The New HSK (2022): An Overview and What’s Changed

The HSK is an official, standard Chinese proficiency test used in international Chinese language education. Starting July 2021, the New HSK standard will replace the previous six-level model. The New HSK 3.0 has a more specific classification system, including both levels and bands. Comparing the difficulty and quantity of words required for all four-dimension benchmarks (syllables, characters, vocabulary, and grammar), the New HSK is more rigorous than the old one. Here is a brief overview of the New HSK and how it differs from the old HSK.

General Overview of New HSK quantitative criteria:

NEW HSK

Level Band Syllable Character Vocabulary Grammar
Elementary 1 269 300 500 48
2 468 600 1272 129
3 608 900 2245 210
Intermediate 4 724 1200 3245 286
5 822 1500 4316 357
6 908 1800 5456 424
Advanced 7 / 8 / 9 1110 3000 11092 572
Total 1110 3000 11092 572

Why the New HSK 3.0?

1.    The new HSK classifies learners’ Chinese proficiency more precisely because it includes has three stages and nine levels. It uses four basic Chinese language elements (syllables, characters, vocabulary, and grammar) as well as verbal communication skills, and situational exercises to form its evaluation dimensions, which determine learners’ Chinese proficiency accurately.

2.    The New HSK will align with other international guidelines, such as CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages) and ACTFL (American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages).

3.    It fully reflects the elements required for language competency. Besides listening, reading, and writing, skills such as speaking, handwriting Chinese characters, and translation will also be tested.

4.    The newly added advanced level in the new HSK, from Band 7 to Band 9, is designed for learners who major in Chinese language and literature or sinologists. If you want to study for a master’s degree or Ph.D. in Chinese, or just want to challenge yourself, this new HSK is for you.

About the HSK and its history

HSK refers to the Hànyǔ Shuǐpíng Kǎoshì, the official, standard Chinese proficiency test, which came about in 1992 and was organized by Hànbàn, an affiliation of the Ministry of Education of China, which is also in charge of the Confucius Institutes worldwide. The HSK test is held regularly in China and other countries each year. It`s the most widely accepted Chinese language test in the world.

The original HSK 1.0 version was used from 1990 to 2009. There were 11 ranks and 3 test formats. Since it was criticized for being impractical and using too many obscure historical and cultural references, the current HSK 2.0 version came out in 2010. There was a huge reformation of the ranking system, from the original 11 levels to 6 levels. The HSK 2.0 was quite successful thanks to its lowered requirements and gentle learning curve. However, the 2.0 version does not correspond to other 6-level systems, like the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). In 2021, the HSK 3.0, also known as the New HSK, was just introduced and included new standards.

The main differences between the current HSK and the New HSK

1.   The New HSK has a more specific level classification

The old HSK had 6 levels, while New HSK has 3 levels, each including 3 distinct bands. Unlike the current HSK, the New HSK has three more bands for ranking advanced learners.

NEW HSK 3.0 CURRENT HSK 2.0
Level Band Required Vocabulary Required Vocabulary Level
Elementary 1 500 150 1
2 1272 300 2
3 2245 600 3
Intermediate 4 3245 1200 4
5 4316 2500 5
6 5456 5000 6
Advanced 7 / 8 / 9 11092 / /

Access New HSK Vocabulary List here >>

2. The four-dimension benchmarks of the New HSK

The New HSK uses four basic Chinese language elements to form its Four-dimension Benchmarks, which accurately determine learners’ Chinese proficiency. These benchmarks include syllables, characters, vocabulary, and grammar. Each level and band have its own specific requirements for each dimension.

Four-dimension Benchmarks
Syllables Characters Vocabulary Grammar

3. The increased difficulty of New HSK standard

Compared to the current HSK 2.0, there is an obvious increase in the difficulty and number of words required for each band. In other words, if you took the current HSK 3 test and passed, that only equals the New HSK elementary level band 1/2.  Many new words have been added, and also some outdated and less-frequently used words have been dropped from the list.

4. New skills required for the New HSK

The New HSK requires learners to master five verbal communication skills: listening, speaking, reading, writing, and translation. Students need to be able to apply these five abilities to talk about different topics in various situations in Chinese.

Handwriting Chinese characters and translation have been newly added.

