HSK 3.0: the new exam, explained

The date

HSK 3.0 exams for levels 1–6 open worldwide on 13 December 2026. Before that date, regular sittings use the current format. Registration for the launch sitting closes on 16 November 2026 (paper) and 3 December 2026 (internet-based), both at 24:00 Beijing time.

Full dates, deadlines and booking checklist →

— days until the first HSK 3.0 exam.

Booking logistics: test centers and dates by country · scoring: pass marks and results.

What changes at beginner level

HSK 1 grows from 150 to 300 words, and HSK 2 reaches 500 cumulative words. The selection was revised rather than simply extended, so the current lists are not a subset of the new ones. Levels 1 and 2 remain listening + reading only, with no writing section.

Official vocabulary lists

Transcribed from the official HSK 3.0 syllabus (published November 2025), with the part of speech printed for every entry.

Level guides for 3–6: Level 3 · Level 4 · Level 5 · Level 6.

Should you prepare for 3.0 now?

• Exam before 13 December 2026: prepare the current format. The HSK 1 and HSK 2 lists still apply.
• Exam in 2027 or later: prepare 3.0 and start with the level 1 list above.
• Already studying: keep the current list — the high-frequency core carries over.

Practice

3.0 question banks are in production. Until they ship, the current format practice sets remain the closest available preparation — the task types at beginner level carry over.