What time does the HSK start?
Start times copied from centre pages (read 2026-11-13). Times are local to the centre.
Unofficial study site · every figure links to an official source
The common pattern
| Paper | Usual start |
|---|---|
| HSK 2 / 4 / 6 | 09:00 |
| HSK 1 / 3 / 5 | 13:30 |
| HSKK Intermediate | 11:25 |
| HSKK Beginner | 15:40 |
| HSKK Advanced | 16:30 |
Listed this way by Torino, SUTD St Petersburg (Moscow time), Unicamp, India China Academy, Montpellier and the Malaysia HSK IBT centre.
Centre exceptions
| Centre | Times |
|---|---|
| Hannover | HSK 1, 3, 5 at 14:00; HSK 2, 4 at 9:00; HSKK 3 and 5 at 16:30, HSKK 4 at 11:35 (13 Dec 2026) |
| Pau | HSK 2 at 9:00, HSK 3 at 14:00 (13 Dec 2026) |
| Novosibirsk (NSU) | HSK 2 and 4 at 9:00, HSK 3 at 14:00, HSK 3 speaking at 16:20 (13 Dec 2026) |
| Universidad de los Andes | HSK 2/4/6 at 9:00, HSK 1/3/5 at 13:30, all HSKK levels at 16:30 |
| HSK Korea Office | Posted a notice of a speaking-test time change for 13 Dec 2026; check it if you sit in Korea |
When to arrive
| Centre | Arrive |
|---|---|
| Torino, Montpellier, Paderborn | 30 minutes before |
| India China Academy | Report 1 hour before (e.g. 08:00 for a 09:00 start) |
| HNUE Hanoi | 90 minutes before |
| NSU Novosibirsk | Check-in from 8:05 for 9:00; answer sheets from 8:45 |
If you sit HSK 3–6 with speaking, plan for a long day: e.g. HSK 3 at 13:30 then HSKK Beginner at 15:40, or HSK 4 at 9:00 then HSKK Intermediate at 11:25.
Test-day checklist → · How long each level lasts →
Frequently asked
What time does the HSK start?
At most centres, local time: HSK 2, 4 and 6 at 9:00; HSK 1, 3 and 5 at 13:30. Some use 14:00 (Hannover, Pau, Novosibirsk).
What time is the HSKK?
Usually Intermediate 11:25, Beginner 15:40, Advanced 16:30; Uniandes runs all levels at 16:30.
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
- Istituto Confucio Torino: exam sessions and formats
- Chinese Language Study and Testing Centre, SUTD (St Petersburg): 2026 HSK/HSKK schedule and fees
- Confucius Institute at Unicamp: HSK and HSKK Home Edition, 2nd half of 2026
- India China Academy (Mumbai): HSK/YCT exam guide, fees and 2027 schedule (tables published as images)
- Institut Confucius de Montpellier: HSK dates and fees
- Malaysia HSK Test Official Website: internet-based test registration and fees
- Leibniz-Konfuzius-Institut Hannover: HSK dates and fees
- Institut Confucius de Pau Pyrénées: HSK, HSKK, BCT and YCT sessions and fees
- Confucius Institute at Novosibirsk State University: HSK
- Confucius Institute, Universidad de los Andes: official Chinese exams and 2026 dates
- HSK Korea Office (HSK한국사무국): registration schedule
- Hanoi National University of Education: HSK and HSKK notice, December 2026
- Konfuzius-Institut Paderborn: exams, deadlines and fees
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.