The test requires learners to be able to COPY the required characters at Band 1 ~ 3 and even sets a minimum speed for copying them. So, it makes learning to write Chinese characters a MUST, even for those who weren’t interested in learning.

The New HSK standards also require learners to have spoken and written translation skills starting at band 4.

Characters Handwriting Requirement
Band 1 2 3 4 5 6 7-9
Required Handwriting Characters 100 200 300 100 250 400 500
Handwriting Speed ≥10 characters per minute ≥15 characters per minute ≥20 characters per minute / / / /

When will the HSK tests change?

For HSK 1-6, the current tests and classification will not change recently. Thus, the current HSK learning materials and courses still work for all learners at DigMandarin. The New HSK 3.0 HSK 1-6 will adjust accordingly in the future 3-5 years. Once all the changes are released officially, we will keep you updated immediately. For more about the current HSK, you can check and know it here: The HSK Complete Guide (Level 1-6)

HSK Advanced level (Band 7-9) will be
introduced as testing on Dec. 2021, while the official test will work on March
2022.

What does this mean for the learners

>  For all learners in general

In a word, for all learners and test-takers, it is becoming more challenging to learn Chinese. There are more required vocabulary words, grammar concepts, and general content in each band, but it is also more adapted to the current world. More new and practical words have been added, while some outdated or rarely used words have been dropped, meaning it is up to date and useful for learners in real life. It’s easier for learners to use the same language skills in daily life and for academic tests. What’s even more important, the learning process becomes more fun and practical with modern learning materials.

>  For the current HSK test takers

If you have already taken the current HSK 2.0 tests, it’s totally okay. The only difference is that the current HSK levels are not equivalent to the new HSK. The current HSK levels 1 to 3 are regarded as the new HSK’s elementary level Band 1/2, while there are three bands in the new HSK that are divided evenly between levels 5 and 6 of the old HSK.

Besides the old HSK’s listening, reading and writing requirements, you need to pay attention to and start practicing handwriting Chinese characters and translation, which you will be tested on too.

>  For advanced learners

For those who have passed level 6 of the current HSK and felt aimless, you can start setting your sights on new learning goals now, such as being a certificated advanced learner. The new HSK adds a whole new level for advanced learners and provides corresponding standards and new learning content. The advanced level of the new HSK from Band 7 to Band 9 is designed for learners who major in Chinese language and literature or sinologists. You will also be tested on your translation ability then. If you take the new HSK’s advanced level test, your band would be determined based on your score.

>  For those who don’t want to learn Chinese characters

Unlike level 1 and level 2 of the current HSK 2.0, learning to handwrite Chinese characters is a must for the new HSK. Learners should learn to write characters from the very beginning and be able to master characters’ stroke order and writing rules as well as punctuation rules. Basic Chinese writing skills are also required. Besides character writing accuracy, there is also a minimum writing speed required in each band.

We’ll always continue to update it with the latest information, including new HSK test timing, formats, and learning resources at Dig Mandarin. Make sure you subscribe to us and stay tuned!

New HSK levels in detail

Elementary Level (Band 1-3)

Target:

Understand simple texts and hold basic and
routine conversations requiring a simple exchange of information in daily, academic,
professional and social contexts.

Understand basic knowledge of Chinese culture and master simple social interaction strategies to help with communication.

Requirements:

Syllables Characters Vocabulary Grammar Handwriting
608 900 2245 210 300

Band 1

Verbal communication skills:

Be able to communicate and have brief, basic
social interactions on familiar topics.

Topics:

Personal information, daily routines, food,
transportation, hobbies, etc.

Tasks:

Use polite words and sentences in different
social situations.

Be able to recognize simple information in
a public environment and make inquiries and confirmations.

