HSK 3.0 exam format, every level
Each level has its own detailed page; this is the one-page overview.
Unofficial study site · every figure links to an official source
| 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.
Writing lengths
| Level | Writing tasks |
|---|---|
| 1 | No writing section |
| 2 | 51–55: Character writing part 1: complete characters by choosing the missing component (the sample shows radicals such as 子 and 氵) 56–60: Character writing part 2: write the character for the pinyin shown in a sentence |
| 3 | 61–65: Writing part 1: write the character for the pinyin given in a sentence 66–70: Writing part 2: write a sentence about a picture using a given word |
| 4 | 65–69: Writing part 1: look at the picture, make a sentence with the given word 70: Writing part 2: a short text of at least 80 characters (the sample: your most memorable trip) |
| 5 | 71: Writing: a story from four pictures, at least 100 characters 72: Writing: topic essay, at least 200 characters |
| 6 | 81: Writing: a practical text of at least 150 characters (the sample: an online notice looking for a flatmate) 82: Writing: topic essay, at least 300 characters |
| 7–9 | 81: Writing: describe and analyse a chart, at least 200 characters, 15 minutes 82: Writing: argumentative essay, at least 600 characters, 40 minutes |
Speaking papers (Levels 3–6)
| Level | Items / time | Parts |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | 15 · ~15 min | Repeat what you hear ×8 · Describe a picture ×5 · Answer questions ×2 |
| 4 | 5 · ~20 min | Listen and retell ×2 · Describe a picture ×1 · Answer questions ×2 |
| 5 | 5 · ~23 min | Listen and retell ×2 · Describe a picture ×1 · Answer questions ×2 |
| 6 | 5 · ~23 min | Listen and retell ×2 · Describe a picture ×1 · Answer questions ×2 |
Frequently asked
Where can I try official HSK 3.0 sample papers?
The HSK 3.0 entry on chinesetest.cn has a sample-pack download and a try-the-test system.
How long is the HSK 3.0 Levels 7–9 exam?
The official sample: 91 items in five sections, about 200 minutes in all.
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.
Keep reading
Official sources
- Official HSK 3.0 sample paper pack (written + speaking papers, answers, audio), ZIP
- Chinese Test Service Website: About the new HSK
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.