- HSK 3.0 Levels 1–6 launch worldwide on December 13, 2026. Chinese Testing International (CTI) announced the date in early September 2026. Pilot exams ran on January 31 and September 20.
- November 7, 2026, is the last HSK 1–6 date on CTI's 2026 calendar before the launch, and those exams use HSK 2.0. Some test centers may hold their own HSK 2.0 sittings later in 2026. To sit HSK 3.0 on December 13, register by November 16 for a paper test or by December 3 for an internet-based test (Beijing time).
- The finalized HSK 3.0 syllabus was published in November 2025 and is marked for implementation in July 2026. Exams built on it reach regular test dates on December 13.
- Both HSK 2.0 and HSK 3.0 use the labels Levels 1–6. A level number by itself does not tell you which exam format you are taking.
- HSK 7–9 is already operating as a single advanced, internet-based exam that reports a result of below Level 7, Level 7, 8, or 9 according to performance.
- Before preparing for a test, confirm the version, level, format, speaking requirement, and syllabus with your test center or registration record.
HSK 3.0 now has a launch date. Chinese Testing International (CTI) will hold the first regular HSK 3.0 exams for Levels 1–6 worldwide on December 13, 2026. Until then, regular HSK 1–6 dates use the older format, HSK 2.0, so the version you prepare for depends on your test date.
CTI announced the launch in early September 2026. Registration for December 13 closes at midnight Beijing time on November 16 for the paper test and on December 3 for the internet-based test at a test center. The last HSK 1–6 date on CTI's 2026 calendar before the launch is November 7, and it uses HSK 2.0.
Use these resources for the revised HSK 3.0 syllabus. The HSK 1–6 exams on December 13, 2026, are the first regular sittings built on it. An earlier test date uses HSK 2.0, so check the version on your registration.
Official practice: CTI's HSK page links its HSK 3.0 sample questions, a competency profile for each level, and two “Try HSK 3.0” online demos.
Downloadable vocab lists (PDFs):
- Level 1 Vocab List
- Level 2 Vocab List
- Level 3 Vocab List
- Level 4 Vocab List
- Level 5 Vocab List
- Level 6 Vocab List
Browsable vocab spreadsheets:
- Levels 1–3 Vocabulary (Elementary stage)
- Levels 4–6 Vocabulary (Intermediate stage)
- Levels 7–9 Vocabulary (Advanced stage)
Practice flashcard decks:
- HSK 1 Vocabulary Flashcards
- HSK 2 Vocabulary Flashcards
- HSK 3 Vocabulary Flashcards
- HSK 4 Vocabulary Flashcards
- HSK 3.0 Sentence Flashcards
Source: These revised lists are based on the finalized HSK examination syllabus issued by the Center for Language Education and Cooperation.
01 HSK 3.0 Status in 2026: What Is Actually Official?
The rollout has come in steps, and each one has its own date.
- CTI describes the new HSK as a Three Stages, Nine Levels system: Levels 1–3 are elementary, Levels 4–6 are intermediate, and Levels 7–9 are advanced.
- The finalized syllabus was published in November 2025 and carries a July 2026 implementation date. It includes separate outlines for communicative tasks, topics, vocabulary, characters, and grammar.
- On January 31, 2026, CTI ran a limited HSK 3.0 pilot for Levels 1–6 at selected test centers in Asia, Europe, Africa, the Americas, and Oceania.
- In early September 2026, CTI announced that HSK 3.0 would be officially launched worldwide on December 13, 2026.
- A second HSK 3.0 pilot for Levels 1–6 followed on September 20.
- HSK 7–9 is already available as a separate advanced examination.
The syllabus cover gives July 2026 as its implementation date. Its exams followed on their own schedule: regular HSK 1–6 dates on CTI's calendar through November 7, 2026, use HSK 2.0, and the first regular HSK 3.0 sitting is December 13, 2026.
CTI published its 2027 test calendar on October 27, 2026. It lists 11 dates for HSK 1–6 and the HSK Speaking Test, from January 9 to December 11, 2027. Every date has both a paper test and an internet-based test, but a given test center may offer only one of them. The calendar does not say which version each date uses. Every date falls after the December 13, 2026, HSK 3.0 launch, and CTI has not announced any HSK 2.0 dates for 2027. Still, check the version on your registration.
| Test date (2027) | Paper test: register by | Internet-based test: register by |
|---|---|---|
| January 9 | December 13, 2026 | December 30, 2026 |
| March 14 | February 15 | March 4 |
| April 10 | March 14 | March 31 |
| May 16 | April 19 | May 6 |
| June 26 | May 30 | June 16 |
| July 18 | June 21 | July 8 |
| August 21 | July 25 | August 11 |
| September 12 | August 16 | September 2 |
| October 16 | September 19 | October 6 |
| November 7 | October 11 | October 28 |
| December 11 | November 14 | December 1 |
Results dates are on CTI's calendar. Some test centers set earlier deadlines of their own, so check yours.
