HSK 3.0 Officially Launches Worldwide on 13 December 2026
Chinese Testing International (CTI) has confirmed that the first official HSK 3.0 test will take place worldwide on 13 December 2026.
The announcement was published on 8 September 2026 through CTI’s official WeChat account, 汉考国际CTI. The December test marks the official launch of the new HSK system. From January 2027, HSK 3.0 will become the standard version of the HSK worldwide.
If you plan to take the HSK in late 2026 or during 2027, make sure your learning and preparation materials follow the new standards.
When will the first official HSK 3.0 test take place?
The first official HSK 3.0 test worldwide will take place on:
According to CTI’s announcement, both paper-based and computer-based tests will be available. Candidates should check the Chinese Test Service website to find out which test centres in their country are offering this session.
HSK 3.0 registration deadlines
CTI has announced the following registration deadlines:
Paper-based test
16 November 2026 at 23:59
Computer-based test
3 December 2026 at 23:59
All deadlines are given in Beijing time.
Candidates can register through the Chinese Test Service website. There, you can find participating test centres in your country and complete your registration online.
What will change from January 2027?
The December session marks the beginning of the official HSK 3.0 rollout. From January 2027, the new system will become the standard HSK test worldwide and replace the current version.
Candidates planning to take the HSK in 2027 will therefore need to prepare according to the HSK 3.0 standards. Older textbooks, vocabulary lists and exercises may not cover the content and requirements of the new test in sufficient depth.
Exact dates and arrangements may vary by country and test centre, so always check the latest local information before registering.
What is changing with HSK 3.0?
HSK 3.0 is a major revision of the Chinese proficiency test. The new test is designed to assess a broader and more practical range of language skills.
Depending on the level, changes include:
vocabulary and Chinese character requirements
grammar points and language tasks
question types and test structure
listening, reading and writing requirements
speaking requirements at the relevant levels
Although some level names remain the same, their content and difficulty do not necessarily correspond directly to the previous HSK. It is therefore important to use resources designed specifically for HSK 3.0.
How can you prepare for HSK 3.0?
Start by using learning and preparation materials aligned with the new HSK standards.
Learn the new content with HSK GO
HSK GO learning content is based on HSK 3.0.
Learners can build the vocabulary, Chinese characters, grammar and language skills required under the new system, instead of relying solely on resources created for the previous test.
HSK GO is available on iOS and Android, with structured learning content for the new HSK Levels 1 to 3. Learners can also take the HSK 1 and HSK 2 certification assessments online directly in the HSK GO app and receive their HSK certificate after passing.
Prepare for the test with HSK Mock
HSK Mock is the official HSK mock test platform and now offers HSK 3.0 mock tests for Levels 1 to 6 of the new HSK.
Mock tests allow you to become familiar with the new question types, test structure and online testing interface before test day.
After completing a new HSK mock test, you can view a new detailed AI-generated Score Report, including:
a breakdown of your answers and score
a diagnosis of grammar, topics and task types
vocabulary and Chinese characters to review next
recommendations for your next learning steps
This means you can see not only your current score, but also exactly what to work on next.
Start preparing for HSK 3.0
The official launch date has now been confirmed, and the transition period is approaching.
If you plan to take the HSK on 13 December 2026 or during 2027, make sure your learning and preparation materials are aligned with the new HSK 3.0 standards.
Use HSK GO to learn the updated content, then take an HSK 3.0 mock test on HSK Mock to assess your level, become familiar with the new test and identify areas to improve before test day.
For registration information and future announcements, visit the Chinese Test Service website and CTI’s official WeChat account, 汉考国际CTI.
