Mandarin HSK Preparation Course
for HSK Levels 1-6If you are planning to pass the HSK exam, you can choose from a variety of HSK preparation programs at That’s Mandarin depending on how much time you have, and which HSK level you are aiming at.
On this page, you will find detailed information about our Private and Group HSK preparation classes, including time, pricing, curriculum, and exam dates.
INTRODUCTION
What is HSK Preparation Program?
HSK Preparation Course is suitable for those who plan to take HSK exam soon. HSK certificate is a powerful tool that can help you enter China’s Universities, or get a dream job.
The classes are focused on the HSK texts and tasks to help you prepare and pass the test (HSK1 to HSK6). This program is flexible and you can either choose intensive learning to boost your study, or take part-time classes.
You can also choose to prepare for HSK alone with our private classes, or learn in a small group, sharing a friendly atmosphere with other students. Or take our online Chinese classes.
Apart from helping you with exam preparation, we will also help you with registration, putting together all the documents you need.
GET TO KNOW OUR COURSES
Why choose the HSK Prep Program at That’s Mandarin?

EXPERIENCED TEACHERS
Our full-time native teachers have helped countless students ace their HSK exams.

Online System
You can preview and review your HSK lessons anytime and anywhere with our online platform.

Unique Teaching Methods
We focus not only on the HSK test, but also on your verbal skills.
COMPARISON SUMMARY
HSK levels vs. That’s Mandarin levels
HSK |
TM LEVEL |
LESSONS |
VOCABULARY AMOUNT |
1-ON-1 |
INTENSIVE |
PART-TIME |
VISA POINTS |
HSK 1 |
TM 1 |
16 |
150+ |
32 |
4 weeks |
16 weeks |
1 |
HSK 2 |
TM 2 |
16 |
300+ |
32 |
4 weeks |
16 weeks |
2 |
HSK 3 |
TM 3,4 |
32 |
600+ |
64 |
8 weeks |
32 weeks |
3 |
HSK 4 |
TM 5,6,7,8 |
64 |
1200+ |
128 |
16 weeks |
64 weeks |
4 |
HSK 5 |
CUSTOM |
CUSTOM |
2500+ |
Custom |
– |
– |
5 |
HSK 6 |
CUSTOM |
CUSTOM |
5000+ |
Custom |
– |
– |
5 |
GROUP HSK CLASSES
- Part-time or Intensive classes
- Up to 8 students/class
1-ON-1 PRIVATE HSK CLASSES
- 1-on-1 classes with a private teacher
- Personalized attention
HSK FAQ
UNDERSTAND WHAT THE HSK EXAM IS ABOUT

What is HSK Test?
HSK stands for Hanyu Shuiping Kaoshi (汉语水平考试) or the Chinese proficiency exam. It’s an international standardized exam that evaluates the Chinese language abilities of non-native Chinese speakers. There are 6 HSK levels which determine the different stages of a learner’s fluency in daily, academic or professional application of the Chinese language.

Which HSK Level to take?
Normally if you don’t have a target, we suggest you aim to pass the HSK 4. HSK 1 and HSK 2 are based on survival Chinese; HSK 3 and HSK 4 are focused on topics related to work, life and study; HSK 5 and HSK 6 are geared towards news, movies and more work-related topics. Most Chinese universities and companies require foreign students and staff to get at least HSK 4.
HSK LEVELS
WHICH LEVEL ARE YOU AIMING TO PASS?

HSK 1
Students at this level have had little to no previous experience with Chinese.
Level 1 will begin with essential survival Chinese, immediately applicable to daily life. After the first few classes, students should be able to put together basic sentences on topics such as food, transportation, and shopping.
Students completing this level will have a vocabulary of approximately 150 words.

HSK 2
Students at this level are able to talk about the basic daily life functions in Chinese. Level 2 will focus on sentence structure, retelling basic stories, and some simple grammar.
Students who complete this level should be able to express themselves on a range of everyday topics, such as the weather, their family and life in China.
They should have a vocabulary of approximately 300 words.

HSK 3
Students at this level are able to confidently communicate with native speakers regarding all basic aspects of everyday life in Chinese and can do so with a minimal number of mistakes.
Students will be able to express opinions on simple topics and explain the reasoning behind their opinions.
At this stage, they should be able to use and understand approximately 600 words.

