As the new HSK standards and materials roll out, it’s time to get ahead of the changes-especially if you’re planning to take the exam in the second half of next year. Also, students need to start preparing themselves for a smoother transition. To make things clear for everyone, EDUPRCHINA have put together a detailed visual comparison between the old and new HSK exam.

If you’re learning Chinese or guiding someone who is, this is your go-to resource. Check it out and step confidently into the era of HSK 3.0!

The new HSK represents an evolution, optimization, and systematic upgrade of the current exam, designed to better meet the diverse needs of learners and provide a more scientific and precise assessment of their Chinese communication skills.

Guided by the "Chinese Proficiency Standards for International Chinese Language Education," the HSK test has upgraded its previous "Level 1 to Level 6" framework to a new "Three-tier Nine-level" system.

Key Differences Between HSK 3.0 and the Current HSK

1. System Restructuring 

The former six-level structure has been upgraded to a new Three-tier Nine-level' system, with the addition of HSK Levels 7-9. This establishes a comprehensive Chinese proficiency assessment framework that covers elementary, intemediate, and advanced levels.

2. Competence Orientation

HSK follows the principle of assessing Chinese communicative competence by comprehensively evaluating the five language skils of listening, speaking, reading, writing and translation.

3. Learning for Application

HSK content has been thoroughly optimized to reflect more real-life communicative scenarios, enrich assessment dimensions, expand the range and depth of topics, andprovide a multi-dimensional evaluation of test takers Chinese communicative competence.

4. Enhanced Experience

The question types have been refined, the number of questions and total test duration reduced, and the listening speed adjusted to provide test takers with a brand-new testing experience.

*Translation is assessed exclusively in HSK Levels 7-9.

*Translation is assessed exclusively in HSK Levels 7-9.

Key Adjustments in the HSK 3.0 Level 1-6

The overall structure of question types in the new HSK (Levels 1–6) remains stable, maintaining its focus on assessing practical Chinese communication skills. The updated exam places greater emphasis on enhancing expressive abilities in Chinese, introducing writing assessment from Level 2 and adding speaking assessment from Level 3. Meanwhile, certain question types have been optimized, and the test experience has been refreshed through a reduction in both the total number of questions and overall test duration.

Proficiency Descriptors for the New HSK (Levels 1-6)

Overview of Levels 7-9: Target Candidates

HSK 3.0 (Levels 7-9) is designed for high-level learners of Chinese as a second language. This includes students applying for master's or doctoral programs in China, undergraduate students majoring in Chinese studies worldwide, as well as professionals who use Chinese in academic research, or in economic, cultural, and technological exchanges.

HSK 3.0 (Levels 7-9) adopts a single-test, three-band scoring system. The exam consists of five sections: Listening, Reading, Writing, Translation, and Speaking, with a total duration of 200 minutes.

Sample tests have been released on the Chinese Tests Service website for your reference to better understand the test content and difficulty.
www.chinesetest.cn/HSK/7-9

Resources for the HSK 3.0

1. Official Textbook

The Chinese Testing International (CTI) is collaborating with the Foreign Language Teaching and Research Press (FLTRP) to develop a brand-new textbook series, the New HSK Course, which is fully aligned with the updated HSK test.

2. Mock Tests

HSK Mock is an officially recognized simulation test platform by Chinese Testing International. Complete sets of practice tests for the new HSK Levels 1 through 9 are now fully available online.

For Mobile Devices: Download the HSK Mock APP

For Computer Access: Visit hskmock.com

3. Syllabus

The new HSK test syllabus covers five components: tasks, topics, vocabulary, grammar, and Chinese characters. It clearly outlines the specific communication objectives that learners are expected to achieve, providing clear guidance for teaching and testing preparation. 
www.chinesetest.cn/syllabus

Ensure you're the first to understand the new standards, master the changes, and share these vital insights. For the latest updates and expert guidance, the EDUPRCHINA team is here to help.