HSK scores and results
On the old six-level HSK, you passed with 60% of the total: 120 out of 200 at HSK 1–2 and 180 out of 300 at HSK 3–6. CTI has not yet published how the new HSK 1–6 will be scored. Results come out about two weeks after a computer-based test and about a month after a paper-based one.
Pass marks on the old HSK
Each section was scored out of 100, and the pass was based on the total. There was no minimum for each section.
| Level | Sections (100 each) | Total | Pass |
|---|---|---|---|
| HSK 1 | Listening, Reading | 200 | 120 |
| HSK 2 | Listening, Reading | 200 | 120 |
| HSK 3 | Listening, Reading, Writing | 300 | 180 |
| HSK 4 | Listening, Reading, Writing | 300 | 180 |
| HSK 5 | Listening, Reading, Writing | 300 | 180 |
| HSK 6 | Listening, Reading, Writing | 300 | 180 |
HSK 7–9
HSK 7–9 is one test. It does not have a single pass mark; your result places you at level 7, 8 or 9, or below level 7. The test covers listening, reading, writing, translation and speaking.
When results come out
CTI publishes a result date for every test date. In 2026, computer-based results came out about two weeks after the test and paper-based results about a month after, with a few delayed by public holidays. Results for the HSK Speaking Test have their own date, usually a few days to a week after the computer-based written results. For the first new HSK on 13 December 2026, the dates are 28 December (computer-based), 4 January 2027 (speaking) and 15 January 2027 (paper-based). Every date is on our test dates page.
How to check your result
- On or after the result date, go to chinesetest.cn and choose “Look up my results”.
- Enter your admission ticket number and name.
- Download or print your score report for your records.
You need to have taken the whole test to get a result. If nothing appears after the result date, contact your test centre; CTI asks centres to report missing results within three days.
How long scores are valid
CTI describes HSK score reports as valid for two years from the test date when you use them as proof of your level. A test taken on 16 May 2026 is valid for that purpose until 15 May 2028. The score itself does not disappear: you can still see it on chinesetest.cn, and the certificate is still a record that you passed. But a university or employer asking for “a current HSK score” will usually want one from the last two years, and some ask for a more recent one.
Using your score for university or work
Each university, scholarship and employer sets its own rule: which level, sometimes a minimum score, how recent, and whether they also want a speaking result. Chinese-taught undergraduate programmes have often asked for HSK 4, and some subjects and postgraduate programmes ask for HSK 5 or 6. With the new HSK starting in December 2026, some institutions are updating their requirements, so read the current notice for the programme you are applying to. Old-format scores remain valid within the two-year window; check whether the institution names a version.
If you are choosing a target, aim above the minimum. A score just over the pass mark leaves no margin if the institution sets a higher bar or a section score matters.
If you did not pass
You can register again for any later date. Look at your section scores to see where the points were lost and plan from there. See retaking the HSK.
Questions
What is the HSK pass mark? +
For the old six-level HSK, the pass mark was 120 out of 200 for HSK 1–2 and 180 out of 300 for HSK 3–6. CTI has not published pass marks for the new HSK 1–6 yet.
Do I need to pass every section? +
On the old HSK, the pass was based on the total score; CTI did not set a minimum for each section. Schools and employers can still ask for section scores above a certain level.
How long are HSK scores valid? +
CTI describes HSK score reports as valid for two years from the test date when used as proof of your level, for example for university admission. Count from the test date, not the result date.
How do I check my HSK result? +
Go to “Look up my results” on chinesetest.cn on the result date and enter your admission ticket number and name. Keep the ticket after the test for this reason.
My result date has passed and nothing is showing. What should I do? +
Contact the centre where you took the test. CTI asks centres to report missing results within three days of the published date. Paper-based results can be delayed by shipping.
Sources
- HSK (Level 4) test page: structure, scoring and validity — Chinese Testing International (CTI). Checked 2026-10-20.
- Chinese Test Dates in 2026 — Chinese Testing International (CTI). Checked 2026-10-20.
- Exams information for candidates — 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.