Nine levels in three stages
Beginner (HSK 1–3), Intermediate (HSK 4–6) and Advanced (HSK 7–9). Levels 7–9 are taken as one exam, and your level comes from your score.
Free video course · HSK 3.0
Understanding the new HSK 3.0
The HSK moves to a new nine-level format on 13 December 2026. A free video guide to what changes, what the word lists now ask for, and where YCT learners fit in.
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What changes
HSK 3.0 in three points
It starts on 13 December 2026
chinesetest.cn announced on 9 September 2026 that HSK 3.0 launches worldwide on that date. Registration closes on 16 November (paper) and 3 December (computer), Beijing time.
Bigger word lists at every level
HSK 1 now asks for 300 words (up from 150) and HSK 3 for 1,000 (up from 600). Certificates you already hold stay valid for two years from the test date.
Word lists
How much vocabulary each level needs
These are cumulative totals from the official HSK syllabus published in November 2025 by the Center for Language Education and Cooperation. Each level includes the words of the levels below it.
The old HSK 2.0 figures are shown for comparison. If you studied with old materials, the gap tells you how much new vocabulary to plan for.
| Level | HSK 3.0 words | Old HSK 2.0 words |
|---|---|---|
| HSK 1 | 300 | 150 |
| HSK 2 | 500 | 300 |
| HSK 3 | 1,000 | 600 |
| HSK 4 | 2,000 | 1,200 |
| HSK 5 | 3,600 | 2,500 |
| HSK 6 | 5,400 | 5,000 |
| HSK 7–9 | 11,000 | — |
Sources: HSK syllabus (CLEC, November 2025); chinesetest.cn.
For parents
Where YCT fits
The YCT (Youth Chinese Test) is the official Chinese test for school-age learners, with four levels. It stays separate from the HSK.
There is no official YCT-to-HSK conversion table. Comparing word lists is the most useful guide: a child who finishes YCT 4 knows about 600 words, which sits between HSK 2 (500) and HSK 3 (1,000) on the new scale.
| YCT level | Words | Nearest HSK 3.0 word list |
|---|---|---|
| YCT 1 | 80 | Below HSK 1 (300) |
| YCT 2 | 150 | Below HSK 1 (300) |
| YCT 3 | 300 | Same size as HSK 1 (300) |
| YCT 4 | 600 | Between HSK 2 (500) and HSK 3 (1,000) |
Word counts are cumulative. Comparison by word count only; exam formats differ.
The free video
What the video covers
- Why the HSK changed and what “three stages, nine levels” means
- What changes for the test you are preparing for
- How YCT levels compare with the new HSK word lists
- How HSK relates to the CSCA for university applicants
- How to choose your next level
How to watch
Three steps
- Click the buttonThe free course opens on the ChinoEasy student portal (powered by ELINK).
- Sign up with your emailFree, no payment needed. The video stays in My Courses so you can come back to it.
- Watch at your own paceOn a phone, tablet or computer. Pause and rewatch as often as you like.
Questions
Common questions
Is my old HSK certificate still valid?
Yes. HSK certificates are valid for two years from the test date, and nothing published so far cancels certificates in the old format.
Can I still take the old format?
The remaining 2026 old-format HSK 1–6 dates were 17 October and 7 November. Whether old-format sittings continue after 13 December 2026 had not been announced as of October 2026. Check chinesetest.cn.
Is speaking compulsory now?
During the 2026 trial, speaking registration was compulsory alongside HSK 3–6. Check the registration page for your sitting.
Where do I check official updates?
chinesetest.cn is the only official source for the HSK and YCT.