Center for Language Education and Cooperation (Chinese Testing International / Hanban)
HSK 1
Hanyu Shuiping Kaoshi — Level 1
The entry level of China's official standardized Chinese-language proficiency test, certifying mastery of basic everyday words and phrases. A common first milestone for learners pursuing study, work, or business ties with China.
Blueprint-complete program: 3 decks, 150 cards.
What's on the exam
HSK (Levels 1–2) test format — Listening and Reading
Listening
~50%Recognizing spoken words and phrases · Matching audio to pictures · True/false judgments · Short everyday utterances · Basic numbers and time
Reading
~50%Recognizing Hanzi and Pinyin · Matching words to pictures · Sentence and phrase matching · Core everyday vocabulary (~150 words) · Basic sentence comprehension
Frequently asked questions
How much does the HSK 1 cost?
Fees vary. Fees vary by country and test center (roughly $20–40); set by the local host institution.
How long is the HSK 1 and how many questions does it have?
About 40 items total (Listening and Reading) — About 40 minutes including time to complete personal details.
What do you need to pass the HSK 1?
Scored out of 200; pass mark is 120.
Can you retake the HSK 1?
May retake at a later administration.
What is the best way to study for the HSK 1?
Study the official blueprint, not random material: the exam is weighted by domain (Listening ~50%, Reading ~50%). Spaced-repetition flashcards built domain-by-domain against that blueprint are the most time-efficient way to cover everything the exam tests.
Ready to prepare?
Our HSK 1 program follows this exact blueprint — every domain covered, scheduled by spaced repetition, with a journey from first card to test day.