HSK (汉语水平考试) is the Chinese proficiency test run by Chinese Testing International (chinesetest.cn). In the regular HSK 1-6, levels 1 and 2 have Listening and Reading (200 points, pass at 120), and from HSK 3 Writing is added (300 points). Vocabulary needed: HSK 1 - 150 words, HSK 2 - 300, HSK 3 - 600, HSK 4 - 1,200, HSK 5 - 2,500, HSK 6 - over 5,000. Results are valid for 2 years.
The 6 levels in one table
The time includes transferring Listening answers to the answer sheet (3 minutes in HSK 1-2, 5 minutes in HSK 3-6) and 5 minutes for personal details.
| Level | Listening | Reading | Writing | Questions | Time | Points | Words |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HSK 1 | 20 | 20 | - | 40 | ≈40 min | 200 | 150 |
| HSK 2 | 35 | 25 | - | 60 | ≈55 min | 200 | 300 |
| HSK 3 | 40 | 30 | 10 | 80 | ≈90 min | 300 | 600 |
| HSK 4 | 45 | 40 | 15 | 100 | ≈105 min | 300 | 1,200 |
| HSK 5 | 45 | 45 | 10 | 100 | ≈125 min | 300 | 2,500 |
| HSK 6 | 50 | 50 | 1 | 101 | ≈140 min | 300 | 5,000+ |
Scores and pass marks
- Each section is worth 100 points: 200 in total for HSK 1-2, 300 for HSK 3-6.
- HSK 1-2: pass at 120 of 200. HSK 3-4: pass at 180 of 300.
- The pass is based on the total: there is no minimum per section.
- CTI's level pages do not state a pass mark for HSK 5-6. Check the score a university or scholarship requires on its official page.
HSK 1-2: beginner, with pinyin
In HSK 1 and 2 every text comes with pinyin, so you can sit them before you read characters well. There is no Writing section.
- HSK 1 Reading (20 questions, 17 minutes): does the word match the picture (✓ / ✗), the picture for a sentence, the reply to a question, a word for the blank.
- HSK 2 Reading (25 questions, 22 minutes): the picture for a sentence, a word for the blank, a sentence and a statement (✓ / ✗), matching replies.
HSK 3-4: intermediate
From HSK 3 there is no pinyin - everything is in characters. Writing is added.
- HSK 3 Reading (30 questions, 30 minutes): matching replies, a word for the blank, a short text and a question.
- HSK 4 Reading (40 questions, 40 minutes): a word for the blank, ordering three sentences, questions on short and medium texts.
- Writing: HSK 3 has 10 tasks, HSK 4 has 15.
HSK 5-6: advanced
- HSK 5 Reading (45 questions, 45 minutes): blanks in passages, the sentence that matches a short text, five texts × 4 questions. Writing has 10 tasks.
- HSK 6 Reading (50 questions, 50 minutes): spot the faulty sentence among four (语病), word sets for blanks, sentences into a passage, five texts × 4 questions.
- HSK 6 Writing is one task, 45 minutes.
- At these levels the right answer rarely copies the text word for word - recognising synonyms and paraphrase matters.
HSK 3.0: what is changing
A new standard - "three stages, nine levels" (三等九级) - took effect on 1 July 2021, and the HSK 7-9 exam has been held separately since March 2022. In November 2025 CTI announced a new syllabus for HSK 1-6, to be introduced from July 2026, and trial exams in the new format have been held.
Regular HSK 1-6 sessions currently follow the structure above (HSK 2.0). When you register, check which format your session uses on chinesetest.cn.
Choosing a level and preparing
- Pick the level by vocabulary: if you know about 1,200 words, for example, preparing for HSK 4 makes sense.
- Learn each word with its character, pinyin and meaning; from HSK 3 there is no pinyin.
- Reading is tight on time: in HSK 4-6 it is about a minute per question - build reading speed every day.
- After each practice, log your mistakes by type: vocabulary, grammar or comprehension.
- Check dates, test centers and fees only on the official site.
Frequently asked questions
- Do I have to start at HSK 1? No, go straight to the level that matches what you know.
- Do I need characters for HSK 1-2? The texts come with pinyin, but recognising characters makes you faster.
- What is HSK 7-9? A separate exam for the top levels under the HSK 3.0 standard, held since 2022.
- Does Trylab have Listening and Writing? For now the Reading section is available in the real format; Listening comes with Chinese audio, Writing later.
