Practice Mandarin for HSK and HSKK

What HSK actually tests

HSK (Hanyu Shuiping Kaoshi) is China's official Chinese proficiency test, administered by Chinese Testing International (Hanban). It has six written levels, from HSK 1 (basic phrases) to HSK 6 (near-native reading and writing), and is widely required for admission to Chinese universities, Confucius Institute scholarships, and some work visas. A separate test, HSKK (HSK Koushi), assesses speaking specifically, at Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced levels.

This is practice, not the official exam

ImChatty doesn't administer the official HSK or HSKK exam or issue a certified score. This page offers free conversation practice and optional tutor-led mock oral sessions — you'll still need to register for the real test through an official HSK test center.

Why speaking practice matters even for a written test

HSK's written levels (1–6) test listening, reading, and writing — not speaking directly. But real conversational ability is what most learners are actually after, and it's also exactly what HSKK measures if you need to demonstrate spoken fluency for a program or employer. Textbook drilling builds vocabulary and grammar recognition; it doesn't build the reflexes needed to actually hold a conversation or perform well on HSKK's picture-description and Q&A tasks.

Where ImChatty fits

Use free conversation practice with native Mandarin speakers to build real spoken fluency alongside your HSK study. If you're specifically preparing for HSKK, book a tutor session structured around its actual format — listening and repeating, picture description, and Q&A — with feedback on pronunciation and tone accuracy, which written HSK prep alone won't give you.

Not sure which HSK level fits your current Chinese? ImChatty's free CEFR-style placement test gives you an independent read on your level in under 15 minutes.

Who this is for

• Students preparing for HSK 1–6 for university admission or scholarships
• Candidates specifically preparing for the HSKK oral exam
• Anyone who wants real spoken Mandarin practice, not just character and vocabulary drills
• Learners unsure which HSK level to register for

Common questions

Is this the same as the official HSK exam? No. This is free conversation practice plus optional tutor sessions — your certified HSK or HSKK score only comes from a registered Hanban/Chinese Testing International exam center.

Do I need HSKK if I'm only taking written HSK? No, they're separate exams, but if your program or employer wants proof of speaking ability, HSKK (or strong general fluency) is usually what they actually care about.

Which HSK level should I aim for? University admission typically requires HSK 4 or higher; check your specific program's requirement, and use ImChatty's free level check as a starting reference point.

Can tone accuracy really improve through chat practice? Yes — tutor sessions include spoken feedback, which is the only reliable way to correct tone and pronunciation issues that text-only study can't catch.