HSK purpose?

[deterius]

I see the benifet of doing the HSk for some reasons, but many elude me.

Unless you are applying for a school, is there any reason to do the lower level HSK?

I can see the the highest one can be good, because that can show that you are profficent. But if you are still studing chinese is there a point to stop and try to derail yourslef and study for the lower level HSK tests?

[roddy]

I'm not sure which specific ones you are talking about. The 基础 test is pretty basic, and I don't think it's of much more use than saying 'I have studied a bit of Chinese'. However, if you are new to language learning / haven't taken an exam for a long time / don't have much time before the exam, then it's probably a relatively gentle introduction.

This is particularly useful as the next level, 初中, covers both elementary and intermediate - so it looks pretty intimidating for an elementary student. However, if you can tackle this one I'd recommend you go for it - there are some decent preparation books which will have a positive impact on your Chinese level (just watch you don't neglect your speaking).

高 - advanced - is a much harder exam, and I wouldn't recommend taking it until you've gone through the 初中 exam at least once.

Roddy

[deterius]

So are the lower level tests good to take to get ready for the higher level ones? pretty much?

[roddy]

Yes, but I think that's true for any exam. Basically, just take the exam you think you have a reasonable chance of passing.