HSK Exam Guide HSK 1 test format: four listening parts and four reading parts
The HSK 1 test has 40 items. The official HSK (Level 1) page splits them into four listening sections and four reading sections, with 5 items in each section. The table gives about 35 minutes for the paper, and the summary sentence on the same page gives about 40 minutes in total, which includes 5 minutes for filling in personal information.
Items and minutes by section
The table gives minutes for each skill, not for each section. It names the sections only by number, so this article does not describe the question types.
| Part | Items | Minutes |
|---|---|---|
| Listening, Section 1 | 5 | — |
| Listening, Section 2 | 5 | — |
| Listening, Section 3 | 5 | — |
| Listening, Section 4 | 5 | — |
| Listening total | 20 | about 15 |
| Filling in the answer sheet | — | 3 |
| Reading, Section 1 | 5 | — |
| Reading, Section 2 | 5 | — |
| Reading, Section 3 | 5 | — |
| Reading, Section 4 | 5 | — |
| Reading total | 20 | 17 |
| Table total | 40 | about 35 |
The row for filling in the answer sheet sits after the listening rows and gives 3 minutes.
Why the summary gives 40 minutes
The table total is about 35 minutes. The summary sentence on the same page says the whole exam takes about 40 minutes, including 5 minutes for candidates to fill in personal information. The 5-minute difference between the two figures is the time the summary sentence gives for personal information.
Scores, pass mark and start time
The official page describes the score report this way:
- The report gives three scores: listening, reading and total.
- A full score is 200 points.
- A cumulative score of 120 or above counts as a passing mark.
The page prints the test start time as 13:30, with the note "All local times".
Two rules that affect the sections
The test regulations page, in its list of test procedures, gives these rules.
- For paper-based exams, cross-section answering is not allowed for the listening, reading and writing sections after the exam starts. The list gives the example that a candidate may not review or answer listening or writing questions during the reading section.
- For HSK written exams, a candidate who arrives after the start time on the admission ticket but before the end of the listening section may enter the exam room only after the listening section ends. The missed time is not compensated. A candidate who arrives after the start of the reading section will not be admitted.
The same list says candidates must arrive at the test centre 30 minutes before the exam start time on the admission ticket. The regulation refers to the time on the ticket, and the level page prints 13:30. Check the time on your ticket, and ask your test centre about any case this article does not cover.
Sources
- HSK (Level 1) page, Chinese Testing International (CTI), Chinese Tests Service Website chinesetest.cn
- Exams information for candidates (test regulations), Chinese Testing International (CTI), Chinese Tests Service Website chinesetest.cn
Checked 11 October 2026
This page is an unofficial summary; it is not published by Chinese Testing International, the Center for Language Education and Cooperation or the Ministry of Education, and the official page prevails if they differ.