Requirements:

Syllables Characters Vocabulary Grammar Handwriting
269 300 500 48 100 ≥10
characters per minute
Listening Learners should be able to understand all the required topics and
tasks for Band 1, including simple dialogues (≤80 words) including basic words or simple sentences. The dialogue
will be at a pace of least 100 characters per minute. Understand basic information with the help of pictures, objects,
etc.
Speaking Master all required syllables for Band 1 and pronounce them correctly.
Use the vocabulary and grammar from Band 1 to hold interactions
and speak about various topics. Have simple dialogues with commonly used words and sentences.
Reading Be able to read the required syllables, characters and vocabulary.
Understand texts (≤100
characters) on required topics. Recognize daily signs and get basic information from simple notes,
files and maps. Read at a speed of at least 80 characters per minute.
Writing Master 100 characters from the required handwriting list. Be able to copy the characters correctly with a handwriting speed of
at least10 characters per minuteUnderstand stroke order and character writing sequence, as, as
well as basic punctuation. Be able to fill out basic personal information and write notes
with simple words and sentences.

Band 2

Verbal communication skills:

Be able to communicate briefly and have
basic social interactions on familiar topics.

Topics:

Simple social interactions, family, study
plan, shopping, dining, personal feelings, etc.

Tasks:

For instance,

Order in a Chinese restaurant and talk
about it with friends.

Recognize and fill in personal information on
a school enrollment form.

Requirements:

Syllables Characters Vocabulary Grammar Handwriting
Total 468 600 1272 129 200 ≥15
characters per minute
New 199 300 772 81 100
Listening Understand all the required topics and tasks from Band 2, including
daily speech or dialogues  (≤150 words) based on simple sentences and some compound sentences.
The dialogue will be at a pace of at least 140 characters per minute Understand basic information with the help of gestures, facial
expressions, etc.
Speaking Master all required syllables from Band 2 and pronounce them
correctly. Use the vocabulary and grammar from Band 2 to hold interactions
and speak about various topics Have dialogues and social interactions and
make statements with simple sentences.
Reading Be able to read the required syllables, characters and vocabulary.
Understand texts (≤200
characters) on required topics with the help of pinyin, illustrations and a dictionary.
Understand information from introductory or narrative materials
and understand regular notes, emails, etc.Read at a speed of at least 100 characters per minute.
Writing Master 200 characters from the required handwriting list. Be able to copy the characters correctly with a handwriting speed of
at least 15 characters per minuteUnderstand stroke order and character writing sequence, as, as
well as basic punctuation. Write basic information on topics such as personal life and studies
with simple sentences within the allotted time. (≥100 characters)

Band 3

Verbal communication skills:

Be able to communicate and complete daily
social interactions on basic topics such as daily life, studies and work.

Topics:

Travel, courses, entertainment, festivals
and customs, education, occupations, etc.

Tasks:

Talk about travel plans and customs of traditional
festivals such as the Spring festival.

Be able to give formal invitations orally
or in writing and respond to other’s invitations.

Requirements:

Syllables Characters Vocabulary Grammar Handwriting
Total 608 900 2245 210 300 ≥20
characters per minute
New 140 300 973 81 100
Listening Understand all the required topics and tasks from Band 3,
including daily speech or dialogues (≤300 words) based on long simple sentences and simple compound
sentences. The dialogue will be at a pace of at least 180 characters per
minute which is close to normal speaking speed. Understand key information with the help of voices, intonation, changes
in speaking speed, etc.
Speaking Master all required syllables for Band 3 and pronounce them
correctly. Use the vocabulary and grammar from Band 3 to hold interactions
and speak about various topics Be able to communicate or discuss with
comparatively complex sentences.
Reading Be able to read the required syllables, characters and vocabulary.
Understand texts (≤300
characters) on required topics. Understand simple compound sentences and the general meaning and
details of narrative and illustrative materials.Understand the meaning of new words with dictionaries and possess
the ability of skimming and skipping reading.Read at a speed of at least 120 characters per minute
Writing Master 300 characters from the required handwriting list. Be able to copy the characters correctly with a handwriting speed of
at least20 characters per minuteMaster stroke order and character writing sequence, as, as well as
basic punctuation. Be able to have simple written communication and be able to write
emails, announcements and narrative compositions fluently and clearly within the
allotted time. (≥200 characters)

Intermediate (Band 4-6)

Target:

Understand materials covering various
topics and have conversations fluently. Be able to express oneself in
paragraphs about topics such as daily life, work, occupations, culture, etc.
Know how to apply common social strategies and have a good knowledge of Chinese
culture.

