Take the TOCFL if you want to study, get a scholarship, or work in Taiwan. Take the HSK if you are going to mainland China. Universities in Taiwan, Ministry of Education scholarships, and the work permit points system for foreign graduates all ask for the TOCFL.
In Taiwan, the TOCFL is the test that matters. If you are not sure yet, take the TOCFL and learn Traditional characters. If you can read Traditional, Simplified is easy to learn. Going the other way is harder.
The two tests side by side
| TOCFL | HSK | |
|---|---|---|
| Run by | Steering Committee for the Test of Proficiency–Huayu (SC-TOP), under Taiwan's Ministry of Education | Chinese Testing International (CTI), mainland China |
| Main use | Study, scholarships, and jobs in Taiwan | Study, scholarships, and jobs in mainland China |
| Levels | Level 1–6 in three bands (A, B, C), matched to CEFR A1–C2 | Six levels, changing to nine levels ("HSK 3.0") |
| Listening & reading | In Taiwan: one computer test for all levels, and your score decides your level. Many test sites outside Taiwan: one test for each band (A, B, or C) | You sign up for one level |
| Speaking & writing | Separate tests. You sign up for one band (A, B, or C) | Separate speaking test (HSKK). Writing is part of the higher levels |
| Characters | Traditional or Simplified | Simplified |
| Fee in Taiwan (2026–2027) | NT$2,000 for listening & reading; NT$1,400 each for speaking or writing | Set by each test center |
When to take the TOCFL
In Taiwan, these rules ask for a TOCFL level:
- University admission. Programs taught in Chinese must ask for a Chinese level. The lowest level they can ask for is TOCFL Level 2 (A2). See SC-TOP's study in Taiwan page.
- Scholarships. The Huayu Enrichment Scholarship and the MOE Taiwan Scholarship (for programs not taught in English) ask for TOCFL Level 3 (進階級). The MOFA Taiwan Scholarship asks for Level 2 in listening and reading. See SC-TOP's scholarship page.
- Working in Taiwan after you graduate. Foreign graduates need 70 points to get a work permit. TOCFL Level 3 gives 20 points, Level 4 gives 25, and Level 5 gives 30. Check your points with the self-check tool from the Workforce Development Agency.
Some of these rules also accept other proof, such as course grades or hours of study. But the TOCFL is the easiest way to show your level, and every office accepts it.
When to take the HSK
Take the HSK if your school, scholarship, or job is in mainland China, or if a job ad asks for the HSK. The HSK levels are changing, so ask your test center which version your test uses.
If you are not sure which one to take
Learn Traditional characters and take the TOCFL. Most Simplified characters are shorter forms of Traditional ones. If you can read Traditional, you can usually read Simplified after a short time:
Going from Simplified to Traditional is harder. You have to learn more strokes and parts. Also, one Simplified character is sometimes used for two different Traditional characters, so you have to learn which one each word uses:
Traditional characters are also used in Taiwan, Hong Kong, and many older books.
How the TOCFL is different on test day
People who have taken both tests often say three things are different on the TOCFL:
- The listening and reading test changes with your answers. The computer chooses the next question based on your last answers. You cannot go back and change an answer. Each section ends after about 25–40 questions. (SC-TOP, question types)
- The audio uses Taiwanese Mandarin. The words and accent are the ones people use every day in Taiwan. If you only studied with mainland materials, practice with Taiwanese audio.
- Reading time is short. You get about 35 reading questions in 60 minutes, including ads, notices, and letters. Reading fast is as important as knowing words.
Can you change an HSK level into a TOCFL level?
Not officially. Both tests match their levels to the CEFR, so your HSK level gives you a rough idea of your TOCFL level. But offices in Taiwan that ask for a TOCFL level want a TOCFL score report. They usually do not accept an HSK report, unless their rules say so.
FAQ
Does Taiwan accept the HSK?
The government rules above ask for the TOCFL. Some schools or employers may accept other proof. Ask them first.
Is the TOCFL harder than the HSK?
At the same CEFR level, many learners find the TOCFL harder. The main reasons are the long listening parts and the short reading time.
Can I take the TOCFL in Simplified characters?
Yes. There is a Simplified version. But people in Taiwan use Traditional characters every day, so learning them helps if you plan to live there.
Do I need to choose a level before the TOCFL?
For listening and reading in Taiwan, no. One computer test covers all levels. Many test sites outside Taiwan still have one test for each band, so you choose Band A, B, or C there. For speaking and writing, you always choose a band (A, B, or C).