From HSK 1 (200 words) to HSK 6 (5,000+ words) — a clear-eyed look at what each level means and how long it takes to get there.
What is the HSK
Hanyu Shuiping Kaoshi (HSK) is the official Chinese-government Mandarin proficiency test for foreigners. There are six levels — HSK 1 (beginner) to HSK 6 (advanced).
The 6 levels at a glance
| Level | Vocab | Study hours* | Equivalent to |
|---|---|---|---|
| HSK 1 | ~150 | 60 | A1 |
| HSK 2 | ~300 | 120 | A2 |
| HSK 3 | ~600 | 240 | B1 |
| HSK 4 | ~1,200 | 400 | B2 |
| HSK 5 | ~2,500 | 800 | C1 |
| HSK 6 | ~5,000+ | 1,200+ | C2 |
*Estimates for native English speakers studying full-time.
Which level do you actually need?
- Tourist confidence → HSK 2 (greetings, ordering food, taxis).
- Long-term resident → HSK 4 (work emails, light news reading).
- Business meetings → HSK 5 (negotiations with a translator on standby).
- Chinese-medium university → HSK 5 minimum, HSK 6 for top schools.
- Government / diplomatic → HSK 6.
New HSK 3.0 (rolled out 2025-2026)
China is transitioning to a new 9-level system (HSK 3.0). Levels 1-6 still exist but are being remapped. For 2026, the old 6-level certificate is still widely accepted by universities and employers — don't wait for the new format.
Where to test
Test centres exist in 100+ countries, including Dubai, Riyadh, London, Sydney and most major US cities. Test fee: USD 25-90 depending on level.
How fast can you get there?
Realistic for a motivated learner with a good program:
- HSK 2 in 3 months
- HSK 4 in 9-12 months
- HSK 6 in 2-3 years
Our programs
We pair students with the right Mandarin program based on target HSK and timeline. Get a personalised plan.
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