The end of the school year is almost here, and with it, come the official Mandarin Chinese HSK (Hànyǔ Shuǐpíng Kǎoshì) exams – the official proficiency test for foreigners. Today we’ll tell you everything you need to know before you get started.
HSK exam structure by level
All levels include a section on listening comprehension (听力: tīnglì) and reading comprehension (阅读: yuèdú). From HSK3 onwards, there’s an additional section on written expression (书写: shūxiě).
Here is a summary of the structure of each HSK level, including the number of questions, exam duration, and the total score.
| Level | 听力 | 阅读 | 书写 | Duration | Score |
| HSK1 | 20 questions | 20 questions | 40 mins | 200 | |
| HSK2 | 35 questions | 25 questions | 55 mins | 200 | |
| HSK3 | 40 questions | 30 questions | 10 questions | 90 mins | 300 |
| HSK4 | 45 questions | 40 questions | 15 questions | 105 mins | 300 |
| HSK5 | 45 questions | 45 questions | 10 questions | 125 mins | 300 |
| HSK6 | 50 questions | 50 questions | 1 question | 140 mins | 300 |
What’s the minimum score I need to pass the HSK?
For HSK1 and HSK2, the minimum pass score is 120/200.
For HSK3, HSK4, HSK5, and HSK6, the minimum score is 180/300.
However, for this highest level, certain schools or scholarships may only require you to obtain at least 120 points, while others may demand up to 210.
What is the HSKK and how is it related to the HSK?
Currently, when enrolling for an HSK level 3 exam or higher, you must also take the corresponding HSKK exam (Hànyǔ Shuǐpíng Kǒuyǔ Kǎoshì). This is a test of your oral expression 口语 [kǒuyǔ].
If you take the HSK3, you must take the elementary HSKK.
If you take the HSK4, you will need to take the intermediate HSKK.
If you take the HSK5 or HSK6, you will need to take the advanced HSKK.
However, since these are two separate exams, the results you get in one do not affect the other. Meaning, you can pass the HSK and fail the HSKK, or vice versa.
HSK exam formats: paper, computer, or home-based
Post-Covid, there are three ways to take the HSK exam:
- On paper, at an examination center.
- On a computer, at an examination center.
- On a computer, from your home. (Online Home Edition)
This last option is only available on very specific dates and you will need two devices to carry it out: a computer to take the exam, plus a video device angled to face you and the screen you are working on. From this device, an examiner will observe you via video call throughout the entire exam.
Your step-by-step guide to registering for the official HSK exam
To enroll for an exam, you first need to register on the chinesetest.cn website.
Once you log in, you will see the option to "Book a test". From here, you can select the exam level, format, date, and finally, the center where you wish to take the exam. You must then go to your chosen center, where they can provide more information on paying the relevant fees and confirming your enrollment.
On the chinestest.cn website, you will also find relevant information, such as the latest updates on exams, dates, practice tests, and more.
📱 You can prepare your HSK exam with Chinesimple app, download it on Google Play or App Store