HSK 2.0 · old six-level system
The old HSK (HSK 2.0)
From 2010 until the new HSK starts on 13 December 2026, the HSK had six levels with word lists from 150 to 5,000 words. This page describes that test for anyone taking it before the switch, or holding an old certificate.
Format of each level
| Level | Words | Sections (questions, minutes) | Total | Pass |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HSK 1 | 150 | Listening 20 (about 15); Reading 20 (17) | 40 questions, ~40 min | 120 / 200 |
| HSK 2 | 300 | Listening 35 (about 25); Reading 25 (20) | 60 questions, ~55 min | 120 / 200 |
| HSK 3 | 600 | Listening 40 (about 35); Reading 30 (25); Writing 10 (15) | 80 questions, ~90 min | 180 / 300 |
| HSK 4 | 1,200 | Listening 45 (about 30); Reading 40 (35); Writing 15 (25) | 100 questions, ~105 min | 180 / 300 |
| HSK 5 | 2,500 | Listening 45 (about 30); Reading 45 (40); Writing 10 (40) | 100 questions, ~125 min | 180 / 300 |
| HSK 6 | 5,000 | Listening 50 (about 35); Reading 50 (45); Writing 1 (45) | 101 questions, ~140 min | 180 / 300 |
From CTI’s HSK 2.0 sample papers. Section minutes do not include time to transfer answers to the answer sheet; the total includes 5 minutes for personal details.
Writing tasks on the old HSK
- HSK 1: None.
- HSK 2: None.
- HSK 3: Reorder words into sentences; write missing characters.
- HSK 4: Reorder words; write a sentence about a picture with a given word.
- HSK 5: Reorder words; two short essays (from given words and from a picture).
- HSK 6: Read a 1,000-character story, then rewrite it as a summary of about 400 characters.
The old HSK 1 and 2 printed pinyin on the paper and had no writing. Speaking was a separate test, the HSKK.
Scoring
Each section was scored out of 100. You passed with 60% of the total: 120 out of 200 at HSK 1–2 and 180 out of 300 at HSK 3–6. There was no minimum for each section. Scores are valid for two years from the test date for applications. See HSK scores and results.
What an old certificate means now
An old HSK result does not stop counting when the new test starts. It remains valid for applications for two years from the test date, and it stays a permanent record that you passed. The level numbers are not the same, though: the new HSK 4 asks for 2,000 words, where the old one asked for 1,200. If you are deciding what to study next, use the word list comparison to see what the new levels add.
Old word lists
All six old lists are available, with the level each word has in the new HSK: old HSK 1, old HSK 2, old HSK 3, old HSK 4, old HSK 5, old HSK 6.
Sources
- HSK (levels 1–6) sample papers, six-level format — Chinese Testing International (CTI). Checked 2026-10-20.
- HSK (Level 4) test page: structure, scoring and validity — Chinese Testing International (CTI). Checked 2026-10-20.
- HSK 3.0 will be officially launched worldwide on December 13, 2026! — Chinese Testing International (CTI). Checked 2026-10-20.