What is the Hanban?
It is the National Committee for the Chinese Proficiency Test (Hanban), which was established by the Ministry of Education of China. The purpose of Hanban is to spread the Chinese language and culture around the world.
Chinese Language Certification
The Chinese Language Courses in the Bertamini School cover all levels and certificates: from the lowest certificate to the highest HSK Certificate, issued by the Pubblic Chinese, non-profit, Hanban Organisation. Alongside our students descover the Chinese culture and living habits of the country.
Preparation: We prepare our students to take part in the exam organised by the following official bodies:
The Chinese Ministry of Education and the National Teaching Organisation of Chinese as a Foreign Language (NOCFL) in cooperation with the Greece-Chinese Association for YCT (A1, A2, B1) and HSK Certificates (A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, C2).
The HSK Written, is carried out in Greece 2-3 times a year, in October, May (depending on when Easter falls) and November.
You can find test Samples of previous Chinese examination in the following website:
http://www.chinesetest.cn/index.do (in Chinese)
Certificates for Chinese Language
|
HSK |
BCT |
YCT |
| HSK – Level 6 | ||
| HSK – Level 5 | BCT – Level 5 | |
| HSK – Level 4 | BCT – Level 4 | |
| HSK – Level 3 | BCT – Level 3 | YCT – Level 4 |
| HSK – Level 2 | BCT – Level 2 | YCT – Level 3 |
| HSK – Level 1 | BCT – Level 1 | YCT – Level 2 & 1 |
Exam Fees
- HSK 1: 50€
- HSK 2: 60€
- HSK 3: 80€
- HSK 4: 100€
- HSK 5: 120€
- HSK 6: 130€
Documents required
- Application Form HSK
- Two photos.
- Photocopy of ID or passport ().
- Photocopy of deposit slip of Eurobank.
Note: Candidates have the right to choose to be examed for two levels on the same day, provided that the level numbers include one even and one odd number ie. for Level 2 and 3, or for 1 and 2, but NOT for 2 and 4 or for 1 and 3 . In this case, they will have to deposit the total fees for both levels.
DIPLOMAS YCT (for minors)
The International Certificate Youth Chinese Test (YCT) is addressed to young students and evaluate their language skills in the everyday Chinese. It is organised and certified by the National Commission Hanban, as an effort to encourage young foreign students to learn the Chinese language and culture.
YCT (Level I)
The student is able to understand and use some of the most common Chinese terms and expressions.
YCT (Level II)
The student is able to communicate, understand and use several simple Chinese sentences.
YCT (Level III)
The student can understand and handle a very good level, simple dialogues related to everyday life.
YCT (Level IV)
The student is able to communicate at a basic level by talking about everyday life, school or work life. If in a trip to China, the student is able to handle and understand more expressions in Chinese. After completing this level the student can continue to study for the HSK3 level.
The YCT test is divided in two independent tests: written and oral.
Written examination Oral Examination
| Written Exam | Oral Exam |
| YCT – Level 4 | YCT (Intermediate) |
| YCT – Level 3 | YCT (Elementary) |
| YCT – Level 2 | |
| YCT – Level 1 |
COMPARATIVE TABLE BETWEEN HSK – YCT
| HSK Levels | Vocabulary – Number of Chinese Characters | YCT Levels | E.C. Competence Levels |
| HSK – Level 6 | More than 5000 | C2 | |
| HSK – Level 5 | More than 2500 | C1 | |
| HSK – Level 4 | More than 1200 | B2 | |
| HSK – Level 3 | More than 600 | YCT – Level 4 | B1 |
| HSK – Level 2 | More than 300 | YCT – Level 3 | A2 |
| HSK – Level 1 | More than 150 | YCT – Level 2 & 1 | A1 |
Courses for children
For elementary students who wish to have a first contact with the language and culture of China, mainly through speaking. Lessons are held once a week (2 hours). By reaching this level students are able to understand and use simple everyday expressions and learn the habits of the Chinese people. After two or three years of study the students will be able to participate in the YCT1 or YCT2 examinations.
The Youth Chinese Examination was first held in Greece in 2011.
Courses for Teenages and Children
The high school pupils are allowed to participate in the HSK examinations (HSK 1, HSK 2, HSK 3). Lessons are held twice a week (3-4 hours).
HSK1: students should know 150 words for daily use and their respective basic grammar rules.
HSK2: students should know 300 words for daily use and their respective grammatical rules. This level includes an oral examination on everyday life, The student should be able to express simple ideas and needs.