02 Key Terms: HSK 2.0, HSK 3.0, HSKK, and HSK 7–9
HSK stands for 汉语水平考试 (Hànyǔ Shuǐpíng Kǎoshì), the standardized Chinese proficiency test for learners who use Chinese as an additional language.
HSK 2.0 is the six-level examination system used for regular Levels 1–6 tests on CTI's calendar through November 7, 2026, and at any later sittings a test center holds on its own.
HSK 3.0 is the revised framework and syllabus. It covers Levels 1–6 and the advanced Levels 7–9, and it expands what the official syllabus defines at each stage. Its Levels 1–6 exams start on December 13, 2026.
HSKK, commonly called the HSK Speaking Test in English, stands for 汉语水平口语考试 (Hànyǔ Shuǐpíng Kǒuyǔ Kǎoshì). Under HSK 2.0 it has elementary, intermediate, and advanced levels. HSK 3.0 instead gives each of Levels 3–6 its own speaking test, from HSK 3 Speaking to HSK 6 Speaking, and HSK 7–9 includes speaking in the exam itself.
HSK 7–9 is one advanced integrated exam. Candidates do not register for three separate tests. Their performance is reported as below Level 7, Level 7, Level 8, or Level 9.
03 HSK 2.0 vs. HSK 3.0: The Practical Differences
The revised system is more than a change from six level labels to nine. The following comparison focuses on the differences that affect preparation and registration.
| Question | HSK 2.0 | HSK 3.0 |
|---|---|---|
| How many levels? | Six separate levels. | Nine levels grouped into elementary (1–3), intermediate (4–6), and advanced (7–9) stages. |
| Are Levels 1–6 still used? | Yes, through November 7, 2026, on CTI's calendar, and at any later sittings a test center holds on its own. | Yes, from December 13, 2026. HSK 3.0 also uses Levels 1–6, so the level label alone does not identify the version. |
| What syllabus should I use? | Use the current test structure and preparation materials for the HSK 2.0 exam you registered for. | Use the finalized 2025 syllabus, which defines tasks, topics, vocabulary, characters, and grammar for each stage. |
| What are the revised vocabulary totals? | The older six-level vocabulary lists remain relevant to HSK 2.0 preparation. | The finalized syllabus sets cumulative totals of 300, 500, 1,000, 2,000, 3,600, and 5,400 words for Levels 1–6. |
| How does speaking work? | HSKK is a related speaking test. Whether you need it depends on the test session and the institution receiving your score. | In both 2026 pilots, Levels 3–6 had to be registered together with the speaking test for the same level. |
| What about advanced levels? | There are no Levels 7–9. | One integrated Level 7–9 exam evaluates listening, reading, writing, translation, and speaking. |
| What should I confirm? | Your exam version, level, delivery format, speaking requirement, test-center instructions, and the exact score required by your school or program. | |
04 Which HSK Exams Can You Take in 2026?
HSK 2.0 Levels 1–6, through November 7
The regular Levels 1–6 dates on CTI's 2026 calendar from January through November 7 use HSK 2.0, with paper-based and internet-based testing at centers. The calendar's last date, December 13, is now the first HSK 3.0 sitting. The registration deadlines for November 7 are October 11 for the paper test and October 28 for the internet-based test. A test center can also hold its own HSK 2.0 sitting after that date: the Confucius Institute at the University of Sheffield lists one on December 5, 2026.
HSK 3.0 Levels 1–6, from December 13
December 13, 2026, is the first regular HSK 3.0 sitting, on paper or online at a test center depending on the center. Register by midnight Beijing time on November 16 for the paper test or on December 3 for the internet-based test. Some test centers set earlier deadlines of their own, so check yours. Results are due on December 28 for the internet-based test and on January 15, 2027, for the paper test, according to CTI's calendar.
Before the launch, CTI ran two HSK 3.0 pilot sittings, on January 31 and September 20, 2026. Both covered Levels 1–6, and their score reports are valid for two years.
| Level | Written test | Speaking test |
|---|---|---|
| HSK 1 | 40 questions, about 40 minutes | None |
| HSK 2 | 60 questions, about 60 minutes | None |
| HSK 3 | 70 questions, about 83 minutes | About 15 minutes |
| HSK 4 | 70 questions, about 85 minutes | About 20 minutes |
| HSK 5 | 72 questions, about 110 minutes | About 23 minutes |
| HSK 6 | 82 questions, about 125 minutes | About 23 minutes |
Speaking times include preparation time. The sample papers do not give score scales or pass marks, so do not assume the HSK 2.0 pass marks carry over.
