HSK 3.0 exam 2026: dates, deadlines and what changed
Chinese Testing International (CTI) announced on 9 September 2026 that HSK 3.0 launches worldwide on 13 December 2026. Here is what you need to know to register and prepare.
Key dates
| First HSK 3.0 test | Sunday 13 December 2026 |
|---|---|
| Paper-based registration closes | 16 November 2026, 24:00 Beijing time |
| Computer-based registration closes | 3 December 2026, 24:00 Beijing time |
| Where to register | www.chinesetest.cn |
Individual test centers may stop taking registrations earlier when they are full, or set an earlier local cut-off. Check your center's page and register early.
What's new in HSK 3.0
- Nine levels instead of six. HSK 1–6 remain, and a new advanced band, HSK 7–9, is taken as a single exam.
- Much bigger word lists. HSK 3.0 is based on the 2021 national standard Chinese Proficiency Grading Standards for International Chinese Language Education (GF 0025-2021), which lists 11,092 words and 3,000 characters across the nine levels.
- A speaking test for HSK 3–6. Each of levels 3–6 has its own speaking paper, replacing the three-level HSKK for those candidates; test centers say level 3–6 candidates register for it together with the written test. HSK 7–9 tests speaking inside the main exam. See the speaking test guide.
Words per level
| Level | New words | Total words | Total characters | Old HSK (total words) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HSK 1 | 500 | 500 | 300 | 150 |
| HSK 2 | 772 | 1,272 | 600 | 300 |
| HSK 3 | 973 | 2,245 | 900 | 600 |
| HSK 4 | 1,000 | 3,245 | 1,200 | 1,200 |
| HSK 5 | 1,071 | 4,316 | 1,500 | 2,500 |
| HSK 6 | 1,140 | 5,456 | 1,800 | 5,000 |
| HSK 7–9 | 5,636 | 11,092 | 3,000 | none |
The jump is biggest at the lower levels: HSK 3 now expects 2,245 words, close to what the old HSK 4 required. If you were preparing for the old HSK, plan for more vocabulary at the same level number.
How to prepare in the time left
- Pick your level and register now. Paper-based seats close on 16 November.
- Learn the new words daily. 20–30 new words a day with spaced review covers a whole level in four to seven weeks. Start in the app.
- Practice speaking out loud if you're taking HSK 3–6: the timed sections reward fluent, complete answers.
- Take mock tests each week and move missed words back into your flashcards.
Questions
When is the first HSK 3.0 exam?
Sunday 13 December 2026, worldwide.
When does registration close?
At 24:00 Beijing time on 16 November 2026 for the paper-based test, and at 24:00 Beijing time on 3 December 2026 for the computer-based test. Test centers can fill up or set earlier local deadlines, so register early.
Where do I register?
Online at www.chinesetest.cn: choose your country and test center, then pay there.
Do I need to register for the speaking test separately?
In the 2026 pilot sittings, and according to test centers announcing the 13 December sitting, candidates for HSK 3, 4, 5 and 6 register for the matching speaking test at the same time. Check your booking page. HSK 1 and 2 have no speaking test.
Sources
- Chinese Testing International, "HSK 3.0 will be officially launched worldwide on December 13, 2026" (chinesetest.cn)
- Business Confucius Institute at AUEB, HSK 3.0 examination announcement (speaking-test registration for HSK 3–6)
- Ministry of Education of the PRC, release of GF 0025-2021 (March 2021)
HSK Prep is an independent study tool and is not affiliated with CTI or CLEC. Always confirm details with your test center.