HSK levels explained, and which one to take
Three bands — elementary (1–3), intermediate (4–6), advanced (7–9). Below, each level in the official words, then how to pick yours.
Unofficial study site · every figure links to an official source
| Level | Official ability description | Words | Paper |
|---|---|---|---|
| HSK 1 | Can hold simple exchanges in Chinese about everyday-life situations. | 300 | 40 items · ~40 min |
| HSK 2 | Can hold basic exchanges in Chinese in everyday-life, study and work situations. | 500 | 60 items · ~60 min |
| HSK 3 | Can communicate effectively in Chinese in everyday-life, study and work situations. | 1,000 | 70 items · ~83 min |
| HSK 4 | Can communicate in Chinese completely and coherently in everyday-life, study and work situations. | 2,000 | 70 items · ~85 min |
| HSK 5 | Can communicate in Chinese accurately and appropriately in work and study situations. | 3,600 | 72 items · ~110 min |
| HSK 6 | Can communicate in Chinese richly and smoothly in workplace, study and general professional situations. | 5,400 | 82 items · ~125 min |
| HSK 7–9 | 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. | 11,000 | 91 items · ~200 min |
Ability descriptions from the official HSK 3.0 ability-description PDF; word counts (cumulative) from the 2025 syllabus; items and times from the official sample papers.
Which level should I take?
- Start from what you need it for: many requirements name a level (see below). Aim one level higher than you need only if you have time.
- Count your words: if you know about 1,000 words well, Level 3 is in reach and Level 4 (2,000) is a stretch target.
- Take the official sample paper for the level you are considering, timed. Comfortable with the reading and most of the listening? Book it.
- Levels 7–9 are one exam: you do not choose 7, 8 or 9 — your result places you.
What common requirements ask for
| Purpose | Level named |
|---|---|
| Chinese Government Scholarship, Chinese-taught non-degree | HSK 3 |
| Chinese Government Scholarship, Chinese-taught master's/PhD | HSK 4 |
| CSCA Professional Chinese exemption (Chinese Language majors) | HSK 4 |
| Work-permit points, maximum for Chinese | HSK 5 or above |
Scholarships · CSCA · Work permit · CEFR
Frequently asked
How many HSK levels are there?
Nine in three bands from 13 December 2026; Levels 7–9 are one exam and your result decides the level.
Which HSK level is fluent?
The official descriptions do not use “fluent”. Level 6 is described as rich, smooth communication in workplace, study and general professional situations.
Which HSK level should I take?
Start from the level your purpose requires, then check your word count and a timed official sample paper.
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 HSK 3.0 ability descriptions, 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)
- Shanghai Municipal Government: comprehensive guide to the CSCA (Aug 2026)
- 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.