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Free HSK Practice Tests with Instant Scoring

Prepare for the Hanyu Shuiping Kaoshi — China's official Mandarin Chinese proficiency test — with unlimited scored practice across all six levels.

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What Is the HSK?

The Hanyu Shuiping Kaoshi (HSK) is China's only official standardised test of Mandarin Chinese for non-native speakers. It is developed and administered by Chinese Testing International (CTI), affiliated with the Chinese Ministry of Education.

Six levels are offered: HSK 1 (beginner) through HSK 6 (advanced). HSK 4 is typically required for bachelor's programmes taught in Chinese, and HSK 5 for master's programmes. HSK is also required for Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC) applications.

Speaking is tested separately via the HSKK (Hanyu Shuiping Kouyu Kaoshi). Since 2023, level 3+ test takers must take both HSK and HSKK together for university applications. Results are valid for 2 years. Fees range from US$35 to US$75 depending on level.

HSK 4 Test Format

Showing HSK level 4, the typical requirement for bachelor's admission. Speaking (HSKK) is a separate exam.

Tingli (Listening)

  • Items: 45
  • Time: 35 minutes
  • Format: Recordings played twice with multiple-choice questions
  • Focus: Daily and academic conversations

Yuedu (Reading)

  • Items: 40
  • Time: 40 minutes
  • Format: Passages, sentence matching, and fill-in-the-blank
  • Focus: Simplified Chinese characters

Shuxie (Writing)

  • Items: 15
  • Time: 25 minutes
  • Format: Character writing and short compositions
  • Focus: Sentence construction and paragraph writing

HSKK (Speaking)

  • Tasks: 3 (repeat, describe, give opinion)
  • Time: 17 minutes (intermediate)
  • Format: Recorded spoken responses
  • Pass score: 60/100

How Syllabus Will Help You Prepare

Practice that mirrors the real HSK exam experience.

1

Instant Scoring

Every response evaluated against HSK criteria. Get your predicted score for each section within seconds.

2

Detailed Feedback

Get specific feedback on character accuracy, grammar, vocabulary usage, and pronunciation to improve systematically.

3

Unlimited Practice

No test limits, no paywalls. Practise across all HSK levels as many times as you need to hit your target score.

HSK Levels

You need 180/300 to pass levels 3–6, and 120/200 for levels 1–2. HSKK requires 60/100.

HSK Level CEFR Equivalent Vocabulary Pass Score Typical Use
HSK 6 C2 5,000+ words 180/300 Advanced academic and professional; Chinese media fluency
HSK 5 C1 2,500 words 180/300 Master's admission; professional work in China
HSK 4 B2 1,200 words 180/300 Bachelor's admission; CSC scholarship threshold
HSK 3 B1 600 words 180/300 Basic workplace communication
HSK 2 A2 300 words 120/200 Elementary conversation
HSK 1 A1 150 words 120/200 Basic greetings and phrases

HSK uses simplified Chinese characters. HSKK (speaking) is scored separately — 60/100 to pass. Results are valid for 2 years.

HSK — Key Facts

Fee

US$35–US$75 depending on level. Higher levels cost more.

Validity

Results are valid for 2 years from the test date.

HSK + HSKK

Since 2023, level 3+ must take both HSK and HSKK together for university applications.

University Admission

HSK 4 for bachelor's programmes; HSK 5 for master's programmes taught in Chinese.

CSC Scholarships

Chinese Government Scholarships generally require HSK 4 or higher.

Preparation

Old tests and vocabulary lists are the best preparation — many are freely available online.

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