新HSK考试结构
New HSK Exam Format (HSK 3.0): All Levels, Question Types and Timing
CTI’s official HSK 3.0 sample papers range from 40 questions in about 40 minutes at Level 1 to 82 questions in about 125 minutes at Level 6. Writing starts at Level 2 and separate speaking papers start at Level 3. Levels 7–9 are one exam of 91 questions in about 200 minutes.
一至六级Levels 1–6 at a glance
| Level | Listening | Reading | Writing | Total | Time | Speaking paper | Words |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HSK 1 | 20 | 20 | — | 40 | ~40 min | — | 300 |
| HSK 2 | 25 | 25 | 10 | 60 | ~60 min | — | 500 |
| HSK 3 | 30 | 30 | 10 | 70 | ~83 min | 15 questions, ~15 min | 1,000 |
| HSK 4 | 32 | 32 | 6 | 70 | ~85 min | 5 questions, ~20 min | 2,000 |
| HSK 5 | 35 | 35 | 2 | 72 | ~110 min | 5 questions, ~23 min | 3,600 |
| HSK 6 | 40 | 40 | 2 | 82 | ~125 min | 5 questions, ~23 min | 5,400 |
Questions per section. Times include 5 minutes for personal details and the answer-sheet time after listening, and exclude the speaking paper. Words are cumulative numbered entries in the 2025 syllabus.
七至九级Levels 7–9
Levels 7–9 are one exam of 91 questions in about 200 minutes. See the HSK 7–9 word list.
| Section | Questions | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Listening | 40 | about 33 min |
| Reading | 40 | 50 min |
| Writing | 2 | 55 min |
| Translation | 4 | about 42 min |
| Speaking | 5 | about 20 min |
写作变化How the writing section changes
| Level | HSK 2.0 | HSK 3.0 sample paper |
|---|---|---|
| HSK 2 | None | A character is missing a component: choose the component that completes it. Write the missing character in a sentence, with pinyin given. |
| HSK 3 | 10 questions: word order, write characters | Write the missing character in a sentence, with pinyin given. Look at a picture and write one sentence using the given word. |
| HSK 4 | 15 questions: word order, sentence about a picture | Look at a picture and write one sentence using the given word. Write a short text of at least 80 characters on a given topic. |
| HSK 5 | 10 questions: word order, two 80-character texts | Write a story of at least 100 characters from four pictures. Write an essay of at least 200 characters on a given topic. |
| HSK 6 | One summary (缩写) of about 400 characters | Write a practical text of at least 150 characters, such as an online notice. Write an opinion essay of at least 300 characters on a given topic. |
HSK 1 has no writing section in either version.
口语Speaking papers, Levels 3–6
| Level | Tasks | Total time |
|---|---|---|
| HSK 3 | Listen and repeat (8), Talk about a picture (5), Answer a question (2) | about 15 min, including 6 min preparation |
| HSK 4 | Listen and retell (2), Talk about a picture (1), Answer a question (2) | about 20 min, including 10 min preparation |
| HSK 5 | Listen and retell (2), Talk about a picture (1), Answer a question (2) | about 23 min, including 10 min preparation |
| HSK 6 | Listen and retell (2), Talk about a picture (1), Answer a question (2) | about 23 min, including 10 min preparation |
Common questions
How many questions are on each new HSK level?
40 at Level 1, 60 at Level 2, 70 at Level 3, 70 at Level 4, 72 at Level 5 and 82 at Level 6, in the official sample papers. The Levels 7–9 paper has 91.
Is word ordering (连词成句) still in the new HSK?
It does not appear in the official HSK 3.0 sample papers for Levels 1–9. Writing now asks for characters, sentences about pictures and essays, depending on the level.
Is the HSK 6 summary (缩写) still in the new exam?
No. The official Level 6 sample replaces it with a practical text of at least 150 characters and an opinion essay of at least 300 characters.
Which levels have a speaking test?
CTI publishes separate speaking sample papers for Levels 3–6, and the Levels 7–9 exam includes speaking. Levels 1–2 have no speaking paper in the sample set.
Where can I find official sample papers?
CTI links them from its syllabus page on chinesetest.cn, with answer keys and audio, plus a trial of the computer test.
What is the HSK 3.0 pass mark?
The sample papers do not state one, and we have not found a published pass mark. Do not assume the HSK 2.0 marks carry over.
Source: the HSK 3.0 sample papers and answer keys on CTI’s syllabus page. Task descriptions are our own summaries, and question numbers are those printed in the samples. Real papers may differ, so confirm with your test centre. This is independent study material, not an official CTI website.