The HSK home online test: rules and equipment
Important: these requirements come from CTI home-test documents published in 2020–2021. As of 2026-11-13 we found no official statement on whether the 13 December HSK 3.0 sitting is offered at home, nor updated 3.0 equipment rules. Filter for the home option on chinesetest.cn and ask your test centre before registering.
Unofficial study site · every figure links to an official source
Equipment
- Computer: Windows 7/10 (the notice advises against Macs); 1440×900 recommended, 1366×768 minimum. Phones and tablets cannot be used to answer.
- Camera: HD, over 0.3 megapixels, in a well-lit room.
- Network: 20 Mbps bandwidth and at least 150 KB/s (the 2020 guide said 100 KB/s).
- Headphones: clear, well insulated; with a microphone for speaking.
- Second camera: a phone or tablet about 1 m behind you to the left or right, showing your screen and you; on Wi-Fi with flight mode on, fully charged.
Room and conduct
- A safe, closed, quiet room — not a park, internet café or restaurant.
- Nobody may enter or leave during the test; no prohibited items in the room.
- No paper notes and no recording of items.
- Before the test the proctor checks the room in 360°; keep your head and shoulders in frame throughout (special-session rules).
- Late because of your own device or network: no extra time, no re-sit.
- No cross-border registration: on test day you must be in the country of the centre you registered with.
Frequently asked
Can I use a Mac for the HSK home test?
CTI’s 2021 notice says the test system does not support macOS and advises against Macs. Ask your centre whether this changes for 3.0.
Is there a home option for HSK 3.0 on 13 December?
As of 2026-11-13 we found no official statement. Filter by country in the registration system to check.
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
- CTI notice on HSK/HSKK home online tests in mainland China (29 Jan 2021): equipment and room rules
- CTI: Online Chinese Test (Home Edition) HSK and HSKK — candidate guide (2020), PDF
- CTI: home online test (special session) candidate rules, PDF
- Chinese Test Service Website: information for candidates (registration, refunds, results)
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.