HSK 7–9
HSK 7–9 is listed separately on the 2026 calendar. Its last 2026 date is November 22, as an internet-based test at a test center, with registration closing on November 8. CTI's 2027 calendar lists it on May 23 (register by May 9) and November 20 (register by November 6), again internet-based only. One sitting covers listening, reading, writing, translation, and speaking. CTI's current HSK 3.0 sample paper for the exam has 91 questions and runs about 200 minutes, while CTI's HSK 7–9 page still gives the earlier figures of 98 questions and about 210 minutes.
Do not prepare for “HSK Level 3” or “HSK Level 5” in the abstract. Prepare for the exact version and format shown in your registration materials.
05 Do You Need HSKK or Another Speaking Test?
There are two separate questions:
- Does your examination session require a speaking test?
- Does the school, scholarship, or employer receiving your score require speaking proof?
In both 2026 HSK 3.0 pilots, CTI required candidates taking Levels 3–6 to register for the speaking test of the same level: HSK 3 Speaking with HSK 3, HSK 4 Speaking with HSK 4, and so on. For the September pilot, HSK 3.0 HSK 3 with its speaking test cost the same as HSK 2.0 HSK 3 plus the elementary HSKK, HSK 4 the same as HSK 2.0 HSK 4 plus the intermediate HSKK, and HSK 5 or HSK 6 the same as the HSK 2.0 level plus the advanced HSKK.
CTI's launch notice does not say whether this rule applies on December 13, so check with your test center when you register. A university or scholarship may also have its own speaking requirement.
06 How Universities and Scholarships Treat HSK Scores
Admissions requirements remain mixed because institutions update on their own schedules. These current pages show three common approaches:
- Tsinghua University asks applicants to its Chinese-English taught undergraduate programs for HSK Level 5 or above, with scores above 60 in listening, reading, and writing, for the 2027 intake.
- Peking University's School of Computer Science asks for HSK 6 (above 200, with at least 65 in writing) for its Chinese-taught graduate programs in its 2026 guide, and also accepts qualified Level 7–9 scores.
- East China Normal University requires specified HSK and HSKK scores for some 2026 International Chinese Language Teachers Scholarship programs.
Follow the exact wording on the current page for your intake and program. “HSK Level 5” is not enough information unless the institution also states the required total score, section scores, speaking score, validity period, and any accepted alternatives. None of these three pages mentions HSK 3.0 yet, and CTI has not published a table that converts HSK 2.0 results into HSK 3.0 levels, so ask the institution which version it accepts.
07 How to Choose What to Study
You want a general learning roadmap
Use HSK 3.0 as a long-term framework. Its revised syllabus connects each level to communicative tasks, topics, vocabulary, characters, and grammar, making it more useful than a word list alone.
You have an upcoming Levels 1–6 exam
Use the format named by your test center. If your registration says HSK 2.0, as every regular date through November 7, 2026, does, prioritize its sample papers, timing, question types, and vocabulary. For December 13, the first regular HSK 3.0 sitting, prepare with the HSK 3.0 syllabus and CTI's official HSK 3.0 sample questions.
You are applying to a university or scholarship
Work backward from the published requirement. Confirm the level, minimum total, minimum section score, HSKK requirement, score validity, and application deadline before registering.
You are preparing for HSK 7–9
Build beyond vocabulary recall. The advanced test combines long-form listening and reading with writing, translation, and spoken expression. Preparation should include timed integrated tasks and feedback on productive skills.
08 HSK 3.0 Vocabulary Lists and Practice
The finalized HSK 3.0 syllabus assigns vocabulary cumulatively. Levels 1–6 reach 300, 500, 1,000, 2,000, 3,600, and 5,400 words respectively. The list continues into a shared advanced band for Levels 7–9.
These totals are targets within the revised syllabus, not a guarantee that a learner who memorizes the list can pass the test. The syllabus also defines communicative tasks, topics, character recognition and writing, and grammar.
Downloadable vocab lists
- HSK 3.0 Level 1 Vocab List (PDF)
- HSK 3.0 Level 2 Vocab List (PDF)
- HSK 3.0 Level 3 Vocab List (PDF)
- HSK 3.0 Level 4 Vocab List (PDF)
- HSK 3.0 Level 5 Vocab List (PDF)
- HSK 3.0 Level 6 Vocab List (PDF)
Browsable vocab spreadsheets
- Levels 1–3 Vocabulary Spreadsheet
- Levels 4–6 Vocabulary Spreadsheet
- Levels 7–9 Vocabulary Spreadsheet
Practice vocabulary in context
Use the HSK 1, HSK 2, HSK 3, and HSK 4 Vocabulary Flashcards for level-specific review. The HSK Sentence Flashcards place vocabulary in complete sentences so you can also practice grammar, meaning, and usage.
