HSK 3.0 EXAM
The new HSK is an international standardized exam that tests and rates Chinese language proficiency. It assesses non-native Chinese speakers’ abilities in using the Chinese language in their daily, academic, and professional lives. The new HSK consists of a writing test and a speaking test, which are independent of each other. There are six levels of writing tests, namely the HSK (level I), HSK (level II), HSK (level III), HSK (level IV), HSK (level V), and HSK (level VI). There are three levels of speaking tests, namely the HSK (beginner level), HSK (intermediate level), and HSK (advanced level). During the speaking test, test takers’ speeches will be recorded.
HSK officials have announced that the new HSK 3.0 will be divided into three levels and nine bands.
Beginner Level：Band 1-3
Intermediate Level：Band 4-6
Advanced Level：Band 7-9
What do you need to know the new HSK 3.0?
The new HSK 3.0 uses a four-dimensional benchmark of syllables, Chinese characters, vocabulary and grammar to determine a candidate’s Chinese language level. Each level and grade has its own specific requirements for each dimension.
The new HSK test 3.0 will test candidates’ oral communication skills, including listening, speaking, reading, writing and translation. Test takers will need to be able to use these communication skills to talk about different topics in a variety of situations.
Handwritten Chinese characters and translations have been added. Candidates are required to write the required number of words in paragraphs 1 to 3. Requirements include the number of words to be written per minute. From Level 4 onwards, candidates’ oral and written translation skills will be checked.
Based on the new standards, we expect the new HSK test 3.0 to be more difficult than the current HSK test 2.0. It requires more vocabulary, grammatical concepts and handwriting. For example, HSK 3.0 Level 3 requires 2245 words, whereas the current HSK 2.0 Level 3 requires only 600 words. HSK Exam 3.0 will develop under the new standard. New test content and study materials are yet to be developed.
When will there be changes to the current HSK exam?
The current HSK Levels 1-6 examinations will remain unchanged for the near future. The current test content, certificates and study materials will remain valid for the foreseeable future, and the HSK Levels 1-6 will be gradually adapted to the new standards over the next 3-5 years, according to the actual situation of Chinese learners in different countries.
If you are planning to take HSK 2.0, you can continue to use your existing HSK practice materials. If you want to be ready for the new HSK exam 3.0, you should start practising handwritten Chinese characters and translations.
Comparison of HSK Test 3.0 and 2.0
HSK 2.0 | HSK 2.0 | HSK 2.0 | HSK 3.0 | HSK 3.0 | HSK 3.0 |
Level | Band | Vocabulary | Level | Band | Vocabulary |
Elementary | 1 | 150 | Elementary | 1 | 500 |
Elementary | 2 | 300 | Elementary | 2 | 1272 |
Intermediate | 3 | 600 | Elementary | 3 | 2245 |
Intermediate | 4 | 1200 | Intermediate | 4 | 3245 |
Advanced | 5 | 2500 | Intermediate | 5 | 4316 |
Intermediate | 6 | 5000 | Intermediate | 6 | 5456 |
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| Advanced | 7/8/9 | 11092 |