HSK vs TOCFL
The short version: take the test your target country or institution asks for. If you are going to mainland China, that is the HSK; for Taiwan, usually the TOCFL.
Unofficial study site · every figure links to an official source
| HSK | TOCFL | |
|---|---|---|
| Run by | CLEC / Chinese Testing International (Beijing) | SC-TOP, under Taiwan's Ministry of Education |
| Levels | 9 levels in 3 bands from 13 Dec 2026 (Levels 7–9 one exam) | Novice 1–2, then Bands A, B, C with 2 levels each (Levels 1–6) |
| Characters | Simplified | Traditional characters (正體); whether a simplified version is offered at your centre is not confirmed here — check tocfl.edu.tw |
| Test structure | One paper per level: listening, reading, writing (+ translation and speaking at 7–9) | One test per band; your score decides which of its two levels you reach |
| CEFR | No official CEFR level for HSK 3.0 | Built against the CEFR: Level 1 = A1 … Level 6 = C2 |
Vocabulary, level by level
| TOCFL level (CEFR) | TOCFL words | HSK 3.0 level with a similar word count |
|---|---|---|
| Level 1 (A1) | 500 | Level 2 (500 cumulative) |
| Level 2 (A2) | 1,000 | Level 3 (1,000) |
| Level 3 (B1) | 2,500 | between Level 4 (2,000) and Level 5 (3,600) |
| Level 4 (B2) | 5,000 | about Level 6 (5,400) |
| Level 5 (C1) | 8,000 | within Levels 7–9 (11,000 in total) |
| Level 6 (C2) | 8,000+ | Levels 7–9 |
Word counts only. Vocabulary size is not an official equivalence between the two tests — neither organisation publishes one.
Format
- TOCFL Listening: 50 multiple-choice items in about 60 minutes. Reading: 50 items in 60 minutes. Writing and speaking are separate tests.
- HSK 3.0 Level 4: 70 items in about 85 minutes including 25 minutes of writing; speaking papers exist for Levels 3–6.
Which should I take?
- Chinese Government Scholarship or a mainland university: the HSK (the 2026/2027 notice asks for HSK 3 or 4 for Chinese-taught programmes).
- Taiwan scholarships and universities: usually the TOCFL; check the programme.
- Work permit in mainland China: the points table names the HSK specifically.
- Learning traditional characters? TOCFL tests them; the HSK is simplified only.
Frequently asked
Is TOCFL harder than HSK?
They are built differently and there is no official conversion. By word count, TOCFL Level 4 (5,000 words, B2) is close to HSK 3.0 Level 6 (5,400).
Can I use TOCFL for a university in mainland China?
The Chinese Government Scholarship notice asks for the HSK. Other programmes set their own rules.
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
- SC-TOP (TOCFL): test levels and CEFR alignment, with the FaDaF view of HSK
- SC-TOP: TOCFL Listening & Reading brochure (levels, vocabulary, learning hours, format), PDF
- 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
- Chinese Embassy notice: 2026/2027 Chinese Government Scholarship application (HSK requirements)
- State Administration of Foreign Experts Affairs: foreigners' work classification standard and points table, PDF
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.