• HSK

HSK (Hanyu Shuiping Kaoshi, translated as the Chinese Proficiency Test) is a standard Chinese language exam for foreigners and overseas Chinese. It is well-known all over the world and uses simplified characters.
HSK includes two independent tests: one focuses on writing, reading and listening, while the other, called HSKK, only focuses on speaking. There are six levels of writing tests, starting from HSK Level 1 to HSK Level 6, and three levels of speaking tests for HSKK (beginner, intermediate and advanced). Test takers’ speeches are recorded during the speaking test.
Regarding the HSK test, you are rated on 200 points for level 1 and 2, and on 300 points for level 3 to 6. A certificate is awarded if you reach an average of 120/200 or 180/300. The HSK exam is quite short compared to other language exams. It lasts between 35 minutes (level 1) and 2h15 minutes (level 6). Many exercises are approximately the same from one level to another (similar instructions). However, progressing to HSK level 6, the sentences become longer, the grammar becomes more complex and the vocabulary is expanded.

• TOCFL

TOCFL (Test of Chinese as a Foreign Language) is Taiwan’s Mandarin test. You have the chance to either choose simplified or traditional characters when registering for the exam.
There are three different types of TOCFL exams: TOCFL Listening & Reading, TOCFL Speaking, and TOCFL Writing. Levels are separated in 3 main “bands”, Band A (beginner), Band B (Intermediate) and Band C (Advanced). Every band is divided into two sublevels, so you can find 6 different levels like in the HSK test.
As with the HSK in China, the TOCFL can be required in some Taiwanese universities and companies, but it is not mandatory when applying for a visa. This “Made in Taiwan” test is the equivalent of HSK in Taiwan, but it is known to be more complicated than the one made in China. Indeed, while the HSK Level 6 requires the knowledge of 5000 words, the advanced level of the TOCFL exam requires the knowledge of 8000!
The TOCFL exam helps foreign students in Taiwan to become eligible for the “Taiwan Scholarship”, as well as the “Ministry of Education Huayu Enrichment Scholarship”. It can be also required when applying for academic programs in Taiwanese colleges and universities.

• DIFFERENCES

HSK is used to apply for scholarships to universities in China, while TOCFL is used for universities in Taiwan. This also applies if you want to apply for jobs to companies in each region.
HSK and TOCFL both are testing 4 language skills. There are listening, reading, writing and speaking, but they are not tested simultaneously. HSK tests listening, reading, and writing skills, while speaking skills are tested separately through HSKK (Hanyu Shuiping Koushi Kaoshi). For TOCFL, the exam is divided into 3 parts which are taken separately, namely TOCFL Listening & Reading, TOCFL Speaking and TOCFL Writing. In addition, HSK only uses simplified Chinese characters, while for TOCFL participants can choose to take the exam with simplified or traditional characters.