Center for Language Education and Cooperation (Chinese Testing International / Hanban)
HSK 2
Hanyu Shuiping Kaoshi — Level 2
The second level of China's official standardized Chinese-language proficiency test, certifying the ability to handle simple, routine communication. A practical early milestone for learners building toward study or work involving Chinese.
What's on the exam
HSK (Level 2) test format — Listening and Reading (CTI has also published HSK 3.0 syllabi and sample tests; confirm which format your test center administers)
Listening
~58%Short everyday dialogues · Matching audio to pictures · True/false judgments · Question-and-response matching · Numbers, dates, and times
Reading
~42%Recognizing Hanzi and Pinyin · Sentence-to-picture matching · Gap-fill with core words · Sentence comprehension · Core everyday vocabulary (~300 words)
Frequently asked questions
How much does the HSK 2 cost?
Fees vary. Fees vary by country and test center (roughly $30–55); set by the local host institution.
How long is the HSK 2 and how many questions does it have?
60 items (35 Listening, 25 Reading) — About 55 minutes including time to complete personal details.
What do you need to pass the HSK 2?
Scored out of 200; pass mark is 120.
Can you retake the HSK 2?
May retake at a later administration.
What is the best way to study for the HSK 2?
Start from the official outline and your primary study materials: the exam is weighted by domain (Listening ~58%, Reading ~42%). 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.
Program in development
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