What the HSK 3.0 speaking test looks like
Unofficial study site · every figure links to an official source
HSK 3 · 15 items · ~15 min
| Repeat what you hear | 8 | 10 s each |
| Describe a picture | 5 | 15 s each |
| Answer questions | 2 |
Includes 6 minutes of preparation.
HSK 4 · 5 items · ~20 min
| Listen and retell | 2 | 40 s each |
| Describe a picture | 1 | 3 min prep, 2 min answer |
| Answer questions | 2 | 3.5 min prep, 2 min answer (sample item 4) |
Includes 10 minutes of preparation.
HSK 5 · 5 items · ~23 min
| Listen and retell | 2 | 1.5 min each |
| Describe a picture | 1 | 3 min prep, 2 min answer |
| Answer questions | 2 | 3.5 min prep, 2.5 min answer (sample item 4) |
Includes 10 minutes of preparation.
HSK 6 · 5 items · ~23 min
| Listen and retell | 2 | 1.5 min each |
| Describe a picture | 1 | 3 min prep, 2 min answer |
| Answer questions | 2 | 3.5 min prep, 2.5 min answer (sample item 4) |
Includes 10 minutes of preparation.
Levels 7–9
- Item 87, applied read-and-speak: speak from a practical text (the sample is a volunteer medical team’s itinerary).
- Items 88–90: listen and answer (30 seconds for item 88 on the sample).
- Item 91: express a view, 3 minutes.
How to practise (our advice)
- Retelling: get who, what and the outcome first, then one detail. Level 4 gives 40 seconds; Levels 5–6 give 1.5 minutes.
- Picture description: in the 3 minutes of prep, note 4–5 key words; speak place, people, action, feeling for the full 2 minutes.
- Questions: view, reason, example, wrap-up. Record yourself and check the timing.
The official pack has no Level 1 or 2 speaking paper. Check chinesetest.cn and your centre for how speaking is registered.
Frequently asked
How long is the HSK 3.0 Level 4 speaking test?
The official sample: 5 items, about 20 minutes including 10 minutes of preparation.
Is there speaking in HSK 3.0 Levels 7–9?
Yes, as the fifth section of the same exam: 5 items, about 20 minutes.
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 sample paper pack (written + speaking papers, answers, audio), ZIP
- Chinese Test Service Website: About the new HSK
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.