The HSKK speaking test: levels and format
CTI describes HSKK as the HSK speaking test, taken by audio recording, in three levels. Formats below are from the official candidate bulletin.
Unofficial study site · every figure links to an official source
| Level | Parts | Items | Total time | Intended for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Primary | Repeat after listening 15 · Answer after listening 10 · Answer questions 2 | 27 | ~20 min (incl. 7 min prep) | 1–2 semesters at 2–3 hours/week; about 200 words |
| Intermediate | Repeat 10 · Describe a picture 2 · Answer questions 2 | 14 | ~23 min (incl. 10 min prep) | 1–2 years at 2–3 hours/week; about 900 words |
| Advanced | Retell 3 · Read aloud 1 · Answer questions 2 | 6 | ~25 min (incl. 10 min prep) | 2+ years at 2–3 hours/week; about 3,000 words |
Each level is scored out of 100; 60 is a pass (candidate bulletin). Intended-learner descriptions from CTI's HSKK level pages.
What each part asks
- Primary part 3: two questions printed with pinyin; say at least five sentences for each.
- Intermediate part 2: talk about a picture; part 3: two printed questions (with pinyin).
- Advanced part 1: listen to a passage and retell it; part 2: read a printed text aloud; part 3: read two questions and answer.
HSKK and HSK 3.0
The HSK 3.0 sample pack has a speaking paper for each of Levels 3–6, and Levels 7–9 include speaking in the exam itself. The 2026 and 2027 calendars list “HSK speaking” (HSK口语) alongside HSK 1–6 on the same days. Some centres now offer the written test only — the LSE centre in London says candidates are not required to take written and speaking together, and that it offers only the written paper. More on HSK 3.0 speaking →
How to prepare (our advice)
- Record every practice answer and listen back for tones and filler words.
- For “answer questions”, use a four-step frame: answer, reason, example, wrap-up.
- Retelling: catch who, what, the turning point and the result; keep numbers and names.
Frequently asked
What is the HSKK pass mark?
Each level is out of 100 and 60 is a pass (official candidate bulletin).
What is on the HSKK Primary test?
27 items in three parts — repeat 15 sentences, answer 10 questions, answer 2 printed questions — in about 20 minutes.
Do I have to take HSK and HSKK together?
It depends on the centre. The LSE centre in London, for example, says they need not be taken together. Check your centre.
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
- Chinese Test Service (CTI): introduction to HSK, HSKK, YCT and BCT
- Official HSK candidate bulletin (考生手册, older edition) hosted by the University of Iowa, PDF
- CTI: HSKK Primary Level description
- CTI: HSKK Intermediate Level description
- CTI: HSKK Advanced Level description
- Official HSK 3.0 sample paper pack (written + speaking papers, answers, audio), ZIP
- Chinese Test Service (CTI): 2027 test calendar for HSK, HSK speaking, HSK 7–9, YCT and BCT
- LSE HSK Test Centre (London): centre deadlines and HSK 3.0 note
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.