HSK Test Levels
There are six HSK levels overall. HSK 1 covers basic Chinese language through to HSK 6 which is outright fluency in all circumstances. Let’s explain a little bit more about each level and what your expectations will be when taking the exam:
- HSK 1 – The ability to understand basic Chinese words and phrases
- HSK 2 – Can use basic Chinese and apply 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 you need 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 |
1200 words |
| HSK 5 |
2 hours |
2500 words |
| HSK 6 |
2 hours 15 minutes |
5000 words |
How the HSK Exam works
There are six HSK Exams in total. The exam is either taken on computer or written format. There is no speaking involved. You can actually take a Chinese speaking test, this is referred to as the HSKK Exam (note the extra K). There are three of these tests in total. Feel free to contact us to talk more about HSKK Exams.
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 HSK Exam’s 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 a number of 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.
