When HSK 3.0 starts where you are
CTI's notice sets 13 Dec 2026 as the worldwide launch. What centres say about their own last 2.0 and first 3.0 sittings (read 2026-11-13):
Unofficial study site · every figure links to an official source
| Where | Last HSK 2.0 | First HSK 3.0 | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Japan (national) | 13 Dec 2026 is before the switch | January 2027 exams | centre page |
| France — Montpellier | 6 Dec 2026 | from 13 Dec 2026 | centre page |
| France — Pau | — | 13 Dec 2026 (HSK 2, HSK 3) | centre page |
| Germany — Frankfurt | 7 Nov 2026 (Frankfurt) | 13 Dec 2026 (Kassel) | centre page |
| Germany — Paderborn, Heidelberg, Hannover | Paderborn: 2.0 no longer offered | 13 Dec 2026 | centre page |
| Hungary — Debrecen | 7 Nov 2026 | 13 Dec 2026 | centre page |
| Spain — Barcelona | 17 Oct and 7 Nov 2026 stay 2.0 | No Dec 2026 sitting listed; next written HSK 19 Jun 2027 | centre page |
| Italy — Macerata | — | Sat 12 Dec 2026 (booked as 13 Dec) | centre page |
| Greece — Athens | — | 13 Dec 2026 | centre page |
| Russia — Novosibirsk | — | 13 Dec 2026 ("everywhere in the new 3.0 format") | centre page |
| Malaysia — HSK IBT centre | 2.0 ends December 2026 | 13 Dec 2026 (computer) | centre page |
| Thailand — Assumption University | — | 13 Dec 2026 (computer) | centre page |
| Canada — Quebec | — | 13 Dec 2026 (computer) | centre page |
What this means for you
- If you are in Japan and book 13 Dec 2026, you are booking the current format. Prepare with the current-format materials for that sitting.
- Everywhere else on this list, a December 2026 booking is HSK 3.0: from Level 3, most centres here bundle the speaking test (Japan says written and speaking stay separate there).
- Missed the last 2.0 sitting? There is no later 2.0 date at these centres; plan for 3.0.
- Barcelona's FAQ says HSK 2.0 certificates keep their two-year validity from the test date.
What changes, level by level → · Fees by country →
UK · USA · Canada · Australia · Germany · France · Italy · Japan · Korea · Malaysia · Thailand · Vietnam · Nepal · Brazil · Spain · Russia · Greece · Hungary · India · Austria · Colombia · Mexico · Singapore · Hong Kong · Sri Lanka
Frequently asked
When does HSK 3.0 start?
CTI: worldwide on 13 Dec 2026. Japan moves with the January 2027 exams, and some centres run a last 2.0 sitting before 13 Dec (Montpellier: 6 Dec).
Is the December 2026 HSK in Japan HSK 3.0?
No. The HSK Japan Committee says Japan switches with the January 2027 exams.
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: HSK 3.0 officially launched worldwide on 13 Dec 2026 (dates and registration deadlines)
- HSK Japan Committee: moving to HSK 3.0 (from January 2027)
- Institut Confucius de Montpellier: HSK dates and fees
- Institut Confucius de Pau Pyrénées: HSK, HSKK, BCT and YCT sessions and fees
- Konfuzius-Institut Frankfurt: HSK exam (Kassel sitting), fees and withdrawal rules
- Konfuzius-Institut Paderborn: exams, deadlines and fees
- Confucius Institute at the University of Debrecen: Chinese language exams
- Institut Confuci de Barcelona: notice and FAQ on HSK 3.0
- Institut Confuci de Barcelona: HSK written exam, fees
- Istituto Confucio, Università di Macerata: certifications, deadlines and fees
- Athens Business Confucius Institute (AUEB): December 2026 HSK 3.0 dates and fees (PDF)
- Confucius Institute at Novosibirsk State University: HSK
- Malaysia HSK Test Official Website: internet-based test registration and fees
- Confucius Institute, Assumption University: HSK 3.0 computer-based test, 13 Dec 2026
- Confucius Institute in Quebec: HSK 3.0 registration and payment (13 Dec 2026 and after)
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.