Short summary
The official Chinese HSK was updated from version 2.0 to 3.0 in 2025, expanding the HSK levels from 6 to 9 and the total vocabulary from 5,000 to 11,000 terms.
The Chinese HSK 3.0 is the official standard for language proficiency in Mandarin Chinese. The HSK is administered by Chinese Testing International (CTI) under the Chinese Ministry of Education. HSK 3.0 was released in 2025, and the first regular HSK 3.0 exam is on 13 December 2026. [1] Here, we discuss the major changes from version 2.0 to 3.0.
HSK 2.0 vs HSK 3.0 side by side
HSK 3.0 has separate exams for levels 1–6 and one combined exam for levels 7–9, which includes speaking and translation. [3] [4] [5]
| Feature | HSK 2.0 | HSK 3.0 |
|---|---|---|
| Levels | 6 | 9 |
| Words at HSK 1 | 150 | 300 |
| Words at the top level | 5,000 (HSK 6) | 11,000 (HSK 7-9) |
| Writing section | From HSK 3 | From HSK 2 |
| Speaking | A separate exam (HSKK) | Part of HSK 3 to 6 registration, and of HSK 7-9 |
| Translation | None | Into Chinese, at HSK 7-9 |
| Based on | The 2009 HSK syllabus | The 2021 national standard and the 2025 HSK syllabus |
How many more words does each level require?
Every HSK 3.0 level from 1 to 6 needs more words than its HSK 2.0 counterpart, but not evenly: HSK 1 doubles from 150 to 300, while HSK 6 rises only from 5,000 to 5,400. [3] [4]
HSK 2.0 and 3.0 total words per level
What else changes?
- Writing: HSK 2 adds a writing section, and the syllabus lists 1,200 characters to write by hand across all levels. [4] [6]
- Speaking: for HSK 3 to 6 you register for a speaking test together with the written exam. HSK 2.0 had a separate speaking exam, the HSKK. [7]
- Shorter written papers: HSK 3.0 levels 3–6 have fewer written questions, for example 70 instead of 100 at HSK 4. [6] [8]
- Translation: HSK 7–9 adds translation into Chinese. [5]
What happens to your HSK 2.0 certificate?
HSK results stay valid for two years from the exam date during the transition, and each school or employer sets its own requirements. [2] [7] An “HSK 4” means different things under the two versions, so say which version your result is from.
Where can I download the new HSK 3.0 vocabulary?
We've provided interactive browsers and downloads for all of the new HSK word lists.
Sources
- First regular HSK 3.0 exam on 13 December 2026China Scholars Abroad (CLEC announcement), September 2026
- HSK changes: frequently asked questionsConfucius Institute Barcelona, September 2026
- Statement on the new HSK (HSK 2.0 levels and the CEFR)Fachverband Chinesisch, 2010
- HSK Syllabus (HSK 考试大纲)Center for Language Education and Cooperation, November 2025
- HSK (Levels 7–9): exam structure and scoringChinese Testing International
- HSK 3.0 sample papersChinese Testing International, 2026
- HSK notices: HSK 3.0 registration, fees, and resultsChinese Testing International, 2026
- HSK Level 4: test structure and scoring (HSK 2.0)Chinese Testing International