2.0 is primary. The headline result uses familiar HSK 1–6 bands plus a small Beyond sample oriented toward higher material (roughly HSK 3.0 levels 7–9 vocabulary). Results also show an approximate HSK 3.0 reference from the same answers, because many learners now see both ladders in materials and marketing. You can prefer the 3.0 headline on the results screen if that framework matches how you study. Neither figure is an official exam score or a substitute for Hanban/CTI cut scores.

Methodology in brief. The test presents a stratified sample of about 120 yes/no recognition items across bands. Each band gets a mastery score (known divided by sample size; unanswered count as unknown). Headline level uses cascading thresholds so you cannot “claim” a high band while missing most of the lower ones. That design mirrors how vocab knowledge actually stacks for many learners, but it remains a heuristic, documented in more detail on the blog, including what an HSK level really means and HSK 2.0 vs 3.0 changes.

Recognition only, and other limits. We do not measure listening, speaking, writing, reading speed, or productive vocabulary. Knowing a word when you see it is not the same as using it under time pressure. The sample is small, so day-to-day mood and honest self-reporting both move the estimate. Overconfident “yes” answers inflate the level; conservative answering understates it. Treat the result as a soft compass for the next study block, not a verdict on your Chinese identity.

This product is not affiliated with Hanban, Chinese Testing International (CTI), or any official HSK exam centre. Thresholds run client-side in your browser. Answers stay in session storage for the current tab; no account is required. Read the privacy notice for data details, or the contact page if you have feedback. When you are ready, start the test.