HSK 等级

HSK Levels Explained: What Each Level Means (HSK 1–6 and 3.0)

The HSK has six levels in its current 2.0 format, from HSK 1 (150 words) to HSK 6 (5,000 words). HSK 1–2 test listening and reading and pass at 120 out of 200; HSK 3–6 add writing and pass at 180 out of 300. From 13 December 2026 the new HSK 3.0 replaces it with nine levels in three bands, smaller lists at the lower levels and a separate speaking test from Level 3.

By Cheng Xu · Facts checked 4 November 2026

Changing soon: the first regular HSK 3.0 exam is on 13 December 2026. What changes in HSK 3.0 → · Words added or moved earlier in HSK 3.0 →

一览HSK 2.0 at a glance

Level	Words (total)	Listening	Reading	Writing	Time	Pass
HSK 1	150	20	20	—	~40 min	120 / 200
HSK 2	300	35	25	—	~55 min	120 / 200
HSK 3	600	40	30	10	~90 min	180 / 300
HSK 4	1,200	45	40	15	~105 min	180 / 300
HSK 5	2,500	45	45	10	~125 min	180 / 300
HSK 6	5,000	50	50	1	~140 min	180 / 300

Questions per section; times include about 5 minutes for filling in personal details.

能力What you can do at each level

HSK 1150 wordsUnderstand and use very simple phrases for everyday needs. Word list · Practice
HSK 2300 wordsHandle simple, direct exchanges about familiar topics. Word list · Writing · Practice
HSK 3600 wordsCommunicate on basic topics in daily life, study and work; manage most of a trip to China. Word list · Writing · Practice
HSK 41,200 wordsDiscuss a fairly wide range of topics and talk fluently with native speakers. Word list · Writing · Practice
HSK 52,500 wordsRead newspapers and magazines, watch films and give a full speech in Chinese. Word list · Writing
HSK 65,000 wordsUnderstand written and spoken information with ease and express yourself fluently. Word list · Writing

新HSKHSK 3.0 levels

HSK 3.0 groups nine levels into three bands. Levels 1–6 are separate exams; Levels 7–9 are one exam whose score decides the level. Word counts below are cumulative, from the 2025 exam syllabus.

Level	Words (total)	Listening	Reading	Writing	Time	Speaking
HSK 1	300	20	20	—	~40 min	none
HSK 2	500	25	25	10	~60 min	none
HSK 3	1,000	30	30	10	~83 min	separate, about 15 min
HSK 4	2,000	32	32	6	~85 min	separate, about 20 min
HSK 5	3,600	35	35	2	~110 min	separate, about 23 min
HSK 6	5,400	40	40	2	~125 min	separate, about 23 min
HSK 7–9	11,000	—	—	—	—	one exam with listening, reading, writing, translation and speaking

Word counts: official 2025 syllabus (PDF). Question counts, times and speaking are not in the syllabus; they are as reported by StudyCLI and Hack Chinese, so confirm them with your test centre. Pass marks for HSK 3.0 have not been published yet. See which words move to earlier levels.

Common questions

How many HSK levels are there?

Six in HSK 2.0 (HSK 1–6). HSK 3.0 has nine levels in three bands: elementary (1–3), intermediate (4–6) and advanced (7–9, one combined exam).

What is the passing score for the HSK?

In HSK 2.0, 120 out of 200 for HSK 1–2 and 180 out of 300 for HSK 3–6. CTI has not yet published pass marks for the HSK 3.0 papers, so do not assume the old ones carry over.

Which HSK level do I need for university in China?

Requirements are set by each university. Undergraduate programmes taught in Chinese commonly ask for HSK 4 or 5; some majors ask for HSK 6. Check the programme page.

How long is an HSK certificate valid?

Score reports are generally accepted for two years from the test date for admission and scholarships; institutions may set their own rules.

Should I study the HSK 2.0 or HSK 3.0 lists?

If you sit the exam on or after 13 December 2026, prepare for HSK 3.0. If you sit before, use HSK 2.0. Most HSK 2.0 words are still in the HSK 3.0 lists, so the effort is not wasted.

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.