Last updated: January 2026

HSK 2026 Registration Guide & Test-Day Checklist

A practical, step-by-step guide based on official rules: registration, photo requirements, what to bring on test day, score timelines, and rescheduling policies.

Quick actions

Explore Part-time Chinese Classes in Beijing →

See HSK Test Dates (2026) →

Tip: Seats can fill up fast — pay promptly after pre-registration.

✅ What you’ll get
  • Registration steps in plain English
  • Photo rules that prevent rejection
  • Test-day checklist (what to bring)
🧾 Most common mistakes
  • ID name/number doesn’t match registration
  • Photo file size/format not accepted
  • Forgetting admission ticket or original ID
⏱️ After the exam
  • Score release timelines
  • Score report delivery/collection
  • Reschedule/postpone rules

1) Prepare before registering

Your ID must match exactly
Use a valid passport or national ID. Make sure your name and document number match your registration details character-by-character.
If you register at a test center outside your home country, use your passport.
Common pitfall
Small mismatches (spacing, middle names, different document type) can cause check-in problems on test day. Double-check before you pay.

2) Registration steps (simplified)

1
Create an account on the official registration platform and verify your contact details.
2
Select exam type/level, date, and test center.
3
Fill in personal info exactly as shown on your ID.
4
Upload your photo (see the rules below).
5
Confirm & pay promptly. Seats can fill quickly after pre-registration.

3) Photo requirements

Quick checklist
  • Taken within the last 6 months
  • File size roughly 15kb–500kb
  • Format: JPG/JPEG
  • Clear face; no heavy filters
Avoid
  • Sunglasses / hats (unless medically required)
  • Over-edited / AI-beautified photos
  • Blurry selfies or busy backgrounds

4) Choose your test date (then plan backward)

Dates and availability vary by test center. Pick a date first, then work backward to plan your study schedule.

Need the 2026 schedule?
We keep an organized overview so you can quickly check dates and plan your prep.

HSK test dates (2026) →

5) Test-day checklist

Bring these
  • Admission ticket (as required by your test center)
  • Original photo ID (the same ID used for registration)
  • Paper-based exam: 2B pencils + eraser
Rules that matter
  • Arrive early (late arrival may be denied entry)
  • Store personal items in the designated area
  • Power off and store all electronic devices (phones/smartwatches)

6) Score release & score reports

Typical score timelines
  • Paper-based HSK (L/R/W): ~ 1 month
  • Internet-based HSK (L/R/W): ~ 15 days
  • Speaking test: ~ 1 month
Score report delivery
Depending on the region, score reports may be mailed to candidates or collected at the test center with your admission ticket and ID.

7) Rescheduling / postponing rules

Typical policy (time-based)
  • ≥ 27 days before the exam: usually reschedule free (one time)
  • 10–27 days before: usually a service fee (often ~30%)
  • ≤ 10 days before: typically not accepted
For medical emergencies, contact the test center before the exam date and prepare official proof.
Reminder
Policies can vary slightly by test center/region. Always confirm the latest rules on your registration platform and test center notices.

Studying in Beijing?
If you want a realistic weekly plan (and HSK-focused drills), consider our part-time program.

HSK-focused part-time prep in Beijing →

Next step
Want a complete HSK prep overview?
If you’re deciding which level to take and how to prepare efficiently, our HSK hub explains course options, study paths, and realistic timelines.
Tip: Pick your test date first, then plan backward (study schedule + mock tests). If you’re in Beijing, the part-time option on this page is a good fit for steady weekly preparation.

FAQ

What if my registration info doesn’t match my ID?
You may be denied check-in or have your result canceled. Always make your name and document number match your original ID exactly.
What do I need to bring on test day?
Admission ticket + original photo ID. For paper-based exams, also bring 2B pencils and an eraser.
When are scores released?
Typical timelines: paper-based ~1 month; internet-based ~15 days; speaking ~1 month. Exact dates depend on the test center.
Can I reschedule the exam?
Often yes — but only within strict deadlines. Typically ≥27 days before is free (one time), 10–27 days has a fee, and ≤10 days is not accepted.
Note: Policies can vary by test center. Always confirm the latest rules on your official registration portal.