The Internet-Based Test (IBT) is a digital upgrade of the traditional paper-and-pencil examination model introduced by Chinese Testing International (CTI). Unlike the paper exam, that requires answer sheets and pencils, the IBT format allows candidates to complete all parts of the test (i.e. listening, reading, writing, and speaking) directly on a computer.

Main features of the IBT include:

• Computer-based response format: Candidates complete all tasks using a keyboard, mouse, and an on-screen interface for input and navigation.
• Digital presentation of test materials: Audio recordings, reading texts, images, and other materials are displayed electronically within the test system, providing a clear and user-friendly interface.
• Encrypted data transmission and centralised scoring: Upon completion, all answers are securely encrypted and uploaded by the test centre to CTI’s servers, on which standardised evaluation is conducted through a unified scoring system and expert review.
• Faster score release: HSK Internet-based Test (IBT) results are typically available within 15 days after the test, providing candidates with a more efficient and convenient testing experience.

Please note that the IBT must be taken at an officially approved test centre equipped with the required testing facilities. It is an in-person examination and cannot be taken at home.

Step 1: Go to www.chinesetest.cn

Step 2: Create an account and sign up

Enter the necessary personal information, including e-mail address, nationality, native language, date of birth, and other information required.

Step 3: Test registration

First, select the test level, test format, test centre, and test date. Then complete your personal information, upload a photo, and confirm your registration information.

Important: 

Select ‘Internet-based Test (at centre)’ as the correct test format in the middle. Then choose ‘Austria’ and ‘Go excellence education (IBT)’ as the correct test centre. 

Candidates must upload a standard digital ID/passport photo:

Photo size: 15KB~1MB

Photo format: jpg, jpeg, png

Photo requirements: Please provide a passport-style photo taken within the last 6 months, with a white or blue background. No excessive make-up or digital retouching.

Step 4: Pay the examination fee

Please transfer the examination fee immediately after the registration to the following account:

Recipient: Universität Graz

IBAN: AT 32 12000 500 955 00 605

BIC / SWIFT Code: BKAUATWW

Reference (required): AEP790900001, HSK (incl. level), candidate’s surname

Send proof of payment of the examination fee by e-mail to tian.tian(at)uni-graz.at.

Video recording requirement: 

In accordance with CTI (Chinese Testing International) regulations, the entire exam must be video-recorded. The recording is used only for security and monitoring purposes and will not be used for any other activities. All recordings are deleted after the exam results are released.

From the HSK exam on 22 June, HSK3 registrations will automatically be registered for HSKK Elementary Level, HSK4 for HSKK Intermediate Level and HSK5/6 for HSKK Advanced Level when registering via chinesetest.cn. This means that participants are also obliged to take part in the oral examination. The examination fees are charged together.

HSK level 1 (exam code: HSK1): EURO 20

HSK level 2 (exam code: HSK2): EURO 20

HSK level 3 (exam code: HSK3 + HSKK Elementary Level): EURO 50

HSK level 4 (exam code: HSK4 + HSKK Intermediate Level): EURO 60

HSK level 5 (exam code: HSK5 + HSKK Advanced Level): EURO 85

HSK level 6 (exam code: HSK6 + HSKK Advanced Level): EURO 85

HSK level 7 (exam code: HSK7): EURO 110.50

HSK level 8 (exam code: HSK8): EURO 110.50

HSK level 9 (exam code: HSK9): EURO 110.50

After registration and payment of the examination fee, it is no longer possible to cancel the examination. Unfortunately, the examination fee cannot be refunded. However, you can change the examination date in compliance with the following regulations.

• 27 working days (including 27 working days) before the examination, the examination date can be changed free of charge.
• 10 to 26 working days (including 10 working days) before the examination, the examination date may be changed subject to payment of 30% of the examination fee.
• It is not possible to change the examination date within 10 working days.

HSK level 1:

The examination time for HSK level 1 is 40 minutes, of which the participants have 5 minutes to enter their personal data on the answer sheet.

The participants first write the solutions on the exam sheet. At the end of the exam, the candidates have 5 minutes to enter all solutions on the answer sheet.

