Beginner · HSK 1–3
Basic communication for everyday life.
HSK 3.0 guide
About HSK 3.0
A short guide to the newest HSK: its levels, the skills tested, vocabulary and exam format.
Level structure
9 levels in 3 stages
HSK (Hanyu Shuiping Kaoshi) is the international standard test of Mandarin proficiency for non-native speakers. HSK 3.0 is its newest version.
Intermediate · HSK 4–6
Practical language for study, work and daily life.
Advanced · HSK 7–9
Professional and academic language. Levels 7 to 9 share one exam, and the result places the candidate at level 7, 8 or 9.
What is tested
More integrated language skills
HSK 3.0 assesses language ability more fully, with an emphasis on real communication in study, work and social life.
- Listening
- Reading
- Writing
- Speaking
- Translation (advanced stage)
Comparison
HSK 2.0 and HSK 3.0
HSK 3.0 has more vocabulary at every level, while the intermediate levels have fewer questions.
| Level | Vocabulary | Questions | Duration (minutes) | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0 | 3.0 | 2.0 | 3.0 | 2.0 | 3.0 | |
| HSK 1 | 150 | 300 | 40 | 40 | ±40 | ±40 |
| HSK 2 | 300 | 500 | 60 | 60 | ±55 | ±60 |
| HSK 3 | 600 | 1,000 | 80 | 70 | ±90 | ±83 |
| HSK 4 | 1,200 | 2,000 | 100 | 70 | ±105 | ±85 |
| HSK 5 | 2,500 | 3,600 | 100 | 72 | ±125 | ±110 |
| HSK 6 | 5,000 | 5,400 | 101 | 82 | ±140 | ±125 |
HSK 7–9 in HSK 3.0: about 11,000 words, 91 questions, about 210 minutes.
Exam format
Exam format by level
HSK 1
| Section | Questions | Minutes |
|---|---|---|
| Listening | 20 | ±12 |
| Reading | 20 | ±20 |
| Total | 40 | ±40 |
HSK 2
| Section | Questions | Minutes |
|---|---|---|
| Listening | 25 | ±17 |
| Reading | 25 | ±25 |
| Writing | 10 | ±10 |
| Total | 60 | ±60 |
HSK 3
| Section | Questions | Minutes |
|---|---|---|
| Listening | 30 | ±23 |
| Reading | 30 | ±30 |
| Writing | 10 | ±20 |
| Total | 70 | ±83 |
HSK 4
| Section | Questions | Minutes |
|---|---|---|
| Listening | 32 | ±20 |
| Reading | 32 | ±30 |
| Writing | 6 | ±25 |
| Total | 70 | ±85 |
HSK 5
| Section | Questions | Minutes |
|---|---|---|
| Listening | 35 | ±25 |
| Reading | 35 | ±35 |
| Writing | 2 | ±40 |
| Total | 72 | ±110 |
HSK 6
| Section | Questions | Minutes |
|---|---|---|
| Listening | 40 | ±30 |
| Reading | 40 | ±40 |
| Writing | 2 | ±45 |
| Total | 82 | ±125 |
Word counts follow the official HSK syllabus. Durations are approximate and the exam format may change; see chinesetest.cn for the latest information.
Common questions
Is HSK 3.0 harder than HSK 2.0?
Generally yes, especially at the lower levels, because the required vocabulary is larger. The levels are also more evenly spaced, which helps students build a steady foundation.
How long is an HSK certificate valid?
Two years from the exam date.
Where can I see the exam schedule?
Upcoming test dates are listed on our Announcement page.
Ready to prepare for HSK?
Tell us your target level on WhatsApp, and we will help suggest a suitable class.
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