The HSK 3.0 speaking test
HSK 3.0 has a separate speaking paper for each of levels 3, 4, 5 and 6, replacing the old three-level HSKK for those candidates. Test centers announcing the 13 December 2026 sitting say level 3–6 candidates register for it together with the written test. HSK 1 and 2 have no speaking paper, and HSK 7–9 tests speaking inside the main exam.
Format by level
| Level | Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| HSK 3 15 items, about 15 minutes: listen and repeat (8), describe pictures (5), answer questions (2). | Listen and repeat: 8 sentences, 10 s each | Describe pictures: 5 pictures, 15 s each | Answer 2 questions: 3 min to prepare, 1.5 min to answer |
| HSK 4 5 items, about 20 minutes: listen and retell (2), describe a picture (1), answer questions (2). | Listen and retell: 2 passages, 40 s each | Describe a picture: 3 min to prepare, 2 min to speak | Answer 2 questions: 3.5 min to prepare, 2 min to answer |
| HSK 5 5 items, about 23 minutes: listen and retell (2), describe a picture (1), answer questions (2). | Listen and retell: 2 passages, 1.5 min each | Describe a picture: 3 min to prepare, 2 min to speak | Answer 2 questions: 3.5 min to prepare, 2.5 min to answer |
| HSK 6 5 items, about 23 minutes: listen and retell (2), describe a picture (1), answer questions (2). | Listen and retell: 2 passages, 1.5 min each | Describe a picture: 3 min to prepare, 2 min to speak | Answer 2 questions: 3.5 min to prepare, 2.5 min to answer |
Timings follow the official HSK 3.0 sample papers. The score scale and pass mark for the new speaking papers have not been published yet. A live paper can differ from the samples; your admission ticket and the instructions on the day take precedence.
Sample HSK 3 prompts
Listen and repeat: 我每天早上七点起床。
Wǒ měi tiān zǎoshang qī diǎn qǐchuáng. · I get up at seven every morning.
Answer a question: 请说说你周末一般做什么。
Qǐng shuōshuo nǐ zhōumò yìbān zuò shénme. · Talk about what you usually do at weekends.
Tips that make a difference
- Use the whole time. In the question parts, a complete answer has a clear opinion, two or three reasons or examples, and a short conclusion.
- Repeat exactly. In HSK 3 listen-and-repeat, keep every word and the sentence's tones; don't paraphrase.
- Retell the story, not the wording. For HSK 4–6 retelling, keep who, what, why and the ending, in your own sentences.
- Record and listen back. You'll hear tone errors and long pauses that you don't notice while speaking.
- Prepare with notes during preparation time: a few key words, not full sentences.
Practice HSK 3 speaking freeHSK 4HSK 5HSK 6
The practice prompts in HSK Prep are original material written to match the official format; they are not real exam questions. Recordings stay on your device.
Sources
- Official HSK 3.0 level 3 speaking sample paper (Chinese Testing International)
- Business Confucius Institute at AUEB, HSK 3.0 announcement