The exam consists of 2 parts:

1. Listening comprehension (20 tasks, 15 minutes)
2. Reading comprehension (20 tasks, 15 minutes)

You can find a sample exam for HSK level 1 at https://www.chinesetest.cn/userfiles/file/HSK1.pdf

HSK level 2:

The examination time for HSK level 2 is 55 minutes, of which participants have 5 minutes to enter their personal details on the answer sheet.

The participants write the solutions on the exam sheet first. At the end of the exam, the candidates have 5 minutes to write down all solutions on the answer sheet.

The exam consists of 2 parts:

1. Listening comprehension (35 tasks, 25 minutes)
2. Reading comprehension (25 tasks, 20 minutes)

You can find a sample exam for HSK level 2 at https://www.chinesetest.cn/userfiles/file/HSK2.pdf

HSK level 3:

The examination time for HSK level 3 is 90 minutes, of which participants have 5 minutes to enter their personal details on the answer sheet.

The participants first write the solutions on the exam sheet. At the end of the exam, candidates have 10 minutes to write down all solutions on the answer sheet.

The exam consists of 3 parts:

1. Listening comprehension (40 tasks, 35 minutes)
2. Reading comprehension (30 tasks, 25 minutes)
3. Writing (10 tasks, 15 minutes)

You can find a sample exam for HSK level 3 at https://www.chinesetest.cn/userfiles/file/HSK3.pdf

HSK level 4:

The examination time for HSK level 4 is 105 minutes, of which participants have 5 minutes to enter their personal details on the answer sheet.

The participants first write the solutions on the exam sheet. At the end of the exam, candidates have 10 minutes to enter all solutions on the answer sheet.

The exam consists of 3 parts:

1. Listening comprehension (45 tasks, 30 minutes)
2. Reading comprehension (40 tasks, 35 minutes)
3. Writing (15 tasks, 25 minutes)

You can find a sample exam for HSK level 4 at https://www.chinesetest.cn/userfiles/file/HSK4.pdf

HSK level 5:

The examination time for HSK level 5 is 125 minutes, of which participants have 5 minutes to enter their personal details on the answer sheet.

The participants first write the solutions on the exam sheet. At the end of the exam, candidates have 10 minutes to write down all solutions on the answer sheet.

The exam consists of 3 parts:

1. Listening comprehension (45 tasks, 30 minutes)
2. Reading comprehension (45 tasks, 40 minutes)
3. Writing (10 tasks, 40 minutes)

You can find a sample exam for HSK level 5 at https://www.chinesetest.cn/userfiles/file/HSK5.pdf

HSK level 6:

The examination time for HSK level 6 is 140 minutes, of which participants have 5 minutes to enter their personal details on the answer sheet.

The participants first write the solutions on the exam sheet. At the end of the exam, candidates have 10 minutes to enter all solutions on the answer sheet.

The exam consists of 3 parts:

1. Listening comprehension (50 tasks, 35 minutes)
2. Reading comprehension (1 task, 45 minutes)
3. Writing (10 tasks, 15 minutes)

You can find a sample exam for HSK level 6 at https://www.chinesetest.cn/userfiles/file/HSK6.pdf

HSK level 1: from 13:30 to 14:10 (40 minutes)

HSK level 2: from 09:00 to 09:55 (55 minutes)

HSK level 3 : from 13:30 to 15:00 (90 minutes)

HSK level 4: from 09:00 to 10:45 (105 minutes)

HSK level 5 : from 13:30 to 15:35 (125 minutes)

HSK level 6 : from 09:00 to 11:20 (140 minutes)

Confucius Institute at the University of Graz

Address: Elisabethstraße 32 / 2nd floor, 8010 Graz, Austria

Contact: Tian Tian

E-Mail: tian.tian(at)uni-graz.at

Phone: +43 (0)316/380-7373

As an exam participant, you can check the exam result 16 days (20 days for the HSKK exams) after the exam on the website www.chinesetest.cn by entering your name and admission ticket number.

As soon as you see your result, you can also download your certificate and print it out yourself a maximum of three times.

The certificate will be sent to the Confucius Institute at the University of Graz within 30 to 60 days after the exam. You can make an appointment by e-mail konfuzius(at)uni-graz.at in advance and collect your certificate on presentation of your passport.