HSK Exam Guide HSK 5 test format: 100 questions in about 125 minutes
HSK 5 has 100 questions in listening, reading, and writing. The whole exam takes about 125 minutes, including 5 minutes for candidates to fill in personal information.
How the test is laid out
The Level 5 page gives the layout in a table.
| Part | Items | Minutes |
|---|---|---|
| Listening | Section 1: 20; Section 2: 25 (total 45) | about 30 |
| Fill in answer sheet | – | 5 |
| Reading | Section 1: 15; Section 2: 10; Section 3: 20 (total 45) | 45 |
| Writing | Section 1: 8; Section 2: 2 (total 10) | 40 |
| Total | 100 | about 120 |
The table total is about 120 minutes. The summary sentence on the Level 5 page says the entire exam takes about 125 minutes, including 5 minutes for candidates to fill in personal information.
Scores on the report
The HSK (Level 5) score report provides four scores: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Total. Achieving a full score entails earning 300 points. The score sentence on the Level 5 page names no pass mark. HSK scores are valid for two years, starting from the exam date.
Start time and section rules
The Level 5 page prints the test start time as 13:30 (all local times).
The test regulations state two rules that bear on the sections.
Cross-section answering is not allowed. 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 shown on the admission ticket but before the listening section ends, the candidate may only enter the exam room after the listening section ends, and the missed time will not be compensated. A candidate arriving after the reading section starts will not be admitted.
Questions people ask
How long are HSK 5 scores valid?
HSK scores are valid for two years, starting from the exam date.
What time does the HSK 5 test start?
The Level 5 page prints the test start time as 13:30, all local times.
Sources
- HSK (Level 5) 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.