HSK Exam Guide HSK 3.0 launch: the first test date and the registration deadlines
Chinese Testing International (CTI) published a notice on 9 September 2026 saying that HSK 3.0 will be officially launched worldwide on 13 December 2026. This page sets out what that notice states and what it leaves open.
The date and the two deadlines
| Item | What the notice says |
|---|---|
| Test date | 13 December 2026 |
| Paper-based test, registration closes | 24:00 on 16 November 2026, Beijing time |
| Computer-based test, registration closes | 24:00 on 3 December 2026, Beijing time |
| Where to register | Online at chinesetest.cn, after finding a test centre in your country |
The same Sunday, 13 December, already appears in CTI's 2026 calendar as a test date for HSK levels 1 to 6 and the HSK Speaking Test, with the same two registration deadlines.
What the new test is built on
CTI describes the new HSK as an upgrade from the six-level system to a "Three Stages, Nine Levels" framework. It says the test assesses five skills: listening, speaking, reading, writing and, at advanced levels, translation. It also says question types, the number of questions, test duration and listening speed have been adjusted.
The syllabus behind the test was issued by the Center for Language Education and Cooperation in November 2025 and is marked as in force from July 2026. It has five parts: tasks, topics, vocabulary, grammar and Chinese characters. The vocabulary list is numbered from 1 to 11,000.
What the notice does not say
The launch notice does not say whether tests in the earlier format continue after 13 December 2026, and it does not publish fees. It says further information will be released on chinesetest.cn. If you need a score for an application deadline, ask your test centre which test it is running on the date you choose.
The other 2026 dates still ahead are in the registration and test dates section.
Questions people ask
When does HSK 3.0 start?
CTI's notice gives 13 December 2026 as the worldwide launch date.
When does registration for the first HSK 3.0 test close?
At 24:00 Beijing time on 16 November 2026 for the paper-based test and on 3 December 2026 for the computer-based test.
Where is the HSK 3.0 syllabus?
CTI links the syllabus as a PDF from its HSK page. The cover names the Center for Language Education and Cooperation as publisher, with an issue date of November 2025.
Sources: HSK 3.0 will be officially launched worldwide on December 13, 2026, Chinese Tests Service Website; Chinese Test Dates in 2026; HSK page; HSK Test Syllabus. Checked 11 October 2026. This page is an unofficial summary and is not published by CTI.