Requirements:

Syllables Characters Vocabulary Grammar Handwriting
Total 908 1800 5456 424 700
New + 300 + 900 + 3211 + 214 + 400

Band 4

Verbal communication skills:

Possess standard listening, speaking,
reading, writing skills, as well as basic translation skills. Be able to have a
complete and effective conversations on the topics such as daily life, studies,
work, etc.

Topics and tasks:

Community life, health, school life, daily
work, animals, plants, etc.

Be able to perform tasks related to the
above topics. For instance, describe your health issues when seeing a doctor,
write a simple advertisement for a part-time job, respond to other’s
inquiries.

Requirements:

Syllables Characters Vocabulary Grammar Handwriting
Total 724 1200 3245 286 100
New +
116
+
300
+
1000
+
76
Listening Understand the required topics and tasks for Band 4, including informal
dialogues or speeches (≤400 words) with
a natural, authentic intonation, at a normal speaking speed – about 180-200
characters per minute.Understand hidden meanings such as sarcasm or humor, and consider
cultural knowledge while listening.Be able to discern accurate information, even if there might be
redundancies or unnecessary pauses in someone’s speech.
Speaking Master all required syllables for Band 4 with correct
pronunciation and natural intonation.Use the vocabulary and grammar from Band 4 to hold interactions
and speak about various topics Be able to use some complex sentences to describe
situations, make statements and express feelings in paragraphs fluently and
accurately.
Reading Be able to read the required syllables, characters and vocabulary.
Understand texts (≤500
characters) on required topics and tasks. Understand key information from narrative, explanatory and
argumentative texts.Possess strong reading skills, including skimming, guessing and
associating.Read at a speed of at least140 characters per minute.
Writing Master 100 characters from the required handwriting list. Have a complete understanding of characters’ structure.Be able to use different patterns to compose paragraphs and compose
simple narrative and explanatory texts within the allotted time. (≥300 characters)
Translation Possess basic translation skills. Be able to translate content
from Band 4’s required topics completely and recognize its related culture. Be able to perform fluent oral interpretation in informal settings.  Be able to accurately translate simple written narrative and
explanatory content.

Band 5

Verbal communication skills:

Possess standard listening, speaking,
reading, and writing skills, as well as basic translation skills. Be able to
have complete fluent and effective conversations on topics such as complicated
situations related to daily life, studies, work, etc.

Topics and tasks:

Social interactions, lifestyle, study
methods, nature, social phenomena, etc.

Be able to perform tasks related to the
above topics. For instance, exchange opinions over common social phenomena,
reply to emails or describe your study methods and suggestions.

Requirements:

Syllables Characters Vocabulary Grammar Handwriting
Total 822 1500 4316 357 250
New + 98 +
300
+
1071
+
71
Listening Understand the required topics and tasks from Band 5, including
informal and formal dialogues or speeches (≤500 words) with a natural, authentic intonation at anormal
speaking speed – about 200-220 characters per minute.Understand culture related to the dialogue or speech.Be able to discern accurate key information and some details, even
if there might be redundancies or unnecessary pauses in someone’s speech.
Speaking Master all required syllables from Band 5 with correct
pronunciation and natural intonation.Use the vocabulary and grammar from Band 5 to hold interactions
and speak about various topics. Be able to use paragraphs with complex structures to describe things,
express personal opinions and convey complex feelings logically and
appropriately.
Reading Be able to read the required syllables, characters and vocabulary.
Understand texts (≤700
characters) on required topics. Be able to understand main points and arguments from narrative,
explanatory and argumentative texts over your own comments and thoughts. Understand
hidden meanings and cultural factors by reading between the lines and making
logical references. Possess strong reading skills including skimming, guessing,
associating and searching for information.Read at a speed of at least characters per minute.
Writing Master 250 characters from the required handwriting list. Be able to analyze the common characters’ structures.Be able to use complex structures to write paragraphs and compose regular
narrative, explanatory and simple argumentative texts within the allotted
time. (≥450 characters) Know basic writing styles
Translation Possess basic translation skills. Be able to translate the content
from Band 5’s required topics completely and handle with its related culture.
Be able to perform fluent oral interpretation in informal settings.  Be able to translate normal written narrative and explanatory
content accurately.

Band 6

Verbal communication skills:

Possess standard listening, speaking,
reading, and writing skills, as well as regular translation skills. Be able to
have a complete fluent, rich and decent discussion on topics such as work and
professional level studies.

