All You Need to Know about the HSK Test

What is HSK? HSK (Hanyu Shuiping Kaoshi -汉语 水平 考试) is the standard exam for measuring Chinese proficiency.

Taking the HSK test is a very important part of your Mandarin learning journey. Mandarin Zone School hopes that the information below will help you learn more about the HSK test.

Q1: What is the HSK exam?

“HSK” stands for 汉语水平考试 Hànyǔ Shuǐpíng Kǎoshì, which means “Chinese Level Test”.
Hànyǔ     汉语 – Chinese
Shuǐpíng  水平 – level
Kǎoshì     考试 – test

HSK (Hanyu Shuiping Kaoshi -汉语 水平 考试) is a Chinese Proficiency Test (HSK), an international standardized test of Chinese language proficiency, that assesses non-native Chinese speakers’ abilities in using the Chinese language in their daily, academic, and professional lives.

Q2, How many levels are there in the HSK exam?

There are six levels,
HSK 1, HSK 2,
HSK 3, HSK 4,
HSK 5 and HSK 6.

HSK 6 is the most advanced (HSK 2.0)
*HSK 9 is the most advanced (HSK 3.0)

 HSK vocabulary list ( HSK 4 ) level 1-6

Q3, What are the six HSK levels?

HSK1 and HSK2  Basic Chinese skills.
HSK3 and HSK4: More sophisticated knowledge of Chinese.
HSK5 and HSK6: High proficiency and fluency in Chinese.

Q4: Why should I take the HSK?

1) HSK is a great way to measure your progress. Taking the HSK can help you see the strides you are making.
2) An HSK certificate will help your chances during the hiring process.
3) Many universities require an HSK 5 certificate to be admitted.
4) The certification helps acquire a Chinese work visa. Having an HSK certification gives you additional points and increases your chance of success.

Q5, What is the cost of the HSK test?

Level 1 costs 150 RMB      Level 2 costs 250 RMB
Level 3 costs 350 RMB     Level 4 costs 450 RMB
Level 5 costs 550 RMB     Level 6 costs 650 RMB

Q6, What can you do per level? What are the HSK requirements?

Level
 Characters
 Vocabulary
HSK 1 150 150
You can understand and use very simple Chinese phrases, meet basic needs for communication, and possess the ability to further Chinese language studies.

*All characters are provided along with pinyin.

Level
 Characters
 Vocabulary
HSK 2  300 300
You can communicate in simple and routine tasks requiring a simple and direct exchange of information on familiar and routine matters.

*All characters are provided along with pinyin.

Level
 Characters
 Vocabulary
HSK 3 600 600
You can handle basic communication in daily life, study, work, and travel with ease in Chinese.

 

Level
 Characters
 Vocabulary
HSK 4 1000 1200
You can discuss a relatively wide range of topics and communicate with native speakers.

 

Level
 Characters
 Vocabulary
HSK 5 1500 2500
You can read Chinese newspapers and magazines, enjoy Chinese films and plays and give a full-length speech in Chinese.

 

Level
 Characters
 Vocabulary
HSK 6 2500 5000
You can easily comprehend written and spoken information in Chinese and can express yourself both in writing and orally.

*HSK 6 is the most advanced (HSK 2.0)
HSK 9 is the most advanced (HSK 3.0)

 

🧮 HSK Score Calculator

Calculate your HSK score and check if you pass

Select HSK Level:

💡 Note: This calculator provides an estimate based on official HSK scoring guidelines. Actual scores may vary.

 

HSK Test Dates 2025 – Complete Schedule

Test Dates Registration Deadline Score Release
Internet-Based Paper-Based Internet-Based Paper-Based
Jan 12 (Sun) Jan 2 Dec 16, 2024 Jan 27 ※ Feb 19
Mar 9 (Sun) Feb 27 Feb 10 Mar 24 Apr 9
Apr 12 (Sat) Apr 2 Mar 16 Apr 28 ※ May 19
May 17 (Sat) May 7 Apr 20 Jun 3 Jun 17
Jun 22 (Sun) Jun 12 May 26 Jul 7 Jul 22
Jul 19 (Sat) Jul 9 Jun 22 Aug 4 Aug 19
Aug 17 (Sat) Aug 7 Jul 21 Sep 1 Sep 17
Sep 7 (Sun) Aug 28 Aug 11 Sep 22 ※ Oct 14
Oct 18 (Sat) Oct 8 Sep 21 Nov 3 Nov 18
Nov 15 (Sat) Nov 5 Oct 19 Dec 1 Dec 15
Dec 7 (Sun) Nov 27 Nov 10 Dec 22 Jan 7, 2026

Note: Dates marked with ※ may be subject to change
Tip: Internet-based test results are released faster (approximately 15 days) compared to paper-based tests (approximately 30 days)

Q7, How many formats are there in HSK?

Two formats: Paper-based and Internet-based
They are identical in difficulty level, test content, and scoring criteria.


Q8, Can I attend the internet-based HSK test at my place?

Students have to go to an official test center.

 

 

Q9, How does the paper-based HSK test work?

– Test in an official HSK test center.
– You sit at a desk with the question papers and answer sheets for the listening, reading, and writing sections (level 3-6 only).
– You will need to write your answers in either a 2 B pencil or pen.

Q10, How does the internet-based HSK test work?

– Test in an official HSK test center.
– You sit in front of a computer connected to Hanban servers with the questions presented on the screen.
– You will need to submit your answers through the use of a keyboard and a mouse.

To be continued…

Any questions about HSK exam, contact us!

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