新HSK 3.0
HSK 3.0 (New HSK): What Changes on 13 December 2026
HSK 3.0 replaces the six-level HSK 2.0 with nine levels in three bands. The first regular Levels 1–6 exam is on 13 December 2026. The official 2025 syllabus lists 300 words for Level 1 and 5,400 by Level 6; exam guides report writing from Level 2 and speaking from Level 3. HSK 2.0 certificates stay valid.
时间线Timeline
- November 2025CTI publishes the HSK 3.0 exam syllabus (word, character and grammar lists for Levels 1–9).
- January and September 2026Pilot sittings of the new Levels 1–6.
- July 2026The new syllabus formally takes effect.
- 7 November 2026Last regular CTI date on the 2026 calendar that uses HSK 2.0 (some centres run later 2.0 sittings).
- 13 December 2026First regular worldwide HSK 3.0 exam for Levels 1–6.
词汇量How many words each level needs
Three different lists are in circulation. The exam follows the 2025 syllabus; many apps and word lists (including the "2021 list" level shown on this site) still follow the larger 2021 standards. Browse the official 2025 word lists or compare with HSK 2.0.
| Level | HSK 2.0 (2011) | 2021 standards | HSK 3.0 exam (2025) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 150 | ≈500 | 300 |
| 2 | 300 | ≈1,272 | 500 |
| 3 | 600 | ≈2,245 | 1,000 |
| 4 | 1,200 | ≈3,245 | 2,000 |
| 5 | 2,500 | ≈4,316 | 3,600 |
| 6 | 5,000 | ≈5,456 | 5,400 |
| 7–9 | — | ≈11,092 | 11,000 |
All counts are cumulative. 2025 column: numbered vocabulary entries in the official exam syllabus (PDF pages 80–354), including separate readings or homographs. 2021 column: the level totals of the 2021 proficiency standard (GF 0025-2021), which the Ministry of Education gives as 11,092 words in total; word lists built from it, including ours, can differ by a few words per level. HSK 2.0 column: the 2010 HSK word lists.
Source: official HSK exam syllabus (PDF), listed on chinesetest.cn, published November 2025 by the Center for Language Education and Cooperation, effective July 2026; checked 2026-11-04 (file SHA-256 d8b6646599bc9a0c…). Vocabulary: PDF pages 80–354 (printed pages 77–351). Transcribed entries retain the official numbering, readings and sense annotations. This is independent study material, not an official CTI website.
变化What changes in the exam
- Nine levels, three bandsElementary 1–3, intermediate 4–6, advanced 7–9 (one combined exam).
- Writing from Level 2HSK 2 adds a short writing part; HSK 1 stays listening and reading only.
- Speaking from Level 3 (reported)Exam guides describe a separate speaking part of about 15–23 minutes instead of the old stand-alone HSKK; CTI has not published the format in the syllabus.
- Characters and grammar listsEach level now also lists the characters to recognise and to write, and the grammar points.
- Pass marks not yet publishedDo not assume the HSK 2.0 marks (120/200, 180/300) carry over.
- Old certificates stay validHSK 2.0 results already issued are still accepted.
备考How to prepare now
- Check your test date: before 13 December 2026 you will most likely sit HSK 2.0; from then on, HSK 3.0.
- Study the 2025 exam syllabus word lists for your target level, then review the comparison with HSK 2.0.
- Practise writing early, because HSK 3.0 tests it from Level 2: HSK 2 writing guide, sentence-ordering practice and the HSK writing checker.
- Use the HSK vocabulary level checker to see how your own sentences or reading passages map to HSK levels.
- Confirm the format with your centre and on chinesetest.cn close to the exam.
Common questions
When does HSK 3.0 start?
The first regular worldwide HSK 3.0 exam for Levels 1–6 is on 13 December 2026. The last regular HSK 2.0 date on CTI’s 2026 calendar is 7 November 2026, though some centres run later 2.0 sittings.
Is my HSK 2.0 certificate still valid?
Yes. Certificates already issued remain valid; score reports are generally accepted for two years from the test date.
How many words do I need for new HSK 4?
2,000 numbered vocabulary entries in total under the 2025 syllabus (HSK 2.0 needed 1,200). Lists based on the 2021 standards show about 3,245, but the exam board did not adopt those counts.
Does HSK 1 have writing in HSK 3.0?
No. Level 1 is listening and reading only; Level 2 adds a short writing part, such as writing a character from its pinyin.
Is there a speaking test?
Exam guides report a separate speaking part from Level 3 (about 15–23 minutes) and translation at Levels 7–9. The 2025 syllabus describes speaking tasks but not the exam format, and we have not found an official CTI statement on whether speaking is part of the 13 December 2026 sitting, so confirm with your test centre.
Sources: CTI: official 2025 exam syllabus · CTI: worldwide launch notice · MOE: 2021 proficiency standard (GF 0025-2021) · Hack Chinese: HSK 2.0 vs HSK 3.0 · Studycli: The new HSK 3.0. Exam rules change; confirm dates, fees and formats with your test centre.