HSK 4
Students at this level should feel comfortable commenting on a wide range of subjects and issues related to life, study, and work, although they may still lack precise vocabulary in some specialized topics.
They should be able to communicate with native Chinese speakers with ease, in daily life or while traveling. They should have a vocabulary of approximately 1200 words.

HSK 5
Students at this level are able to converse at relative fluency on a vast range of topics in their life and in their workplace.
They will be able to use some idiomatic expressions in Chinese exchanges. They should be able to read simple passages in Chinese and understand the content of Chinese films and TV shows, and to use and recognize a vocabulary of approximately 2500 words.

HSK 6
Students at this level will be able to talk about nearly any topic, particularly areas of their specialization, with only minor mistakes or confusion.
They should have strong conversational skills and be able to understand a large portion of the language used in Chinese news, films and TV shows. They should have mastered a vocabulary of approximately 5000 words.
COMPARE
How fast can you prepare for each HSK level?
HSK 1
Aligned with That’s Mandarin’s
Level 1
Number of That’s Mandarin lessons
16
Vocabulary (new words & phrases)
150+
Qualifies for Work Visa points
1
CAN BE COMPLETED WITHIN:
PRIVATE CLASSES
32 classes
INTENSIVE GROUP CLASSES
4 weeks (60 classes)
PART-TIME GROUP CLASSES
16 weeks (64 classes)
HSK 2
Aligned with That’s Mandarin’s
Level 2
Number of That’s Mandarin lessons
16
Vocabulary (new words & phrases)
300+
Qualifies for Work Visa points
2
CAN BE COMPLETED WITHIN:
PRIVATE CLASSES
32 classes
INTENSIVE GROUP CLASSES
4 weeks (60 classes)
PART-TIME GROUP CLASSES
16 weeks (64 classes)
HSK 3
Aligned with That’s Mandarin’s
Level 3,4
Number of That’s Mandarin lessons
32
Vocabulary (new words & phrases)
600+
Qualifies for Work Visa points
3
CAN BE COMPLETED WITHIN:
PRIVATE CLASSES
64 classes
INTENSIVE GROUP CLASSES
8 weeks (120 classes)
PART-TIME GROUP CLASSES
32 weeks (128 classes)
HSK 4
Aligned with That’s Mandarin’s
Level 5,6,7,8
Number of That’s Mandarin lessons
64
Vocabulary (new words & phrases)
1200+
Qualifies for Work Visa points
4
CAN BE COMPLETED WITHIN:
PRIVATE CLASSES
128 classes
INTENSIVE GROUP CLASSES
16 weeks (240 classes)
PART-TIME GROUP CLASSES
64 weeks (256 classes)
HSK 5
Aligned with That’s Mandarin’s
Level 9
Number of That’s Mandarin lessons
CUSTOM
Vocabulary (new words & phrases)
2400+
Qualifies for Work Visa points
5
CAN BE COMPLETED WITHIN:
PRIVATE CLASSES
CUSTOM
HSK 6
Aligned with That’s Mandarin’s
Level 10
Number of That’s Mandarin lessons
CUSTOM
Vocabulary (new words & phrases)
5000+
Qualifies for Work Visa points
5
CAN BE COMPLETED WITHIN:
PRIVATE CLASSES
CUSTOM
THAT’S MANDARIN LEVEL SYSTEM
What is the Level System for Chinese Language Classes?
Our curriculum is in sync with the current HSK level system. Go to That’s Mandarin Level System Page to find out more about our course levels.
SERVICES
Compare That’s Mandarin (TM) to Other Chinese Language Schools

Online learning platform
TM: Free access to our online/ mobile app
Others: No online/mobile platform.

Free beverages
TM: Unlimited coffee and tea
Others: No free beverages.

Technology & school environment
TM: Well-lit, clean modern classrooms equipped with computers.
Others: No computers/high-tech learning aids.

Teachers
TM: Full-time, experienced teachers who completed our training course.
Others: Freelance teachers, often hired with no experience/certification.
Campus Locations
All our campuses are conveniently located downtown, close to the subway and bus stations. Here’s the guide to getting to our campuses in China (Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen).
Application Process
So, you decided to learn Chinese in China with That’s Mandarin? Excellent choice! Now, let’s see what steps you should take next. And don’t worry – we’ll be there with you all the way.