The HSK, explained for 2026
The HSK is the main international standardized Chinese exam for non-native learners. It is the ladder textbooks, apps, and universities already use. This page is the hub: structure first, then practice.
What the exam is for
People sit the HSK for university admission, scholarships, job filters, course placement, or a public checkpoint. The receiving institution decides which version, level, and test date it will accept. We translate the bureaucracy; we do not replacethe official HSK pages.
Two systems you will see in search results
HSK 2.0 is the six-level written exam most registration pages still describe: levels 1–2 are listening and reading; writing starts at 3; published pass marks are 60% of 200 or 300.
HSK 3.0 is the three-stage, nine-level framework in the November 2025 syllabus. Lists are larger. The syllabus specifies tasks, topics, vocabulary, characters, and grammar. Levels 7–9 share one advanced band and one long combined exam.
Vocabulary at a glance
HSK 3.0 numbers are official numbered entries and are cumulative. HSK 2.0 numbers are the widely published list sizes. Neither column is a promise about your sitting.
| Level | HSK 2.0 list | HSK 3.0 entries |
|---|---|---|
| HSK 1 | ~150 | 300 |
| HSK 2 | ~300 | 500 |
| HSK 3 | ~600 | 1,000 |
| HSK 4 | ~1,200 | 2,000 |
| HSK 5 | ~2,500 | 3,600 |
| HSK 6 | ~5,000+ | 5,400 |
| HSK 7–9 | — | 11,000 (one advanced band) |
Level hubs
- HSK 1Handle the most common greetings, introduce yourself, recognize numbers and dates, and u…
- HSK 2Talk about routine plans, shopping, simple travel, and basic work or school situations. …
- HSK 3Handle familiar daily, study, and travel situations in simple connected language. Read s…
- HSK 4Discuss a range of familiar social, study, and work topics in some detail. Follow longer…
- HSK 5Read newspapers and general-interest articles with a dictionary nearby. Follow extended …
- HSK 6Follow long spoken passages and written arguments on a wide range of topics. Understand …
- HSK 7–9Operate in complex academic, professional, and formal cultural settings. The syllabus al…
Scoring and validity
Widely published HSK 2.0 written pass marks are 120/200 for levels 1–2 and 180/300 for levels 3–6. HSK 7–9 does not use that 60% narrative; it is a combined advanced exam with IRT-style ability scoring.
Current CTI pages for written HSK 1–6 describe score reports as valid for two years from the test date. Universities and employers may require a more recent score than that window. The paper itself is a record of past performance; institutions set their own recency rules.
How to use this site
- Confirm which paper your center is running.
- Open the matching level hub.
- Take the placement diagnostic if you are unsure.
- Study the list and skills for that paper — then continue daily work in WordSwing.
FAQ
What does HSK stand for?+
Hanyu Shuiping Kaoshi (汉语水平考试), the Chinese Proficiency Test organized in the Chinese testing ecosystem and administered through Chinese Testing International (chinesetest.cn).
How many HSK levels are there?+
The exam most people still sit is the six-level written HSK (often called HSK 2.0). The 2025 HSK 3.0 syllabus describes three stages and nine levels. HSK 7–9 is already a combined advanced exam.
What is a passing score?+
On the classic written papers: 120 out of 200 for HSK 1–2, and 180 out of 300 for HSK 3–6. Do not apply that rule to HSK 7–9.
How long are scores valid?+
CTI currently describes HSK 1–6 score reports as valid for two years from the test date. A university or employer can still require a more recent sitting.
Where do I register?+
On the official Chinese Test Service Website, chinesetest.cn. This site does not sell seats.