HSK Exam Guide HSK 3 test format: where writing first appears
HSK 3 is divided into listening, reading and writing. Writing is the third part, so it first appears after the listening and reading sections. The whole exam has 80 questions and takes about 90 minutes, including 5 minutes for candidates to fill in personal information.
The HSK 3 paper section by section
The HSK (Level 3) page lists the paper in a table of test content, number of items and minutes.
| Section | Items | Minutes |
|---|---|---|
| Listening – Section 1 | 10 | |
| Listening – Section 2 | 10 | |
| Listening – Section 3 | 10 | |
| Listening – Section 4 | 10 | |
| Listening total | 40 | about 35 |
| Filling in the answer sheet | 5 | |
| Reading – Section 1 | 10 | |
| Reading – Section 2 | 10 | |
| Reading – Section 3 | 10 | |
| Reading total | 30 | 30 |
| Writing – Section 1 | 5 | |
| Writing – Section 2 | 5 | |
| Writing total | 10 | 15 |
| Total | 80 | about 85 |
The page states that HSK (Level 3) has a total of 80 questions, divided into listening, reading, and writing sections.
Exam time and the 5-minute difference
The summary sentence on the HSK (Level 3) page says the entire exam takes about 90 minutes, including 5 minutes for candidates to fill in personal information. The table's Total row lists about 85 minutes. The difference between the two figures is 5 minutes.
Scores on the report
The HSK (Level 3) score report provides four scores: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Total. Achieving a full score entails earning 300 points, while a cumulative score of 180 or above qualifies as a passing mark. The HSK scores are valid for two years, starting from the day of the exam.
Start time printed on the page
The HSK (Level 3) page prints the test start time as 13:30 (all local times).
Two rules from the test regulations that bear on sections
The Exams information for candidates page sets the following rules.
For computer-based online exams, cross-section answering is not allowed for the listening, reading and writing sections (i.e., no answering of listening or writing questions during the reading section).
For paper-based exams, cross-section answering is not allowed for the listening, reading and writing sections after the exam starts (i.e., no reviewing or answering of listening or writing questions during the reading section).
For HSK/YCT/BCT written exams: if a candidate arrives after the exam start time (indicated on the admission ticket) but before the end of the listening section, the candidate may only enter the exam room after the listening section ends, and the missed time will not be compensated. Candidates arriving after the start of the reading section will not be admitted.
Questions people ask
Is there a pass mark for HSK 3?
The HSK (Level 3) score report names a passing mark: a cumulative score of 180 or above, out of a full score of 300 points.
How long are HSK 3 scores valid?
The HSK (Level 3) page states that the HSK scores are valid for two years, starting from the day of the exam.
Can I answer another section's questions during the test?
No. For computer-based exams, cross-section answering is not allowed for the listening, reading and writing sections. For paper-based exams, the same restriction applies after the exam starts.
Sources
- HSK (Level 3) 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.