Mandarin Language Test

Mandarin language tests help efficiently assess a candidate's level of proficiency in reading and writing in Mandarin.

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What is a Mandarin language test?

Mandarin is considered one of the top business languages in the world. As such, a Mandarin proficiency test could be useful in the hiring process to assess candidates' fluency.

A Mandarin language test is a quick and simple way to test how well someone might perform in a role where Mandarin is required.

The test objectively evaluates a candidate's proficiency in reading and writing in Mandarin. The test assesses grammar and vocabulary, comprehension, sentence structure, and understanding of nuances in everyday speech to determine someone’s level of fluency.

About the Mandarin Language Test

Mandarin is one of the many dialects of Chinese, spoken across the majority of northern and southwestern China. It is spoken by 730 million people and is the official language of Mainland China, Taiwan and Singapore.

A Mandarin test is useful in the hiring process to assess candidates' fluency in this language, should it be a prerequisite for the role.

Sample Mandarin Language Test question Test your knowledge!

请选出正确答案。 上次香山已经是 5 年前的事了,当时我还在北京上大学。记得那时候正好是春天,山上的草都刚刚变绿,景色非常美。 上次爬山时,他:

  • 感冒了
  • 在放暑假
  • 在读书
  • 天气很冷

Why should you use a Mandarin language test for recruiting?

Recruiters and hiring managers want to source the most qualified candidates, but can often have a hard time determining the precise level of fluency a candidate has in a language. This is particularly true if they do not speak the language to a high level themselves.

Some companies may receive hundreds of applicants with a seemingly similar level of proficiency in Mandarin, so how can you determine the strongest candidates?

A Mandarin language test helps solve this problem with a fair and accurate way to assess a candidate's linguistic proficiency. The test can be administered to a large pool of candidates, providing comparative data which can then be used in the shortlisting process.

The test assesses candidates on basic grammar, reading comprehension, and formal idioms, which allows recruiters and hiring managers to see who best understands the language overall.

The highest-performing candidates can then be advanced to the next stage, while those who did not meet the required level of proficiency are eliminated. This makes for a much more efficient hiring process, where only the most qualified candidates are shortlisted.

Job roles for which Mandarin proficiency might be a prerequisite include:

  • Business & sales staff
  • Teachers & educators
  • Language instructors
  • Interpreters & translators
  • Healthcare practitioners
  • Flight attendants

The test does not require any other knowledge except language proficiency, making it general enough to be used for any position that requires Mandarin. The questions are presented in a multiple-choice format, which most candidates are familiar with, and allows for quick, objective grading.

View a sample report

Results for the Mandarin Language Test along with other assessments the candidate takes will be compiled to produce a candidate report.

The report is automatically generated and available both online and as a downloadable pdf so they can be shared with other team members and employees alike.

App screenshot

How our test assesses Mandarin language skills

In Neuroworx’s Mandarin language test, candidates will need to answer a range of questions covering grammar, spelling, vocabulary, common phrases, and reading comprehension. This assessment is in line with HSK 4 and 5.

The level of proficiency this assessment targets is equivalent to B2 Upper Intermediate on the Common European Framework, with some questions in the B1 Intermediate level and some in the C1 Advanced level.

The multiple-choice questions consist of one correct answer, and two to four other possible responses, which are called distractors. Distractors are common mistakes or misconceptions, and enhance the question’s ability to accurately measure a candidate’s proficiency.

This test was written, examined and revised by Mandarin language and psychometric experts, and field-tested with a representative sample of job applicants, who have varying degrees of fluency, just like you might find in a talent pool.

We rigorously reviewed and analysed the test during the development process to maximise its reliability and validity, in line with industry best practices.

In other words, this test empirically demonstrates consistency and measures the language as intended. Raw scores are provided, which are compared across candidates to see how they perform relative to one another.

This test has been reviewed by a panel of individuals representing diverse backgrounds to check for any sensitivity, fairness, face validity and accessibility issues to maximise the candidate’s experience. This ensures each candidate has a fair chance of demonstrating their true level of Mandarin proficiency and feels the test is reasonable.

We also continually monitor and analyse this test to check for fairness issues and to optimise performance.

Our test platform

Our platform offers an extensive library of hundreds of tests, giving you the flexibility to select and combine them in any way that suits your hiring needs. From understanding specific role requirements to assessing general cognitive abilities, our diverse library ensures you can tailor your assessment process precisely.

Multi-format.
Our test questions come in various formats, including multiple-choice, true and false, ranking and situational judgment, all ensuring comprehensive candidate assessment.
Role-specific simulations.
Experience real-world scenarios with our role-specific simulations, providing accurate insights into candidates' performance, readiness and fit for the position.
Adaptive scoring.
Our adaptive scoring system evaluates responses in real-time, by adjusting to the candidate's ability level, enhancing accuracy and reliability.

Curated by our
team of experts

Expert 1 Expert 2 Expert 3

Scientifically validated by psychometric specialists

  • Our team of assessment experts is made up of I/O psychologists, psychometricians, and subject matter experts who work closely together to ensure each test is accurate and reliable.
  • Our subject matter experts are rigorously vetted and typically have several years of experience working in their industries and hold advanced credentials.

Frequently asked questions

What level of Mandarin is considered fluent?

You might typically expect a candidate who is fluent to be able to read and recognize commonly used Mandarin characters, and understand key vocabulary and grammar structures to an intermediate level. They should also be able to comprehend topics related to contemporary issues in Chinese society, as well as know the difference between spoken and written Mandarin.

How does a Mandarin test determine a candidate's level of fluency?

There are four core language skills when assessing language fluency: listening, speaking, reading and writing. To be considered fluent a candidate must be proficient in each one of them. Based on the specific role you’re looking to fill, some of them might be more important to you than others.

What is the cost for Neuroworx's Mandarin language test?

Neuroworx operates on a monthly or annual subscription basis. We have several plans to suit your hiring needs, which you can check out here. Alternatively, you can get in touch with us to discuss a custom plan.

Can I get a free trial?

Yes. Simply sign up (no credit card required), and we'll give you a free 7 day trial. You will have unlimited access to create as many jobs and test as many candidates as you want; you won't be charged a penny.

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