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HSK and YCT Tests (Chinese Proficiency Tests)

Find out when you can take the HSK or YCT test at Newcastle University and how to apply.

Chinese proficiency examinations

The HSK and YCT tests are Chinese proficiency examinations. They are the only Chinese language certificates accepted in mainland China. They consist of a writing test and a speaking test.

The tests are used by educational institutions and potential employers.

The Confucius Institute at Newcastle University is a registered HSK test centre. You can take your test here.

HSK test

The HSK certifies that the holder has the required Chinese proficiency to enter Chinese educational institutions as an undergraduate or postgraduate student. 

Test Date

Test

Registration Open

Registration Deadline

Date of results

9th March 2025           

HSK1-6

HSKK Primary-Advanced

10th January 2025         

10th February 2025       

9th April 2025       

24th May 2025

YCT1-4

YCT Speaking Primary & Intermediate 

27th March 2025

27th April 2025

24th June 2025         

22nd June 2025

HSK1-6

HSKK Primary-Advanced

26th April 2025 26th May 2025 22nd July 2025

19th July 2025

HSK 1-6

HSKK Primary-Advanced

 22nd May 2025

22nd June 2025 19th August 2025

7th December 2025

HSK 1-6

HSKK Primary-Advanced

10th October 2025  10th November 2025 7th January 2026 

 

On the day of your test, you will need to bring:

  • your HSK permit (this can be provided by the test centre on the day)
  • your personal ID or passport
  • 2B pencils
  • an eraser

No dictionaries or other written materials are allowed in the room where the test takes place.

The test paper will be in Simplified Character format unless otherwise requested upon application.

Registration

1. Register for the appropriate test on chinesetest.cn

Note: if you have problems uploading the photographs, please send two named passport-sized photos to:

Confucius Institute at Newcastle University
Politics Building, Windsor Court
42 – 44 Great North Road
Newcastle University
Newcastle Upon Tyne
NE2 4HE

2. Pay the test fee

Pay your test fee online

The fees are outlined below:

Level

Fee

 

HSK Level 1

£10

HSK Level 2

£20

HSK Level 3

£30

HSK Level 4

£40

HSK Level 5

£50

HSK Level 6

£60

HSKK Beginner Level

£15

HSKK Intermediate Level

£25

HSKK Advanced Level

£35

YCT Level 1

£5

YCT Level 2

£10

YCT Level 3

£20

YCT Level 4

£25

YCT Speaking (Basic)

£10

YCT Speaking (Intermediate)

£10

 

3. Collect your HSK permit

Once we have processed your completed application form, photographs and fees we will issue you with an HSK permit and directions to the test centre.

The permit will be issued to you on the day of the test or you can collect your permit from the Confucius Institute Office:

The Confucius Institute at Newcastle University
Room 4.14,Level 4, Old Library Building
Newcastle University
Newcastle upon Tyne
NE1 7RU
UK