09 What to Verify Before You Register
- Exam version: Is the session HSK 2.0, an HSK 3.0 administration, or HSK 7–9?
- Level: Which level is required for your purpose?
- Delivery format: Is it paper-based or internet-based at a test center?
- Speaking: Must you register for HSK Speaking, and does the receiving institution require it?
- Score threshold: Is there a minimum total or minimum score in a specific section?
- Validity: Will the score still be valid on the application deadline?
- Test-center confirmation: Do the center's instructions agree with the general calendar and your registration record?
When information conflicts, prioritize the current CTI registration record, written instructions from the test center, and the official admissions page for the institution receiving your score.
10 FAQ
When does HSK 3.0 start?
CTI's official worldwide launch for HSK 3.0 Levels 1–6 is December 13, 2026. Regular dates on CTI's calendar before then, through November 7, use HSK 2.0, and some test centers may hold their own HSK 2.0 sittings later in 2026. HSK 7–9 is already part of the new system.
Why does the new syllabus say July 2026?
The finalized syllabus is marked for implementation in July 2026. Its Levels 1–6 exams came later: CTI set their launch for December 13, 2026.
Can I still take HSK Level 4 or Level 5 in 2026?
Yes. November 7 is the last HSK 2.0 date on CTI's 2026 calendar, and December 13 is the first HSK 3.0 date. Both include Levels 1–6. Confirm the version and format with your test center before preparing.
Will HSK 2.0 still be offered in 2027?
CTI has not said directly. Its 2027 calendar, published October 27, 2026, lists dates without naming a version, and all of them fall after the December 13, 2026, HSK 3.0 launch. At least one test center, at the London School of Economics, says HSK 2.0 will no longer be offered from December 2026. Check the version shown when you book a 2027 date.
Is my HSK 2.0 score still valid?
For two years from the test date, the same as before. CTI's launch notice does not change that. Whether a university accepts an HSK 2.0 result for a given level is up to that university.
Do I need HSKK?
It depends on both the examination session and the institution using your score. Both 2026 HSK 3.0 pilots paired Levels 3–6 with speaking tests, while university and scholarship requirements vary.
Is HSK 7, 8, or 9 a separate test?
No. Candidates take one integrated HSK 7–9 exam. CTI assigns an outcome of below Level 7, Level 7, Level 8, or Level 9 based on performance.
How long are HSK scores valid?
CTI's exam pages and its 2026 pilot notices state that score reports are valid for two years. The receiving institution may impose additional timing rules, so check the application page as well.
Review CLI's HSK Levels guide and HSK Sentence Flashcards. For individualized placement and feedback, explore one-on-one online Chinese lessons or CLI's Chinese Immersion Program.
11 Selected Official References
- Chinese Testing International: overview of the Three Stages, Nine Levels framework. View source →
- Chinese Testing International: HSK 3.0 launch announcement, with the December 13, 2026 test date and registration deadlines. View source →
- Chinese Testing International: notice for the second HSK 3.0 pilot on September 20, 2026, with registration, timing, speaking, fee, and score-validity details. View source →
- Center for Language Education and Cooperation: finalized HSK examination syllabus, published November 2025 and marked for implementation in July 2026. View source →
- Chinese Testing International: 2026 calendar for regular Levels 1–6 and HSK 7–9, including the November 7 and December 13 dates, deadlines, and results dates. View source →
- Chinese Testing International: 2027 calendar for HSK 1–6, the HSK Speaking Test, and HSK 7–9, published October 27, 2026, with registration deadlines and results dates. View source →
- Chinese Testing International: HSK 2.0 Level 1 test structure and score validity. View source →
- Chinese Testing International: HSK 2.0 Level 3 test structure and score validity. View source →
- Chinese Testing International: official HSK 3.0 sample papers for Levels 1–6 and 7–9, linked from its HSK page. View source →
- Guangming Online (CCTV News): announcement of the January 31, 2026 HSK 3.0 pilot, December 19, 2025. View source →
- Chinese Testing International: HSK 7–9 structure, scoring, and delivery format. View source →
- Chinese Testing International: HSK Speaking Test overview. View source →
- Tsinghua University: 2027 undergraduate eligibility and Chinese-language thresholds. View source →
- Peking University: 2026 international graduate application requirements. View source →
- East China Normal University: 2026 scholarship language requirements. View source →
- London School of Economics HSK test center: 2027 test dates and its statement that HSK 2.0 will no longer be offered from December 2026. View source →
- Test calendars, formats, and admissions requirements can change. Confirm current details directly with CTI, your test center, and the institution receiving your score.