HSK3: students should know 600 words for daily use and their respective grammatical rules. This level can meet the language requirements of an everyday discussions in a Chinese environment.
HSK Certificates
HSK Hanyu Shuiping Kaoshi, (simplified Chinese: 汉语 水平 考试; traditional Chinese: 漢語 水平 考試; pinyin: Hànyǔ Shuǐpíng Kǎoshì)
The International HSK Examination is open to no native language speakers. It is organised and certified by the National Chinese Proficiency Test Commission (Hanban – Chinese Proficiency Test Hanyu Shuiping Kaoshi Test).
HSK Level 1-2
For beginners who have completed 120-200 hours of instruction. After completion, students should know 150-300 characters, communicate and talk about everyday life. We provide our students guided assignments in order for them to practice their writting graphic skills (more or less 150-300 symbols referring to contemporary China and civilisation). Emphasis will be placed on vocabulary, writing and listening comprehension and writing skills through discussions on eveyday life.
HSK Level 3-4
For those who have completed 200-300 hours. After completion, students should know 600-1200 characters, participate and express their views in discussions on issues of everyday life, using more complex expressions. Our Schoul will provided to the students guided assignments of about 600-1200 symbols with reference to various topical issues. In the final stage instructions will only be given in Chinese. On a day to day basis great improvement and enrichment of grammar, syntax and vocabulary will follow.
HSK Level 5-6
For those who have studied for 3 years or more. After completion, students should know from 2500 to over 5000 characters and be able to participate and to express their views on various subjects, using more complex expressions. Our students are given guided essays that include 2500-5000 symbols with reference to a variety of topics in order for them to practice their graphic written skills.
Note: Candidates have the right to participate in two levels in the same day, provided that level numbers include one even and one odd number, ie 1 and 2 level or 2 and 3 level, but NOT 1 and 3 or 2 and 4. In this case, students must deposit the total fees for both levels.
It is divided in two separate tests: written and oral.
| Written Exam | Oral Exam |
| HSK – Level 6 | HSK (Advanced) |
| HSK – Level 5 | |
| HSK – Level 4 | HSK (Intermediate) |
| HSK – Level 3 | |
| HSK – Level 2 | HSK (Elementary) |
| HSK – Level 1 |
| Vocabulary – Number of Chinese Characters | HSK Levels | E.C. Competence Levels |
| More than 5000 | Level 6 (Competent User) | C2 |
| More than 2500 | Level 5 (Competent User) | C1 |
| More than 1200 | Level 4 (Independent User) | B2 |
| More than 600 | Level 3 (Independent User) | B1 |
| More than 300 | Level 2 (Basic User) | A2 |
| More than 150 | Level 1 (Basic User) | A1 |
The HSK Written Test (written exam) is held twice a year, in October and May.
The HSK Oral Test (oral examination) is optional and not held in our country by the Greece-China Association, which is the official body for examinations in Chinese.
The test results are given one month after the exam. Students who succeed in getting the highest scores in HSK3-4, will win a scholarship to attend summer or winter courses at a School in China.
The HSK diploma is a valid Chinese Language Certificate. For graduate or undergraduate studies in China is the level required is HSK level 3 and upwards. The candidates must apply to the university within 2 years from the date of the examination.
DIPLOMAS BCT (Busines Chinese Test).
The Business Chinese Test is designed in order to evaluate and certify the foreign student’s skill and ability to communicate in various activities related to business, social contact and everyday life. The test combines practice and communication and is a basis for employers to hire and promote an employee.
It is organised by Beijing University under the supervision of the Chinese Council. The Hanban, is chief and publisher of the Business Chinese Test. For the moment, the BCT exams are not yet held in Greece.
The BCT is addressed to Foreigner National who speak the language regardless of their age or competence level. The test is open worldwide to organizations and individuals who want to gain proficiency in Business Chinese, regardless of their age, education or the duration of their studies.
The BCT is divided in two independent tests:
- reading and listening.
- a written and oral test.
Students can choose to do the test in two separate parts or all the parts in one.
Diploma BCT – Levels
The levels are 5:
Level 1: Beginner in communication in business.
Level 2: Basic level of communication in Business Chinese.
Level 3: Intermediate level of communication skills.
Level 4: Good level of communication skills.
Level 5: Very good level of communication in Business Chinese.
BCT – Grading system and Certification
The total score for each part of the test (listening, speaking, reading and writing) is from 0-500. The overall score for reading and listening capacity rangs from 0-1000 points. The same happens with the written and the oral exam, while the starting score is 100 points for each.