What is the HSK test?

The HSK (Hanyu Shuiping Kaoshi, 汉语水平考试) is China's official standardized Mandarin Chinese proficiency exam for non-native speakers. It is administered by Hanban under China's Ministry of Education. The current standard, HSK 3.0 (effective 2026), has nine levels: HSK 1 through HSK 9, plus a separate HSKK spoken exam. Each written level tests listening, reading, and writing (HSK 1–2 omit the writing section). Scores are reported on a 300-point scale — 100 points per section — with 60% (180 out of 300 points) as the passing threshold. Universities, scholarship programs, and employers commonly require HSK 4 (B2 level, 1,200 words) or HSK 6 (C2, 5,000 words) for admission or work visas.

Is the HSK practice test free?

HSK Tutor provides one free full-length HSK mock test per level — HSK 1 through HSK 6 — with no account or credit card required. Each test uses the official computer-based format with listening, reading, and writing sections, scored on the standard 300-point scale. Results and section scores are displayed immediately after completion. These are practice tests designed to simulate the real exam, not official Hanban exams. Official HSK exams must be taken at authorized test centers worldwide and cost approximately $30–100 USD depending on the level. Additional mock tests for each level are available with a Premium subscription ($4.99/month).

What is a passing score on the HSK?

The HSK passing score is 180 out of 300 points — 60% overall. Each section (listening, reading, writing) is scored out of 100, and candidates must also meet minimum scores per section at higher levels. Our mock tests show your score per section so you can identify exactly which skill needs the most work before the real exam.