Free HSK test for every level (HSK 3.0)
Free tests on the new HSK. The placement test covers every band and estimates your level in about ten minutes. Then there is one 20-question test for each level, 1 to 6 and the advanced 7-9 band, on that band's own words and grammar. Everything is scored on the page with every answer explained, and there is no signup.
| Test | Stage | New words at this band | Words in total |
|---|---|---|---|
| HSK placement test | All | 4 questions per band, returns your estimated level | |
| HSK 1 test | Elementary | 302 | 302 |
| HSK 2 test | Elementary | 198 | 500 |
| HSK 3 test | Elementary | 491 | 991 |
| HSK 4 test | Intermediate | 991 | 1,982 |
| HSK 5 test | Intermediate | 1,580 | 3,562 |
| HSK 6 test | Intermediate | 1,778 | 5,340 |
| HSK 7-9 test | Advanced | 5,562 | 10,902 |
Word counts are from the HSK 3.0 vocabulary list as this site vendors it. They differ from the old six-level HSK at every level: HSK 3.0 against HSK 2.0.
Which test to take
Not sure of your level: take the placement test. Sure of it: take that level's test. The pass line on every level test is 60%, the same proportion the HSK has used on its own papers (120 of 200, 180 of 300). Below 60%, drop one level. At 90% or above, go up one.
What these tests measure, and what they leave out
Every fill-in question has a correct answer that the HSK 3.0 list places at exactly that band, so a level 4 test is a test of level 4 words rather than of a level 4 lesson. The remaining questions ask for the natural reply to a line of conversation at that level.
They are reading tests. There is no listening, no writing and no speaking, all of which the real exam has. Treat a pass here as "the vocabulary and grammar are in place" and check the rest against the exam format.
Frequently asked questions
Which HSK test should I take first?
If you do not know your level, take the placement test: it covers all seven bands and returns an estimate. If you already have a level in mind, take that level's test. Under 60% means the level below is your working level; 90% or more means move up one.
Are these tests really free?
Yes. All of them are free, there is no account and no email field, and the score and the explanations appear on the same page.
Are these the official HSK papers?
No. They are reading tests of vocabulary and grammar, written by GraphChinese against the HSK 3.0 word lists. The official exam also has listening, and from level 3 writing and speaking. A score here tells you whether the words and patterns of a level are in place, which is the part of the exam a list can prepare.
What is HSK 3.0?
HSK 3.0 is the new HSK, built on the nine-band Chinese Proficiency Grading Standards. It keeps levels 1 to 6, adds an advanced 7-9 band, and changes the word list at every level. The new HSK, explained.
GraphChinese places you on a graph of 829 topics and teaches the next one you are ready for. The whole course, HSK 0 through HSK 6, is $49 once for lifetime access.
Start at your true level