HSK Exam in Chinese is Hanyu Shuiping Kaoshi (汉语水平考试) literally meaning “Mandarin Level Test”.

It is organized by Hanban (汉办), the part of the Chinese education ministry also in charge of the Confucius Institutes (孔子学院).

The HSK Exam is administered by testing centres worldwide, including private language schools, universities, and Confucius institutes.

Exam questions and dates are the same everywhere in the world, however, not all testing centres choose to offer the HSK test every month.

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• HSK 1 – The ability to understand basic Chinese words and phrases
• HSK 2 – Can use basic Chinese and apply it to complete simple tasks
• HSK 3 – Can communicate daily for academic and professional purposes
• HSK 4 – Converse fluently in various topics with native Chinese speakers
• HSK 5 – Fluent speaking and ability to read a Chinese newspaper
• HSK 6 – Ability to express whatever you wish either spoken or written.

Level	Test Duration	Words To Learn
HSK 1	35 minutes	150 words
HSK 2	50 minutes	300 words
HSK 3	1 hour 25 minutes	600 words
HSK 4	1 hour 40 minutes	1,200 words
HSK 5	2 hours	2,500 words
HSK 6	2 hours 15 minutes	5,000 words

The new HSK features 9 levels instead of 6 and is designed to challenge foreigners further with almost double the words included in the overall HSK.

We have answered all your FAQs in our regularly updated New HSK blog alongside this video.

Not all details are fully confirmed regarding the New HSK.

When we find out more, we regularly update our blog and release new videos so be sure to check back for more news.

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The exam is either taken on a computer or written format.

In terms of the computer and written exams, here are a few useful points about how the test works:

• HSK 1 and HSK 2 are the two most basic HSK Exams, these involve pinyin and characters
• HSK 1 and HSK 2 tests your listening and reading skills
• HSK 3 through to HSK 6 are fully in Chinese characters, there is no pinyin in these exams
• HSK 3 to HSK 6 tests your listening, reading, and writing skills
• The HSK Exam dates are listed below.
• The cost of the HSK 1 Exam is 150CNY, this increases by 100CNY for each exam. For example, HSK 4 would cost 450CNY
  • PLEASE NOTE || The cost of the HSK Exam changes depending on the country you are in, these are the prices for taking the HSK in China.

The HSK exam is split into sections. Listening, Reading and Writing (HSK3-6).

Each section is broken down into several questions to test your ability in all forms of Chinese.

You can choose to take either the written test or the computer test.

Generally, we recommend the computer test as you don’t have to physically write every character which can be hard for many foreigners.

Using a keyboard to type the pinyin and automate the characters should be an easier way to score marks.

You can test your knowledge of HSK vocabulary with our FREE HSK vocabulary tests.

NOTE || Since 2022, all overseas HSK3 to HSK6 test takers are required to take both HSK and HSK Oral Test. 

The written and spoken part will come as a combo package. This change will only affect all overseas HSK testing sites. Testing sites in China will not be affected. 

Our HSK classes are taught by experienced teachers who know exactly the tools you need to pass your HSK Exam.

You will learn the exact grammar structures, vocabulary and sentence patterns you need to put you in great shape going into your HSK Test.

Your HSK Classes can be combined with Small Group Classes, 1 on 1 Classes and Immersion Programs. We can help you sign up for your HSK Exam .

• HSK Classes taught by HSK Teachers
• 1-on-1 tuition to get you ahead fast
• Start on any Monday of the year
• Join your HSK classes with another program
• HSK Exams every month in China
• Speak to us for more details

Regular Course Options & Pricing

• HSK Standard – 20h 1-on-1 HSK classes

Duration	Discount	Price
2 weeks	0%	10,419
4 weeks	-5%	19,835
8 weeks	-14%	35,939
12 weeks	-22%	48,840
13-52 wks	-22%	3,700/wk

Intensive Class Options & Pricing

• HSK Intensive – 30h 1-on-1 HSK classes

Duration	Discount	Price
2 weeks	0%	15,628
4 weeks	-5%	29,753
8 weeks	-14%	53,908
12 weeks	-22%	73,260
13-52 wks	-22%	5,550/wk

The Process

1. Assessment – Your assigned HSK Specialist will get an understanding of your current level of Chinese and give you a HSK Level to attain, from one through to six.
2. Choose an Exam and Date – Once you are both comfortable with what level exam to take its time to pick a date and get preparing
3. Personalized study plan – Your plan will give you targets, strategies and mock papers so you have all the materials you need.
4. Take Mock Tests – It’s time to see how you fare with last year’s papers.
5. It’s time for your test – Good luck

What’s Included

• HSK level assessment and study plan
• HSK mock test and analysis
• Five sets of past HSK Test papers including CD
• HSK Test Syllabus
• Sign up and staff support
• Chinese classes are not included

COST – 980CNY

Can I take a course entirely based on the HSK?

Yes you can. We provide HSK preparation courses (standard or intensive) as shown on this page or online HSK courses, of which we have five in total.

All the aforementioned courses are aimed about passing the HSK exam.

How many HSK levels are there in total?

Currently, as of 2020, there are 6 HSK levels, HSK 6 being the most advanced.

Where are HSK Exams taken?

Exams are taken at a nearby centre. We will provide you with the details when the test is booked.

Do I have to take a HSK Exam?

You are under no obligations to take any exam when you learn Chinese. An oral test or a speaking test is just a way of gaining a grade. If you need this on your CV for a potential job then yes, the HSK Exam is worth taking. If you have a personal goal and want to reach a certain level of Chinese proficiency, then yes why not take the test. Otherwise the choice is completely up to you.

Do you have any way I can practice the HSK right now?

We have free HSK tests on our website you can take right now.

Bare in mind, these are simply vocabulary tests and not a mock of an official HSK test.

Our test will examine your ability on all the vocabulary for that given level, try it now!

OUR FREE HSK TESTS ⏩ LTL HSK Tests

Have you had students pass HSK 6 before?

We have indeed, many in fact. If you wish to speak to any of them, do let us know.

You can also check out a blog post and a video from two of our HSK students of the past.

How do I know my HSK Level?

Your teacher will guide and assess your Chinese language level throughout your course with LTL.

They will tell you what your level is and what exam you should be aiming to take. You can then prepare for this accordingly.

Can I take an online HSK course?

Absolutely, if you want to take an Online HSK course check out our dedicated course page by visiting the link.

How many words do I need to know to pass HSK?

HSK 1 – 150 words

HSK 2 – 300 words

HSK 3 – 600 words

HSK 4 – 1,200 words

HSK 5 – 2,500 words

HSK 6 – 5,000 words

Why is the written test harder than the computer test?

We believe the computer test is a favourable choice because it cuts down the chance of losing marks and points on your exam paper. If you take the written test you must physically write down every character. If you slip up, you lose marks. With the computer exam you type the pinyin and the characters will appear on the computer. Although you still need to know which character to apply you cannot get the script of the character wrong this way. If you don’t know the answer you can make an educated guess which can often lead to you getting certain questions correct where you may have otherwise failed.

Do all HSK tests include Pinyin?

No, only HSK 1 and HSK 2 have pinyin, after this the exams are solely using Chinese characters.

What is the HSKK?

The HSKK is the spoken version of the HSK exam.

There are 3 levels in total, beginner, intermediate and advanced.

Since 2022, all overseas HSK3 to HSK6 test takers are required to take both HSK and HSK Oral Test. 

The written and spoken part will come as a combo package. This change will only affect all overseas HSK testing sites. Testing sites in China will not be affected.