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What changes in HSK 3.0 (9-band system) and how to transition from HSK 2.0.
CTI has set December 13, 2026 as the first official HSK 3.0 sitting. What each band tests, word counts from the 2025 syllabus, and which sitting to pick.
Dictionaries list 370,000+ entries, but about 3,000 characters cover 99% of everyday text and 3,245 words gets you HSK 4. Characters vs words, the official count for every band, coverage curves, and realistic targets by goal.
The HSK is China's official Chinese proficiency test, recognised worldwide. A plain guide to the levels, what it tests, and the new 9-band 3.0.
Band 7–9 is not HSK 6 but harder: translation, academic essays, presentations, one exam graded into three bands. A four-stage roadmap.
We wrote that July 18 was the first HSK 3.0 exam. It was not: CTI set December 13, 2026 as the first official sitting. See the correction and dates.
Every HSK sitting has followed the 3.0 standard since July 2026, but your 2.0 certificate did not expire. Who keeps it, who should retake.
HSK 3.0 packs about 5,400 words into bands 1–6, nearly double HSK 2.0. Filter by band, learn in patterns, review on schedule.
HSK 3.0 moves from 6 levels to a "3 divisions, 9 bands" system, nearly doubles the vocabulary per level and adds bands 7–9. Here is the full breakdown.
HSK 7–9 is the brand-new advanced tier in HSK 3.0 — one shared exam over ~11,092 words. Who needs it, what it tests and how to prepare.
HSK 3.0 uses nine bands across three stages, not six levels. Where your old level lands, and why Band N does not equal Level N.
The HSK 3.0 rollout moves at different speeds by country. How to check what your local centre offers, and paper versus internet-based sittings.
HSK 3.0 bundles speaking and writing at every band. If you have studied with listening-and-reading apps, here is the production practice to add.