HSK 3.0 Level 6: exam and preparation guide
Last reviewed 21 October 2026 · Checked against the official sample paper
Exam structure
| Section | Items | Time | What it tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| Listening | 40 | ~30 min | Long passages and interviews |
| Reading | 40 | 40 min | Long texts, gap-fill and matching |
| Writing | 2 | not separately timed | Extended composition |
Structure from the official HSK 3.0 sample paper. Times are the paper's own estimates and exclude personal-information time.
What changes at this level
Level 6 is the top of the written HSK: 5,400 cumulative words, long texts and an extended composition. It assumes near-academic reading stamina.
Vocabulary
The 1,800 new words are on the level 6 vocabulary list, with pinyin and part of speech. For the full cumulative picture, see the HSK 3.0 hub.
Practice availability
The HSK 3.0 level 6 question bank is not scheduled yet; vocabulary and structure guides are available now.
Frequently asked questions
How many words does HSK 3.0 level 6 require?
Level 6 adds 1,800 new words for a cumulative total of 5,400.
When does HSK 3.0 level 6 start?
HSK 3.0 exams for levels 1–6 open worldwide on 13 December 2026. Before that date, regular sittings use the current format.
Is there a speaking test at level 6?
Yes. The official 3.0 package includes a separate speaking test from level 3 upward; it is not part of the written paper.