Prepare for the new HSK, free.
Full practice tests with audio, the complete official word list, grammar explained level by level, and graded reading. Every exam fact is checked against CTI’s own documents.
The new HSK starts on 13 December 2026
Registration for the first session closes on 16 November 2026, 24:00 Beijing time for the paper test and 3 December 2026, 24:00 Beijing time for the computer test. Sessions before then use the old format. What changes
| Test date | Paper test: register by | Computer test: register by |
|---|---|---|
| Saturday 7 November 2026 | 11 October 2026 | 28 October 2026 |
| Sunday 13 December 2026 | 16 November 2026 | 3 December 2026 |
Choose your level
Compare all levelsHSK 1
300 words · about 40 minutes
HSK 1 is the first level of the new HSK.
HSK 2
500 words · about 60 minutes
HSK 2 adds a short writing section to listening and reading.
HSK 3
1,000 words · about 83 minutes · speaking test
HSK 3 is where pinyin disappears from the paper and a separate speaking test begins.
HSK 4
2,000 words · about 85 minutes · speaking test
HSK 4 starts the intermediate stage.
HSK 5
3,600 words · about 110 minutes · speaking test
HSK 5 uses longer listening, cloze passages, paragraph ordering and long reading texts.
HSK 6
5,400 words · about 125 minutes · speaking test
HSK 6 is the top of the intermediate stage.
HSK 7–9
11,000 words · about 200 minutes
HSK 7–9 is one combined advanced test, about 200 minutes long, with listening, reading, writing, translation and speaking.
Everything you need to prepare
6 full practice tests
HSK 1–6 in the new format, with audio, timers, explanations and a speaking section from HSK 3.
The 11,000-word list
Every word in the 2025 syllabus by level, with pinyin, meanings and audio for HSK 1–4. Export to CSV or Anki.
133 grammar points
The HSK 1–6 grammar with clear explanations, recorded examples, common mistakes and a quiz for each point.
20 graded stories
Short stories for each level with audio, pinyin and English you can switch on, and questions.
Characters and stroke order
The reading and handwriting characters for every level, with animated stroke order.
Text level checker
Paste any Chinese text and see how much of it you can read at your level.
How to use this site
- Read the guide for your level to see what the test looks like.
- Take its practice test in practice mode to see where you stand.
- Follow a study plan: words and grammar each week, with reading and listening.
- Use the vocabulary quiz, tone drill and writing practice for the parts that need work.
- Retake the practice test in exam mode before the real thing, and clear your mistake list.
The skill guides cover each section of the test: listening, reading, writing and speaking.
Common questions
What is the new HSK? +
The new HSK (often called HSK 3.0) is the updated Chinese proficiency test from Chinese Testing International. It has nine levels, a 11,000-word list published in the 2025 syllabus, and from HSK 3 a speaking test. It is used worldwide from 13 December 2026.
Is my test the old HSK or the new one? +
Sessions from 13 December 2026 use the new format. Sessions before that use the familiar six-level format; check your admission ticket if you are unsure.
Are the practice tests on this site real past papers? +
No. CTI does not release past papers. Our tests are original, written to match the structure, question counts and timings of the official HSK 3.0 sample papers, and checked against the word list for each level.
What score do I need to pass the new HSK? +
CTI has not yet published pass marks or the score scale for the new HSK 1–6. We will update the scores page when it does.
Is everything here free? +
Yes. Every page, list, test and tool on this site is free and needs no account.
Study every day with WordSwing
This site is made by WordSwing. The app turns the same HSK word lists into daily review, reading and listening, so you keep what you learn here.