Topics and tasks:

Social interactions, business issues, contradictions,
social news, cross-cultural comparison, etc.

Be able to perform tasks related to the
above topics. For instance, talk about historical and cultural differences in
informal settings, understand social news and make remarks.

Requirements:

Syllables Characters Vocabulary Grammar Handwriting
Total 908 1800 5456 424 400
New +
85
+
300
+
1140
+
67
Listening Understand the required topics and tasks from Band 6 (≤600 words count) with a natural, authentic intonation and accent
at a normal or somewhat fast speaking speed – about 220-240 characters per
minute.Be able to understand someone’s real intentions and related cultural
factors, even if there might be speech impediments or problems in someone’s
speech.
Speaking Master all required syllables from Band 6 with correct
pronunciation and natural intonation.Use the vocabulary and grammar from Band 6 to hold interactions
and speak about various topics Be able to use paragraphs with complex
structures to speak smoothly, describe situations accurately, discuss and
negotiate fluently and fully convey personal feelings and opinions logically
and appropriately.
Reading Be able to read the required syllables, characters and vocabulary.
Understand texts (≤900
characters) on required topics. Follow the structure of language materials, understand the content
accurately, and get main points and information.Be able to speculate hidden information and understand related
cultural context.Possess strong reading skills including skimming, guessing,
associating and searching for information.Read at a speed of at least 180 characters per minute.
Writing Master 400 characters from the required handwriting list. Analyze Chinese characters’ structures expertly.Be able to use long and complex structures to write paragraphs and
compose regular narrative, explanatory and argumentative texts within the
allotted time. (≥600 characters) Know common writing styles and skills, as well as rhetoric.
Translation Possess general translation skills. Be able to translate content related
to Band 6’s required topics completely and reconcile the complete content
with Chinese language.Deal with related cultural context properly. Be able to perform fluent oral interpretation in informal settings,
and correct yourself quickly.Be able to translate normal written narrative, explanatory and argumentative
content accurately.

Advanced (Band 7-9)

Target:

Understand complicated materials on various
topics in various formats, and have deep discussions. Be able to express
oneself with appropriate language and discuss complex topics such as social
life and academic studies logically and reasonably. Know how to apply common
social strategies and have a good knowledge of Chinese culture as well as
cross-cultural interaction skills.

Requirements:

Syllables Characters Vocabulary Grammar Handwriting
Total 1110 3000 11092 572 1200
New + 202 + 1200 + 5636 + 148 + 500

Notes:

The newly added Bands 7 – 9 are for those aiming
to get a degree from the University of China, professional Chinese language
learners, those who work with Chinese professionally, or those who truly want
to challenge themselves.

There is one HSK exam for Bands 7-9 of the
advanced level. The student’s level will be determined by their score.

Band 7

Verbal communication skills:

Possess excellent listening, speaking,
reading, writing skills, as well as elementary professional translation skills.
Be able to have a complete standard, rich and appropriate conversation about broad
and high-level topics.

Topics and tasks:

Social interactions, science and technology,
literature, sports, mental health, major courses, etc.

Be able to perform tasks related to the
above topics. For instance, communicate with participants at a formal
conference or understand the learning materials of a major course and complete
assignments.

Requirements:

Listening Understand the required topics and tasks from Band 7 (≤800 words) with a normal or somewhat fast speaking speed.Be able to understand the main facts and perspectives accurately
and understand the inner structure and related social and cultural implications,
even if there might be environmental disturbances.
Speaking Use the required syllables, vocabulary, and grammar from Band 7 to
perform tasks and speak about various topics Be able to use complex structures in discourse to express personal
opinions, discuss and negotiate fluently and logically. Speak in different styles based on the situation and use rhetorical
methods to enhance expression. Possess accurate pronunciation, natural intonation, fluent
expression and strong logic.Have a strong sense for cross-cultural interaction.
Reading Be able to read the required syllables, characters and vocabulary.
Understand texts in different writing styles on required topics.Read at a speed of at least 200 characters per minute.Have some understanding of Chinese ways of thinking and expression
habits. Understand related culture content.Possess strong reading skills and be able to search information
independently.
Writing Master the required handwriting list. Be able to write narrative, explanatory, argumentative and
professional essays with clear perspective and logic using correct formats
and appropriate expression.Know common writing styles and skills, as well as rhetoric.
Translation Possess elementary professional translation skills. Be able to
translate content related to Band 7’s required topics completely and accurately.Fluently perform consecutive and accompanying interpretation on
formal occasions.Be able to translate narrative, explanatory and argumentative essays
accurately with correct formatting.

