HSK 6 vs HSK 7–9
HSK 6 tops the intermediate band. HSK 7–9 is the advanced band and a different kind of exam.
Unofficial study site · every figure links to an official source
| HSK 6 | HSK 7–9 | |
|---|---|---|
| Cumulative words | 5,400 | 11,000 |
| New words at this level | 1,800 | 5,600 |
| Cumulative characters (recognition) | 1,940 | 3,088 |
| Handwriting characters | 150 (700 cumulative) | 500 (1,200 cumulative) |
| Items / total time | 82 · ~125 min | 91 · ~200 min |
| Writing | a practical text of at least 150 characters; topic essay, at least 300 characters | describe and analyse a chart, at least 200 characters, 15 minutes; argumentative essay, at least 600 characters, 40 minutes |
| Official ability | Can communicate in Chinese richly and smoothly in workplace, study and general professional situations. | Level 7: standard, fluent communication in workplace, general professional and general academic situations. Level 8: appropriate, in-depth communication in the same situations. Level 9: precise, in-depth communication in all kinds of professional, specialist and academic situations. |
| Sections | Listening, reading, writing (+ separate speaking paper) | Listening, reading, writing, translation, speaking — one exam |
| 2027 sittings | 11 (paper + computer) | 2: 23 May, 20 Nov (computer at centre only) |
| Registration closes | 27 days (paper) / 10 days (computer) before | 14 days before (9 May, 6 Nov 2027) |
What is not confirmed yet
As of 2026-11-13 we have not found official HSK 3.0 score bands showing which result gives Level 7, 8 or 9. We do not quote unofficial cut-offs.
Should you go straight to 7–9?
- Only two dates a year: miss one and you wait six months. Plan around 23 May or 20 November 2027.
- Translation includes interpreting (the sample's source texts are in English). If you have never interpreted, practise it specifically.
- Writing is a 200-character chart description plus a 600-character argument. That is the biggest jump from Level 6.
HSK 7–9 in detail → · Translation section →
Frequently asked
How much harder is HSK 7–9 than HSK 6?
Vocabulary goes from 5,400 to 11,000 words, translation and speaking are added, and writing becomes a 200-character chart description plus a 600-character argument.
How often is HSK 7–9 held?
Twice in 2027: 23 May and 20 November, computer-based at the centre only.
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 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
- Chinese Test Service (CTI): 2027 test calendar for HSK, HSK speaking, HSK 7–9, YCT and BCT
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.