You have been learning Mandarin—but how far have you really come? A Chinese level test gives you a clear answer.
This quick online assessment evaluates your characters, vocabulary, and reading skills, placing you on the CEFR scale (A1–C2) and indicating your approximate HSK level. I
t takes just a few minutes, requires no sign-up, and delivers instant results. Start the test now and discover your true level.
Find your CEFR level in Chinese. No sign-up, no email. Just answer the questions and get your result instantly.
This test covers Mandarin Chinese in simplified characters.
Most Chinese learners measure their progress with the HSK rather than the CEFR. HSK, short for Hanyu Shuiping Kaoshi, is the official standardised test of Chinese proficiency for non-native speakers. The two scales are not identical, but they map onto each other closely enough to give a useful guide. The table below shows the approximate relationship. Note that the HSK exists in an older six-level version and a newer nine-level version, so a given CEFR level can correspond to a higher HSK band under the newer system.
| CEFR level | Approximate HSK level |
|---|---|
| A1 | HSK 1 |
| A2 | HSK 2 |
| B1 | HSK 3 |
| B2 | HSK 4 |
| C1 | HSK 5 |
| C2 | HSK 6 |
A free online level test and the official HSK serve different purposes. This test gives you a fast, free estimate of your CEFR and HSK level, which is ideal for choosing a course or tracking your progress. The HSK is a formal, certified exam, recognised by universities and employers and often required to study at a Chinese university. The table below shows the main differences.
| Feature | Free Chinese level test | Official HSK exam |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Estimate your CEFR and HSK level | Certify your Chinese officially |
| Cost | Free | Paid examination |
| Result | Instant estimate | Official certificate |
| Focus | Characters, vocabulary, grammar, reading | Reading and listening, with writing at higher levels |
| Recognised by | Learners and schools, for guidance | Universities, employers, authorities |
HSK, or Hanyu Shuiping Kaoshi, is the official standardised test of Chinese proficiency for non-native speakers. It is recognised internationally by universities and employers and is often required for study or work in China. It measures your ability across set levels of vocabulary and grammar.
Mandarin is often seen as challenging for English speakers because it is a tonal language and uses thousands of characters rather than an alphabet. The grammar, however, is relatively simple, with no verb conjugations or plurals. With regular practice, most learners hold basic conversations within a few months and reach a confident intermediate level in one to two years.
