Center for Language Education and Cooperation (Chinese Testing International / Hanban)
HSK 1
Hanyu Shuiping Kaoshi — Level 1
The entry level of China's standardized Chinese-language proficiency test. Under the HSK syllabus in effect from July 2026, Level 1 covers 300 words, 246 recognition characters, basic grammar, and everyday communicative tasks.
Full program: 6 decks, 870 cards.
What's on the exam
HSK Examination Syllabus (中文水平考试 HSK 考试大纲), released Nov 2025, in effect from July 2026 — Level 1
Listening
~50%Recognizing the 300 Level 1 words in speech · Short everyday exchanges from the Level 1 task list (personal information, time and dates, shopping, weather, food, transport, study, work, illness) · Numbers, prices, clock times and dates · Question forms (吗, 呢, A-not-A, question words) · Matching spoken sentences to pictures and situations
Reading
~50%Reading the 246 Level 1 recognition characters (认读字) with pinyin support · The 300-word Level 1 vocabulary list · Level 1 grammar: measure words, pronouns, adverbs, particles (的, 了, 吗, 呢, 吧) · Level 1 sentence patterns (是, 有, existence, serial verbs, double objects) · Short sentences and passages on Level 1 topics
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?
Start from the official outline and your primary study materials: the exam is weighted by domain (Listening ~50%, Reading ~50%). Once you've learned the material, spaced-repetition flashcards organized by those domains are an efficient way to retain it and refresh it before test day.
Ready to prepare?
Our HSK 1 program is organized by this outline's domains and scheduled by spaced repetition, with a path from first card to test day.
Flashcards are a memory tool. Learn the material first, then use NoReread to retain it and refresh what you already know. It doesn't replace studying the subject.