HSK Test: What the HSK Exam Is and How It Works
The HSK is the Chinese Proficiency Test. Its new version, HSK 3.0, has nine levels, and the first official HSK 3.0 exam takes place worldwide on December 13, 2026. Chinese Testing International (CTI) publishes the exam dates, registration deadlines and test centres.
What is the HSK test?
HSK is the short name of the Chinese Proficiency Test. The official HSK 3.0 syllabus is titled "Syllabus for the Chinese Proficiency Test" in English. The exam has nine levels: HSK 1 to HSK 6 are separate levels, and levels 7, 8 and 9 form one advanced band. Each has an official list of words, characters and grammar points.
How the HSK exam works in HSK 3.0
- The exam is offered as a paper-based and a computer-based test, each with its own registration deadline.
- Speaking is part of the exam from level 3: for levels 3 to 6 the speaking test is registered together with the written exam of the same level, and levels 7 to 9 include speaking.
- Pass marks for HSK 3.0 levels 1 to 6 have not been published.
- Fees are set by each test centre.
HSK test dates and registration
- November 16, 2026 Registration deadline for the paper-based test (24:00 Beijing time).
- December 3, 2026 Registration deadline for the computer-based test (24:00 Beijing time).
- December 13, 2026 First official HSK 3.0 exam worldwide.
Dates, fees and test places can change, so check them on the official site and with your test centre before you register.
How to prepare for the HSK test
Start from the official word list of your level and read as much as you can at that level. Our short stories are graded by HSK level and come with exam-style questions that explain every answer. They are our own practice material, not official HSK questions.
Mythic Mandarin is not affiliated with Chinese Testing International (CTI). We do not register candidates or issue HSK certificates.