If you are learning Chinese, you will hear "HSK 4" or "pass the HSK" constantly. This guide gathers everything a newcomer needs to know in one place.
What the HSK is
HSK stands for Hanyu Shuiping Kaoshi (汉语水平考试) — the standardized Chinese Proficiency Test for non-native speakers. It measures three skills: listening, reading and writing. An HSK certificate is the most widely recognized way to prove your Chinese level to universities and employers around the world.
One thing to know up front: the HSK does not test speaking. Speaking is a separate exam called the HSKK.