TOCFL vs HSK: Differences, Levels, and Which Chinese Test to Take

Key takeaways

• HSK is mainland China’s official Chinese proficiency test; TOCFL is Taiwan’s equivalent.
• The two tests use different scripts: HSK uses simplified Chinese characters; TOCFL uses traditional Chinese characters.
• At the intermediate-advanced levels, the tests differ significantly in vocabulary, grammar focus, and cultural content.
• HSK is more widely recognized internationally; TOCFL is more relevant if you are studying, working, or applying to universities in Taiwan.
• Which test to take depends on your goals: mainland China, Taiwan, or general Chinese proficiency certification.

You have been studying Mandarin Chinese and you are ready to certify your level. But a quick search turns up two major tests, HSK and TOCFL, and it is not immediately clear which one you should take or how they compare.

The answer depends on where you learned Chinese, which variety you are studying, and where you plan to use your certificate.

italki operates across 150+ languages with more than 30,000 tutors, giving you access to Chinese teachers who guide you toward the right exam. This guide breaks down the TOCFL and HSK side by side: what each test measures, how their levels compare, which one is recognized where, and how to choose the right exam for your goals.

What is HSK?

HSK stands for Hanyu Shuiping Kaoshi (Chinese Proficiency Test). It is the official standardized test of Chinese as a foreign language administered by Hanban/China International Chinese Education Foundation, affiliated with the Chinese Ministry of Education. HSK is the most widely taken Chinese proficiency test in the world. Its certificates are accepted by hundreds of universities in China for admission and are increasingly recognized by employers and institutions internationally.

HSK versions

The original HSK (2010 version) has 6 levels. In 2021, China introduced a revised HSK with 9 levels. As of the time of writing, both versions are in use. This guide primarily uses the 6-level system since it remains the more widely recognized benchmark.

Script used

HSK uses simplified Chinese characters (used in mainland China).

Understand the structure and scoring of HSK with a Chinese tutor from mainland China who teaches the exam regularly.

What is TOCFL?

TOCFL stands for Test of Chinese as a Foreign Language. It is the official Chinese proficiency test administered by the Taiwan government through the National Taiwan Normal University. TOCFL is the primary certification for Chinese proficiency recognized by Taiwan’s universities, businesses, and government institutions.

Script used

TOCFL uses traditional Chinese characters (used in Taiwan, Hong Kong, and many overseas Chinese communities).

Level comparison: HSK vs TOCFL

CEFR Level	HSK (6-level)	HSK (9-level)	TOCFL
A1	HSK 1	HSK 1	Band A, Level 1 (Novice)
A2	HSK 2	HSK 2	Band A, Level 2
B1	HSK 3	HSK 3-4	Band B, Level 3 (Intermediate)
B2	HSK 4	HSK 5-6	Band B, Level 4
C1	HSK 5	HSK 7-8	Band C, Level 5 (Advanced)
C2	HSK 6	HSK 9	Band C, Level 6 (Mastery)

This table is approximate, and exact equivalence between the systems is debated. TOCFL tends to be considered slightly harder than HSK at equivalent levels, partly because traditional characters require more memorization effort for most learners.

Vocabulary requirements

Level	HSK (6-level) vocabulary words	TOCFL vocabulary words
Beginner	HSK 1: 150 / HSK 2: 300	Level 1: 500 / Level 2: 1,000
Intermediate	HSK 3: 600 / HSK 4: 1,200	Level 3: 2,500 / Level 4: 5,000
Advanced	HSK 5: 2,500 / HSK 6: 5,000+	Level 5: 8,000 / Level 6: 10,000+

The guide to HSK 1 vocabulary is a good starting point if you are beginning your Chinese journey toward HSK, and HSK 3 vocabulary gives you the intermediate vocabulary list for that benchmark level.

Build vocabulary systematically with Chinese language tutors who tailor their teaching to your target exam’s vocabulary focus.

Key differences between HSK and TOCFL

Feature	HSK	TOCFL
Administering country	China (mainland)	Taiwan
Script	Simplified Chinese	Traditional Chinese
Pronunciation standard	Mandarin (pinyin-based)	Mandarin (zhuyin/pinyin)
Vocabulary source	Mainland Chinese usage	Taiwanese Mandarin
International recognition	Very wide (150+ countries)	Primarily Taiwan, growing
University applications	China + some international	Taiwan universities
Speaking/writing tested	Separate HSKK and HSK Writing exams	Integrated in TOCFL

One practical difference: TOCFL integrates all four skills (reading, listening, speaking, writing) within its test structure. Standard HSK only tests reading and listening; speaking and writing are separate exams.

Which test should you take?

Take HSK if you are

planning to study at a university in mainland China; applying for a job with a Chinese company based in mainland China; seeking international recognition of Chinese proficiency; learning simplified Chinese characters.

Take TOCFL if you are

applying to a university in Taiwan; working with Taiwanese businesses or organizations; planning to live or work in Taiwan long-term; learning traditional Chinese characters.

If your goal is general Chinese proficiency certification (for a resume, for personal achievement, or for an employer not specifically in China or Taiwan), HSK is the safer choice due to wider international recognition.

Choosing the right exam is simple once you know your goals. The harder question, which comes later, is how to build the Chinese you need to score well at your target level.

With over 15 years of experience connecting learners to qualified teachers, italki has helped students in 190+ countries achieve their language learning goals. Book a trial lesson on italki today.

FAQ

Is TOCFL or HSK harder?

TOCFL is generally considered slightly harder than HSK at equivalent levels, partly because traditional characters require more memorization and partly because TOCFL integrates all four skills (including speaking and writing) within its main test. HSK’s standard test focuses only on reading and listening. At the highest levels, both tests demand genuine near-native proficiency.

Can I take both HSK and TOCFL?

Yes. Some learners take both to maximize the scope of their Chinese certification, passing HSK 5 and TOCFL Level 4, for example, which demonstrates proficiency with both simplified and traditional characters. This is most useful if your plans involve both mainland China and Taiwan.

Is HSK recognized in Taiwan and TOCFL recognized in mainland China?

Generally, neither test is the primary benchmark in the other’s territory. Taiwanese universities use TOCFL for Chinese proficiency requirements; mainland Chinese universities use HSK. If you are unsure which test a specific institution recognizes, check directly with the admissions or HR department before committing to one exam.