HSK 3.0 is the new version of the HSK, China’s official exam of Mandarin Chinese for non-native speakers. It replaces the six-level HSK 2.0 with nine levels in three stages, based on China’s 2021 national standard for Chinese proficiency. [3] [6]
When does HSK 3.0 start?
The first regular HSK 3.0 exam has been scheduled for December 13, 2026. Registration closes on November 16 for paper tests and on December 3 for online tests, Beijing time. [1] Some earlier sittings still use HSK 2.0, such as the Confucius Institute Barcelona’s exams on October 17 and November 7, 2026. [2]
How many words does each level need?
The 2025 syllabus sets a vocabulary for each level that builds on the levels below it, from 300 words at HSK 1 to 11,000 for HSK 7–9. [4]
Words to know at each HSK 3.0 level
The final three levels (7-9) are combined into one exam, and your score decides which of the three levels you reach. [7] Generally speaking, HSK Levels 1-2 are beginner, 3-4 intermediate, 5-6 advanced, and 7-9 upper advanced to fluency. For more detail on the levels, see HSK levels explained.
Exam format by level
The sample exams run from about 40 minutes at HSK 1 to about 210 minutes for HSK 7–9. [5] [7]
| Level | Sections | Questions | Time | Speaking test |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HSK 1 | Listening, reading | 40 | ~40 min | — |
| HSK 2 | Listening, reading, writing | 60 | ~60 min | — |
| HSK 3 | Listening, reading, writing | 70 | ~83 min | 15 questions, ~15 min |
| HSK 4 | Listening, reading, writing | 70 | ~85 min | 5 questions, ~20 min |
| HSK 5 | Listening, reading, writing | 72 | ~110 min | 5 questions, ~23 min |
| HSK 6 | Listening, reading, writing | 82 | ~125 min | 5 questions, ~23 min |
| HSK 7-9 | Listening, reading, writing, translation, speaking | 98 | ~210 min | Included [7] |
Writing now starts at HSK 2. For HSK 3 to 6 you register for a speaking test together with the written exam, where HSK 2.0 had a separate speaking exam, the HSKK. HSK 7–9 adds translation into Chinese and is internet-based only. [6] [7]
Registration, fees, and results
You can register for the HSK 3.0 exam at chinesetest.cn.
Fees vary by test center, so check yours when you register. [6] At Middle Tennessee State University’s test center in the US, for example, the written exams cost $25 for HSK 1 up to $75 for HSK 6, and the speaking tests $25 to $45. [8] Total exam costs may look something like this: [6] [8]
| Level | Written exam | Speaking test | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| HSK 1 | $25 | — | $25 |
| HSK 2 | $35 | — | $35 |
| HSK 3 | $45 | $25 | $70 |
| HSK 4 | $55 | $35 | $90 |
| HSK 5 | $65 | $45 | $110 |
| HSK 6 | $75 | $45 | $120 |
Note that fees may vary in the future and based on your chosen exam center.
How long are HSK test results valid for?
HSK results are valid for two years from the exam date. [2] [6]
How is HSK 3.0 graded?
As of October 2026, no official scoring system has been published yet for HSK 1–6.
How should you prepare?
The best official resource is CTI’s syllabus page. [5] As you progress, upper levels involve additional capabilities.
HSK 1 starts with listening and reading only, and includes pinyin with the characters. HSK 2 adds character writing to this. For HSK 3, writing sentences and speaking are included, which are both expanded in HSK 4. At HSK 5, you have to write two essays: a story of at least 100 characters based on four pictures and an essay of at least 200 characters set on a topic. [5]
For vocabulary, HSK 3.0 downloads has every level’s word list as PDF, CSV, and Anki files. To start at the beginning, see HSK 1 vocabulary list.
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
- Chinese Proficiency Grading Standards for International Chinese Language Education (GF 0025—2021)Ministry of Education and State Language Commission of China, 2021
- HSK Syllabus (HSK 考试大纲)Center for Language Education and Cooperation, November 2025
- HSK 3.0 sample papersChinese Testing International, 2026
- HSK notices: second HSK 3.0 pilot exam, registration, fees, and resultsChinese Testing International, 2026
- HSK (Levels 7–9): exam structure and scoringChinese Testing International
- HSK test at the Center for Asian StudiesMiddle Tennessee State University