HSK guides
Plain-English answers to the questions HSK learners ask most, with sources.
HSK 3.0: what changed, and what it means for you
The new nine-level HSK standard explained: the levels, how many words each needs, what's new compared with HSK 2.0, and where the exams stand today.
Updated · 4 min read
How long does it take to pass HSK 4?
What the HSK 4 exam tests, how much study it takes by official and independent estimates, and a realistic plan to get there.
Updated · 4 min read
HSK test dates for 2026 and 2027
The HSK sittings left in 2026, their registration deadlines and which version each uses, plus what's known about 2027, paper vs computer tests and the HSKK.
Updated · 5 min read
HSK 3.0 vs HSK 2.0: which should you take?
Who should sit HSK 2.0 while it's still offered, who should wait for HSK 3.0, what scholarships and employers ask for, and how to prepare for each.
Updated · 5 min read
How long does each HSK level take?
HSK 1 to 6, level by level: a widely quoted study-time guideline, what teachers say about it, and how many days of new words each level takes.
Updated · 7 min read