Band 8

Verbal communication skills:

Possess excellent listening, speaking,
reading, and writing skills, as well as elementary professional translation
skills. Be able to have a complete standard, rich and appropriate conversation on
broad and high-level topics.

Topics and tasks:

Linguistics and language, politics and
economics, legal issues, philosophy, history, etc.

Be able to perform tasks related to the
above topics. For instance, have deep discussion on topics such as philosophy,
regions and news, be able to express opinions, make inquiries and appeal when
confronting dissension.

Listening Understand the required topics and tasks from Band 8, such as
professional lectures and special news, (≤800 words) with a normal or somewhat fast speaking speed.Be able to summarize main points, understand details accurately,
and understand the logical structure, even if there might be environmental disturbances
and obstacles.
Speaking Use all required syllables, vocabulary and grammars from Band 8 to
perform tasks and speak about various topicsPossess the ability to express oneself clearly in discourse and have
flexible use of the language.Be able to have speeches and simultaneous debates to fully and
appropriately express oneself. Possess accurate pronunciation, natural intonation, fluent
expression and strong logic.Use proper rhetorical methods to enhance oral expression and have
cross-cultural interaction skills.
Reading Be able to read the required syllables, characters and vocabulary.
Understand texts in different writing styles on the required
topics.Read at a speed of at least 220 characters per minute.Generally master Chinese ways of thinking and expression habits. Understand
related culture and thoughts accurately.Possess strong reading skills and be able to find language
problems and logic defects in the articles.
Writing Master the required handwriting list. Be able to write narrative, explanatory, argumentative and
professional essays with clear perspective and logic using correct formats
and appropriate expressions.Use various idioms, slang and rhetoric correctly.
Translation Possess elementary professional translation skills. Be able to
translate content related to Band 8’s required topics completely and accurately.Fluently perform consecutive interpretation of professional
content on formal occasions and also adapt it to Chinese expression habits.Be able to translate long narrative, explanatory and argumentative
essays accurately and follow the original version’s rhetoric and style.

Band 9

Verbal communication skills:

Possess excellent listening, speaking,
reading, and writing skills, as well as professional translation skills. Be
able to have a standard, fluent and appropriate conversation on various topics
and occasions with different skills.

Topics and tasks:

Academic research, policy and regulation,
trade, international affairs, etc.

Be able to perform tasks related to the
above topics. For instance, debate and negotiate with business partners in
formal settings and be able to understand files related to policy, regulations
and research reports, as well as make relevant remarks.

Listening Understand the materials on required topics from Band 9 (≤800 words) with a normal or somewhat fast speaking speed.Be able to analyze and speculate information, understand related
social and cultural implications correctly.
Speaking Be able to use all required syllables, vocabulary and grammars from
Band 9 toto perform tasks and speak about various topics. Possess the ability to express oneself clearly in discourse and have
flexible use of the language.Be able to accurately and appropriately express oneself fully. Possess accurate pronunciation, natural intonation, rich expression
and strong logic. Use rhetorical methods flexibly to enhance oral expression and
have strong cross-cultural interaction skills.
Reading Be able to read the required syllables, characters and vocabulary.
Understand texts in different writing styles on required topics Read at a speed of at least
240 characters per minute.Generally master Chinese ways of thinking and expression habits.
Understand related culture and thoughts accurately.Be able to use various reading skills comprehensively.
Writing Master the required handwriting list. Be able to write a degree thesis and different forms of literature
with clear perspective and logic using correct formats and appropriate
expressions.Use various structures and rhetoric correctly. Make the writing
rich and beautiful.
Translation Possess professional translation skills. Be able to translate
content related to Band 9’s required topics completely and accurately.Fluently perform simultaneous interpretation of professional
content on formal occasions.Be able to translate articles and different forms of literature
accurately and follow the original version’s rhetoric and style.

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