HSK 3.0 Level 4 (new HSK 4): the written paper, part by part

The HSK 3.0 Level 4 written paper has 70 items in about 85 minutes: 32 listening, 32 reading and 6 writing. The worldwide HSK 3.0 launch is 13 December 2026; earlier global trial sittings have already taken place.

Listening · 32 items

• Items 1–14 — short dialogues; choose the correct answer (four options).
• Items 15–32 — longer dialogues and talks; choose the correct answer. One recording usually carries two questions.
• Paper-based sittings add about 5 minutes after listening to fill in the answer sheet.

Reading · 32 items

• Items 33–42 — fill blanks from a word list; each list has one extra word.
• Items 43–57 — read a short text and choose the answer.
• Items 58–64 — insert the right sentences into passages; one sentence does not fit.

Writing · 6 items

• Items 65–69 — look at a picture and write one sentence using the given word.
• Item 70 — a short text of at least 80 characters on a given topic.

Speaking

Speaking is a separate paper (5 tasks, about 20 minutes including preparation). It is not part of the written paper above.

Section timing

Public summaries differ on per-section minutes (for example 20/30/25 vs about 30/35/15 minutes), while agreeing on about 85 minutes in total. Follow the timing your test centre gives you.

Frequently asked

How many questions are on the HSK 3.0 Level 4 written paper?

The public HSK 3.0 Level 4 sample paper has 70 items: 32 listening, 32 reading and 6 writing, taking about 85 minutes including 5 minutes for personal details.

When does HSK 3.0 launch worldwide?

Chinese Testing International announced the worldwide HSK 3.0 launch for 13 December 2026. Global trial sittings were held earlier, including a second trial round on 20 September 2026.

What are the writing tasks in new HSK 4?

Items 65–69 ask you to write one sentence using a given word that matches a picture; item 70 asks for a short text of at least 80 characters on a given topic.

What is the HSK 3.0 Level 4 pass mark?

Check the official score rules for your sitting with your test centre. HSK Sprint mock scores are estimates on a 300-point scale and do not predict official pass marks.

Sources

1. CTI notice: second global HSK 3.0 trial (20 Sep 2026) and level durations
2. Confucius Institute (Hungary): HSK 4 exam 3.0 description
3. SentenceCoach: summary of the CTI sample papers

Checked 12 Nov 2026. 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.