Center for Language Education and Cooperation (Chinese Testing International / Hanban)
HSK 3
Hanyu Shuiping Kaoshi — Level 3
The intermediate-entry level of China's official Chinese-language proficiency test, certifying the ability to communicate in everyday, academic, and work situations. HSK 3 is a common admissions and program-placement threshold.
What's on the exam
HSK Level 3 test format — Listening, Reading, Writing
Listening
~40%Everyday conversations · Matching dialogues to pictures · True/false judgments · Short passage comprehension · Times, plans, and locations
Reading
~38%Sentence matching · Gap-fill with vocabulary · Short passage comprehension · Word order and cohesion · Core vocabulary (~600 words)
Writing
~22%Arranging words into sentences · Choosing the correct Hanzi from Pinyin · Producing written characters · Basic sentence construction · Common usage patterns
Frequently asked questions
How much does the HSK 3 cost?
Fees vary. Fees vary by country and test center (roughly $40–70); set by the local host institution.
How long is the HSK 3 and how many questions does it have?
About 80 items total across Listening, Reading, and Writing — About 90 minutes including time to complete personal details.
What do you need to pass the HSK 3?
Scored out of 300; pass mark is 180.
Can you retake the HSK 3?
May retake at a later administration.
What is the best way to study for the HSK 3?
Study the official blueprint, not random material: the exam is weighted by domain (Listening ~40%, Reading ~38%, Writing ~22%). Spaced-repetition flashcards built domain-by-domain against that blueprint are the most time-efficient way to cover everything the exam tests.
Program in development
We're building a blueprint-complete program for this exam. Meanwhile, explore live programs across 11 exam.
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