Registering for exams
The deadline for each HSK examination is one month before the exam date. Applications received after the deadline will not be processed. As places are limited, early registration is recommended. The precise test time and venue will be confirmed by email once you have registered with Chinese test centre.
How to register to take a test:
- Register on the Chinese Test Centre website as a new user and complete your details as required.
- Then select ‘Test Registration’ in the menu that runs along the top of the page.
- Next, click the button for your HSK level or YCT level and then select ‘Register’.
- Complete your details as requested.
Once the Chinese Test Centre have confirmed registration, an email from the Confucius Institute will be sent with a payment link. To pay for a test (whether your are on an Edge Hill course or an external candidate) you will need to go to the Edge Hill University online payment facility.
Chinese Test Dates in 2026
Chinese Proficiency Test 2026
| Test Date | Tests | Deadline for Test Registration | Date of Score Announcement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Saturday 17 October | HSK1 | Friday 16 September | Monday 2 November |
| HSK2 | |||
| HSK3 | |||
| HSK4 | |||
| HSK5 | |||
| HSK6 | |||
| Sunday 13 December | HSK1 | Thursday 12 November | Monday 28 December |
| HSK2 | |||
| HSK3 | |||
| HSK4 | |||
| HSK5 | |||
| HSK6 |
HSK Speaking Test (HSKK) in 2026
| Test Date | Tests | Deadline of Test Registration | Date of Score Announcement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sunday 22 March | HSKK (Primary) | Wednesday 21 February | Monday 13 April |
| HSKK (Intermediate) | |||
| Sunday 28 June | HSKK (Primary) | Wednesday 27 May | Monday 20 July |
| HSKK (Intermediate) | |||
| Saturday 17 October | HSKK (Primary) | Friday 16 September | Friday 6 November |
| HSKK (Intermediate) |
Chinese Proficiency Test (Youth)/ YCT in 2026）
The YCT is an international standardised test of Chinese language proficiency. It assesses young students’ abilities to use Chinese in their daily and academic lives.
| Test Date | Test Type | Deadline of Test Registration | Date of Score Announcement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sunday 24 May | Written and Speaking | Thursday 23 April | Monday 15 June |
| Sunday 17 October | Written and Speaking | Wednesday 16 September | Friday 6 November |
The new YCT consists of a writing test and a speaking test, which are independent of each other. The writing test is divided into four levels, namely, the YCT (level I), YCT (level II), YCT (level III), and YCT (level IV). The speaking test is divided into the YCT (Beginner Level) and YCT (Intermediate Level).
The YCT (Level I) is intended for young students who have studied Chinese for three months, with 2-3 class hours per week. These students have mastered 80 commonly used words and related grammar patterns.Â