HSK exam structure & scoring
Questions, timing and pass marks for every HSK level — based on the current exam format.
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Quick answer
HSK 1–2 test Listening and Reading and are scored out of 200 (120 to pass). HSK 3–6 add Writing and are scored out of 300, 100 points per section (180 to pass). Exams run from ~40 minutes (HSK 1) to ~140 minutes (HSK 6), with no penalty for wrong answers. The speaking HSKK is scored out of 100. Try the real exam format with a free mock test.
Scoring at a glance
| Exam | Total score | Pass mark |
|---|---|---|
| HSK 1–2 | out of 200 | 120 to pass |
| HSK 3–6 | out of 300 (100 per section) | 180 to pass |
| HSKK | out of 100 | 60 to pass |
No penalty for wrong answers — always answer every question.
Structure by level (HSK 1–6)
HSK 1
Practice HSK| Section | Questions | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Listening | 20 | ~15 min |
| Reading | 20 | ~17 min |
Total: 40 questions · ~40 min · Score 200 · pass 120
HSK 2
Practice HSK| Section | Questions | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Listening | 35 | ~25 min |
| Reading | 25 | ~22 min |
Total: 60 questions · ~55 min · Score 200 · pass 120
HSK 3
Practice HSK| Section | Questions | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Listening | 40 | ~35 min |
| Reading | 30 | ~30 min |
| Writing | 10 | ~15 min |
Total: 80 questions · ~90 min · Score 300 · pass 180
HSK 4
Practice HSK| Section | Questions | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Listening | 45 | ~30 min |
| Reading | 40 | ~40 min |
| Writing | 15 | ~25 min |
Total: 100 questions · ~105 min · Score 300 · pass 180
HSK 5
Practice HSK| Section | Questions | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Listening | 45 | ~30 min |
| Reading | 45 | ~40 min |
| Writing | 10 | ~40 min |
Total: 100 questions · ~125 min · Score 300 · pass 180
HSK 6
Practice HSK| Section | Questions | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Listening | 50 | ~35 min |
| Reading | 50 | ~50 min |
| Writing | 1 | ~45 min |
Total: 101 questions · ~140 min · Score 300 · pass 180
HSKK speaking test
HSKK Beginner
Practice HSKListen and repeat · listen and answer · answer questions about yourself.
~20 min (7 min prep) · Score 100 · pass 60
HSKK Intermediate
Practice HSKListen and repeat · describe a picture · answer open-ended questions.
~21 min (10 min prep) · Score 100 · pass 60
HSKK Advanced
Practice HSKListen and retell · read a passage aloud · answer topic questions.
~24 min (10 min prep) · Score 100 · pass 60
Which format is this — HSK 2.0 or 3.0?
The numbers above follow the established HSK 2.0 six-level format, which most candidates still sit today. The new HSK 3.0 standard has published its vocabulary lists, but the detailed per-section format for levels 1–6 is still being rolled out. The new Advanced 7–9 band combines Listening, Reading, Writing, Translation and Speaking into a single ~210-minute paper.
Read the HSK 2.0 vs 3.0 explainer →Structure & scoring FAQ
How many questions are on the HSK 4 exam?
HSK 4 has 100 questions: 45 Listening, 40 Reading and 15 Writing, in about 105 minutes. It is scored out of 300 and you need 180 to pass.
How long does the HSK exam take?
It depends on the level: about 40 minutes for HSK 1 up to roughly 140 minutes for HSK 6. Each time includes about 5 minutes for filling in personal details.
What score do you need to pass the HSK?
HSK 1–2 are out of 200 (120 to pass). HSK 3–6 are out of 300, with 100 points per section, and 180 to pass. The HSKK is out of 100 (60 to pass).
Is there a penalty for wrong answers on the HSK?
No. There is no negative marking, so you should answer every question even when you are unsure.