Test Your Chinese Level with a Placement Test

What is a Chinese placement test?

A Chinese placement test is a test you take to determine your current proficiency in Chinese. At Busuu, we teach Mandarin Chinese, so for the purposes of this article, we’ll be focusing on Mandarin.

Placement tests typically assess language speakers on core competencies like vocabulary, conversation skills, speaking, listening, reading, writing and grammar. Placement tests are designed to objectively determine the fluency level of people who have learned Chinese in different ways – like heritage speakers, those who’ve taken formal classes and those who’ve learned informally.

Placements tests are most commonly used by universities and language schools to accurately place language learners in courses that make sense for their fluency level, but they may also be used for work applications, study abroad programs and immigration purposes.

In an educational environment, Chinese placement tests might be used to put you in the right level for Chinese language classes or to determine whether you are fluent enough to take classes that are primarily taught in Chinese. 

Preparation strategies: A practical plan

If you need to take a Mandarin placement exam, you’ll want to prepare so you can put your best foot forward. Since different skills are tested, you’ll want to get a balanced mix of listening, reading, writing and speaking practice.

Study plan by level

Start by determining your current competencies. You can take Busuu’s free placement test anytime to get a sense of your level.

Resources for practice

Once you know your level, use Busuu’s free or Premium plans to work on a mix of skills. You’ll be placed right into the lessons that fit your skills.

Section-specific tips

When you learn with Busuu, you get practical experience across language skills, including reading, writing, listening and speaking.

Who should take a Chinese placement test?

Here are a few types of Chinese speakers that might need to take a Chinese placement test:

• Incoming students

• Transfer students

• Non-native speakers enrolling in Chinese courses

• Native Chinese speakers that need to validate their proficiency for school or work

• Heritage speakers who speak Chinese as a second language with their family but have no formal training

• Adult learners who want to use their Chinese language skills for school or work

Depending on the reason for the placement test and the institution, there may be exemptions for native speakers or those who’ve completed specific coursework (like AP Chinese Language and Culture) or tests like the HSK (Hanyu Shuiping Kaoshi) or ACTFL. 

It’s always a good idea to verify with your school or workplace what their specific requirements are to verify your proficiency level. Some programs may require an HSK or similar formal testing score, some may administer their own tests, and some may accept CEFR-aligned certificates (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages) like the ones offered by Busuu. 

CEFR alignment and course placement levels

Placement tests use rating systems to express a person’s language ability. This is especially important in a language like Mandarin Chinese, where people often learn to speak, read and write at different rates due to the complexity of the writing system. 

Busuu uses the CEFR Chinese levels, which translate into other language rating systems roughly as shown in the table below.

Chinese course placement and proficiency levels