Can you take the HSK online?
“Online” can mean two different things: a computer test at a centre, or a test at home with remote proctoring. As of 2026-11-13 the official 2027 calendar mentions only the first.
Unofficial study site · every figure links to an official source
| Format | Where | 2027 calendar |
|---|---|---|
| Paper-based (PBT) | Test centre | Yes, every sitting |
| Computer-based at the centre | Test centre computers | Yes, every sitting |
| Internet-based at home | Your own room and computer | Not listed |
What changed between the 2026 and 2027 calendars
Every 2026 HSK 1–6 sitting is listed as “paper + internet-based” (纸笔+机网考). Every 2027 sitting is listed as “paper + computer at the centre” (纸笔+现场机考). The calendar does not explain the change, and we found no separate official notice ending home testing. The chinesetest.cn centre search still has an “Internet-based Test (at home)” filter. Some centres still list at-home dates for late 2026: Pacific Lutheran University and UC Berkeley both show an internet-based home test on 29 November 2026.
What to do
- On chinesetest.cn, search your country with the “Internet-based Test (at home)” filter for the date you want.
- If nothing appears, plan for a centre: computer-based results come about two weeks after the test, paper-based about a month.
- If a home option is offered, read its equipment rules early: past CTI rules required a Windows computer and a phone as a second camera. Home test rules →
Free online practice
The official HSK 3.0 try-the-test system lets you practise the computer interface for free. For timed practice papers in the 3.0 structure, our original HSK 4 mocks run in the browser.
Frequently asked
Can I take the HSK at home in 2027?
The official 2027 calendar lists only “paper + computer at the centre”, not home testing; as of 2026-11-13 we found no separate notice ending it. Check the registration system for your country.
What is the difference between computer and paper HSK?
Same level structure; computer-based results come faster (about 15 days for the written test) than paper (about a month).
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): 2027 test calendar for HSK, HSK speaking, HSK 7–9, YCT and BCT
- Chinese Test Service (CTI): Chinese test dates in 2026, with result release dates
- Chinese Test Service Website: current HSK Level 4 page (2.0 format)
- CTI notice on HSK/HSKK home online tests in mainland China (29 Jan 2021): equipment and room rules
- Official HSK 3.0 try-the-test system (international entry)
- Pacific Lutheran University LRC: HSK testing (on-site and virtual-at-home)
- UC Berkeley Chinese Language Program: HSK online test
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.