The six-level test becomes nine bands in three stages — Elementary (1–3), Intermediate (4–6) and Advanced (7–9). Speaking moves into the HSK itself: Bands 3 to 6 each have their own speaking test and Bands 7 to 9 include speaking in the main exam, while Bands 1 and 2 have no speaking test and Band 1 has no writing section. The top-end vocabulary roughly doubles.

Not at every band. In the official sample papers (September 2026), Band 1 has listening and reading only, Band 2 adds writing, and speaking starts at Band 3. In HSK 2.0 the written exam and the HSKK speaking exam were separate, so you could pass HSK 4 without recording your voice. Under HSK 3.0, Bands 3 to 6 each have a speaking test for that band, and Bands 7 to 9 include speaking in the main exam.

Under the HSK 3.0 exam syllabus (November 2025), Band 1 covers 300 words against HSK 2.0 Level 1's 150, Band 2 covers 500 cumulative, Band 6 covers 5,400, and Bands 7–9 bring the total to 11,000.

It depends on when you test and why. CTI has announced that HSK 3.0 launches officially worldwide with the December 13, 2026 sitting. If you test before that date, prepare for the HSK 2.0 format your centre runs; if you test on December 13 or later, start on the 3.0 syllabus, especially speaking. Confirm the format with your test centre before you register.