HSK 3.0: the complete guide to the new HSK
The new HSK launches worldwide on 13 December 2026. It moves from six levels to three bands and nine levels and tests five skills: listening, speaking, reading, writing and, at the advanced levels, translation. Every figure below comes from documents published on the official Chinese Test Service Website.
Unofficial study site · every figure links to an official source
All nine levels at a glance
| Level | Items | Total time | Sections | New words / cumulative |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HSK 1 | 40 | ~40 min | Listening 20 · Reading 20 | 300 / 300 |
| HSK 2 | 60 | ~60 min | Listening 25 · Reading 25 · Writing 10 | 200 / 500 |
| HSK 3 | 70 | ~83 min | Listening 30 · Reading 30 · Writing 10 | 500 / 1,000 |
| HSK 4 | 70 | ~85 min | Listening 32 · Reading 32 · Writing 6 | 1,000 / 2,000 |
| HSK 5 | 72 | ~110 min | Listening 35 · Reading 35 · Writing 2 | 1,600 / 3,600 |
| HSK 6 | 82 | ~125 min | Listening 40 · Reading 40 · Writing 2 | 1,800 / 5,400 |
| HSK 7–9 | 91 | ~200 min | Listening 40 · Reading 40 · Writing 2 · Translation 4 · Speaking 5 | 5,600 / 11,000 |
Item counts and times are from the cover notes of the official HSK 3.0 sample papers; totals include 5 minutes for personal details (Levels 7–9: about 200 minutes in all). Word counts are taken from the serial numbers in the official syllabus word list.
In this guide
Nine levels, translation at 7–9, new task types, character writing.
Items, time and words, level by level.
300 → 11,000 words; 3,088 recognition characters.
Parts, item numbers and writing lengths.
Deadlines in Beijing time; refund rules.
What is confirmed and what is not yet.
Four weeks to 13 December, by band.
Try each HSK 4 section, with answers.
From characters to 600-character essays.
Levels 3–6 papers and the 7–9 section.
Written translation and interpreting.
What is in the official pack and how to use it.
By level
| Level | Format | Grammar | Topics | Samples |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HSK 1 | Format | Grammar | Topics | Samples |
| HSK 2 | Format | Grammar | Topics | Samples |
| HSK 3 | Format | Grammar | Topics | Samples |
| HSK 4 | Format | Grammar | Topics | Samples |
| HSK 5 | Format | Grammar | Topics | Samples |
| HSK 6 | Format | Grammar | Topics | Samples |
| HSK 7–9 | Format | Grammar | Topics | Samples |
Practical guides
- Test-day checklist and ID rules
- Home online test: rules and equipment
- Reading your score report
- HSK for scholarships and study in China
- HSK 3.0 and HSKK (speaking)
Popular questions
- HSK test dates 2027 (with deadlines and results)
- When HSK results come out and how to check them
- Does an HSK certificate expire? Validity explained
- CSCA: the China Scholastic Competency Assessment (dates, subjects, fees)
- HSK and CEFR: what level is HSK 4, 5 or 6?
- HSK vs TOCFL: which Chinese test to take
- HSK and the China work permit points system
- How long does it take to reach each HSK level?
- HSK levels explained: which level should I take?
- HSK past papers and mock tests: what is official and what is not
- HSK requirements at Peking, Tsinghua, Fudan and Zhejiang universities
- HSKK speaking test: levels, format and pass mark
- YCT (Youth Chinese Test): levels, words and 2026–2027 dates
- HSK 3.0 textbooks: is there an HSK Standard Course 3.0?
- Can you take the HSK online? Home test vs centre test
- BCT Business Chinese Test: levels and 2027 dates
- What is the HSK? The Chinese proficiency test in one page
- How to register for the HSK, step by step (with photo rules)
- Is the HSK worth it? What it gets you, in numbers
- HSK 3 vs HSK 4: is HSK 3 enough?
