HSK Test Format by Level: Questions, Sections and Timing

Before registering, make sure you know:

• which HSK level you want to take

• whether you will take a paper based or computer based test

• your preferred test date

• which test centre you want to use

The official registration system allows you to select the test type, level, test format, test date and available test centre when booking your exam.

HSK examinations are held on scheduled dates throughout the year.

Registration deadlines depend on both the test date and the test format. Paper based and computer based tests can have different registration deadlines, so always check the official calendar before making your plans.

It is a good idea to register before the final deadline where possible. Available test places can fill up, and an unpaid registration does not guarantee that a place will remain available if the test centre reaches capacity.

   

You will need a valid identification document when registering.

According to the official candidate regulations, candidates taking the test outside their home country must use a passport when registering. Candidates registering in their home country may use a passport or an original resident identity card, subject to the requirements of the country or region where they are taking the test.

Make sure the personal information you enter during registration matches your identification document exactly, particularly your:

• name

• date of birth

• identification number

Go to the official    Chinese Test Service Website    and create an account if you do not already have one.

You will need to provide an email address, create a username and set a password. Each email address can only be associated with one Chinese Test Service account. You will then use your email address to log in and manage your exam registration.

Once logged in, select Book a Test.

In the registration system, select:

1. your test type

2. your HSK level

3. your preferred test format

4. your test date

5. your test centre

Available formats depend on the test centre, so not every location will necessarily offer both paper based and computer based testing on every date.

Check all of these details carefully before continuing.

         Wo Hui Mandarin Jing’an          →        

Plaza 66

No. 1266 Nanjing West Road

Jing’an District, Shanghai, China

The Jing’an centre is located in central Shanghai and provides supervised internet based HSK testing in a dedicated computer testing environment.

         Wo Hui Mandarin Pudong          →        

Dulwich College Shanghai Pudong

222 Lan’an Road

Jinqiao, Pudong, Shanghai, China

The Pudong centre provides another official HSK testing location for candidates based in Pudong and surrounding areas.

Available test dates and HSK levels can vary, so check current examination availability before registering.

Next, enter your personal details and verify your mobile phone number.

You will also need to upload a recent identification style photograph.

The official photo requirements state that your photo should:

• have been taken within the last six months

• be a colour photograph

• clearly show your face

• preferably have a white background

• be in JPG format

• have a file size between 50 KB and 500 KB

Casual photographs, scenery photographs and images that do not clearly show your face are not accepted. Photos that have been excessively edited or altered using AI should also not be submitted.

Review everything carefully before submitting your registration.

Pay particular attention to your:

• name

• date of birth

• identification number

• HSK level

• test format

• test centre

• test date

The official regulations state that personal information cannot normally be modified directly after successful payment. If you discover an error, you should contact the Chinese Test Service or your registered test centre as soon as possible.

Candidates taking the test at centres in mainland China are also asked to provide mailing information. Candidates registering at overseas test centres or centres in Hong Kong, Macao or Taiwan are not required to complete this mailing information step.

   

Your registration is not complete until the required test fee has been paid.

For candidates registering at overseas test centres, including centres outside mainland China, payment is made at the test centre or using the payment method specified by that centre.

This is why you may see different payment procedures in different countries.

How much does the HSK test cost?

There is no single worldwide HSK registration fee.

The cost can vary according to your:

• HSK level

• country or region

• test centre

• test requirements

Check the fee shown during registration or contact your chosen test centre for the current local price.

   

Your admission ticket is an important document for test day.

According to the official candidate guidance, you can normally log in to your Chinese Test Service account 5 to 7 days before the examination and print your admission ticket from My Account. Some test centres may provide additional instructions for collecting or printing it.

Check all the information on the ticket as soon as you receive it.

You must bring a physical admission ticket and your original valid identification document to the test centre.

For a paper based HSK test, you should also bring at least two 2B pencils and an eraser. Candidates taking a computer based test are not permitted to bring paper or pencils into the test room.