- HSK registration deadlines: the next ones, and the refund rules behind them
- How to check your HSK score and get the score report
- HSK grammar points by level (from the official 3.0 syllabus)
- HSK listening tips by level, built on the real paper format
- HSK reading tips by level: timing, parts and tactics
- HSK 5 vs HSK 6: the gap, and which one you need
- HSK 6 vs HSK 7–9: what the advanced exam adds
- Is the HSK hard? Difficulty by level, in numbers
- What HSK level is fluent? What the official descriptions say
- Free HSK practice tests and mock exams (official first)
- HSK test in the UK: centres, fees and deadlines
- HSK test in the USA: centres, fees and deadlines
- HSK test in Canada: centres, fees and deadlines
- HSK test in Australia: centres, fees and deadlines
- HSK test in Nepal: centres, fees and deadlines
- HSK test fees by country: what centres actually charge
- How to find an HSK test centre near you
- HSK for kids: YCT or HSK, and what centres charge
- HSK test in Germany: centres, fees and deadlines
- HSK test in France: centres, fees and deadlines
- HSK test in Italy: centres, fees and deadlines
- HSK test in Japan: centres, fees and deadlines
- HSK test in Korea: centres, fees and deadlines
- HSK test in Malaysia: centres, fees and deadlines
- HSK test in Thailand: centres, fees and deadlines
- HSK test in Vietnam: centres, fees and deadlines
- HSK test in Brazil: centres, fees and deadlines
- HSK test in Spain: centres, fees and deadlines
- HSK test in Russia: centres, fees and deadlines
- HSK test in Greece: centres, fees and deadlines
- HSK test in Hungary: centres, fees and deadlines
- When does HSK 3.0 start in my country? (last HSK 2.0 sittings)
- How to prepare for HSK 3 (3.0): pace, timing and a plan
- How to prepare for HSK 4 (3.0): pace, timing and a plan
- How to prepare for HSK 5 (3.0): pace, timing and a plan
- How to prepare for HSK 6 (3.0): pace, timing and a plan
- HSK test in India: centres, fees and deadlines
- HSK test in Austria: centres, fees and deadlines
- HSK test in Colombia: centres, fees and deadlines
- Do I have to take the HSKK speaking test? Rules by country and centre
- What time does the HSK start? Start times by level, and when to arrive
- How to prepare for HSK 1 (3.0): pace, timing and a plan
- How to prepare for HSK 2 (3.0): pace, timing and a plan
- How to prepare for HSK 7–9 (3.0): pace, timing and a plan
- HSK computer-based vs paper-based: deadlines, results and which to choose
- HSK test in Mexico: centres, fees and deadlines
- International Chinese Language Teachers Scholarship (CIS): HSK and HSKK requirements
- HSK 3.0 word count changes: how many words per level vs HSK 2.0
- HSK mock test by level (HSK 3.0): what official mocks exist and how to time each one
- HSK 3.0 handwriting characters: how many per level and where you write them
- Old HSK 2 vs new HSK 2 (2.0 vs 3.0): what changed and how to bridge the gap
- Old HSK 3 vs new HSK 3 (2.0 vs 3.0): what changed and how to bridge the gap
- Old HSK 4 vs new HSK 4 (2.0 vs 3.0): what changed and how to bridge the gap
- Old HSK 5 vs new HSK 5 (2.0 vs 3.0): what changed and how to bridge the gap
- Old HSK 6 vs new HSK 6 (2.0 vs 3.0): what changed and how to bridge the gap
- Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC) without HSK: who is exempt, 2027/2028
- HSK refund, cancellation and deferral rules (official), with dates for the next sittings
- HSK admission ticket: when to print it, what to check, and why you keep it
- HSK test in Singapore: centres, fees and deadlines
- HSK test in Hong Kong: centres, fees and deadlines
- HSK test in Sri Lanka: centres, fees and deadlines
Frequently asked
When does HSK 3.0 start?
The Chinese Test Service Website announced that HSK 3.0 launches worldwide on 13 December 2026. Paper-based registration closes at 24:00 Beijing time on 16 November 2026; computer-based registration closes at 24:00 on 3 December 2026.
How many levels does HSK 3.0 have?
Nine levels in three bands: elementary (1–3), intermediate (4–6) and advanced (7–9). Levels 7–9 are one exam; your result decides which of the three levels you reach.
Are the October and November 2026 sittings still HSK 2.0?
Yes. Test centres relaying the official notice state that the 17 October and 7 November 2026 sittings use HSK 2.0 and HSK 3.0 starts with the 13 December sitting.
Is HSK Sprint the official HSK?
No. HSK Sprint is an independent study site, not affiliated with CLEC, Chinese Testing International or the official HSK. All our practice items are original.
Our HSK 4 papers are original and follow the HSK 3.0 Level 4 written structure (70 items). Instant mock score, section drills, a mistake bank and an 8-item daily set. Not past papers, never recalled papers.
Official sources
- CTI notice: HSK 3.0 officially launched worldwide on 13 Dec 2026 (dates and registration deadlines)
- CLEC WeChat notice (reposted by chisa.edu.cn, 9 Sep 2026)
- Chinese Test Service Website: About the new HSK
- Official new HSK syllabus (CLEC, published 2025-11, in force 2026-07), PDF
- Official HSK 3.0 sample paper pack (written + speaking papers, answers, audio), ZIP
- Official HSK 3.0 ability descriptions, PDF
Checked 2026-11-13. HSK Sprint is an independent study service, not affiliated with or endorsed by the Center for Language Education and Cooperation (CLEC / 语合中心), Chinese Testing International or the official HSK. All papers and audio are original. Always confirm details with chinesetest.cn and your test centre.