HSK Exam Guide HSK 7–9: one test, five sections, and who it is meant for
HSK 7–9 is one test that covers three advanced levels: HSK 7, HSK 8 and HSK 9. It is meant for learners of Chinese as a second language. The test has 98 questions across five sections and takes about 210 minutes.
Who HSK 7–9 is for
The HSK (Levels 7-9) page says these are advanced proficiency levels intended for learners of Chinese as a second language. This includes international students pursuing master's and doctoral degrees in China. It includes students majoring in Chinese in different countries. It also includes professionals involved in academic research, economic, cultural, and technological exchanges conducted in Chinese.
What the test covers
The HSK (Levels 7-9) page states the test has a total of 98 questions. They are divided into listening, reading, writing, translation, and speaking sections. The entire exam takes about 210 minutes.
The same page says these advanced levels evaluate listening, speaking, reading, writing, and translation in Chinese. They encompass corresponding topics, tasks, grammar, and an extensive vocabulary of 11,000 Chinese words. They also cover Chinese culture and the national conditions of China.
Scores and the level result
The HSK (Levels 7-9) page says the report provides five scores. They are listening, reading, writing, translation and speaking. The report also provides the rating results.
Level setting follows the Chinese Proficiency Grading Standards for International Chinese Language Education (GF0025-2021). Test takers are classified into four levels: "Below HSK (Level 7)", "HSK (Level 7)", "HSK (Level 8)" and "HSK (Level 9)". This is based on the ability values measured by the Item Response Theory (IRT), as well as the content and difficulty of the test items.
The report score for each skill is calculated using the IRT model, based on the raw scores. The report score of each skill ranges from 0 to 100.
The HSK (Levels 7-9) page states that the test is currently only available in internet-based test. The score and level-setting passage on the HSK (Levels 7-9) page names no pass mark.
The 2026 test dates
The Chinese Test Dates in 2026 calendar lists two HSK (Levels 7-9) test dates.
| Test date | Registration deadline | Result release date |
|---|---|---|
| 9 May 2026 (Sat) | 25 April 2026 | 9 June 2026 |
| 22 November 2026 (Sun) | 8 November 2026 | 22 December 2026 |
The 9 May 2026 test was an iBT at-center test. Registration closed on 25 April 2026. Results were released on 9 June 2026.
The 22 November 2026 test is an iBT at-center test. Registration closes on 8 November 2026. Results are released on 22 December 2026.
Questions people ask
Is there a pass mark for HSK 7–9?
The score and level-setting passage on the HSK (Levels 7-9) page names no pass mark.
Is HSK 7–9 available as a paper test?
The HSK (Levels 7-9) page states that the test is currently only available in internet-based test.
Sources
- HSK (Levels 7-9) page Chinese Testing International (CTI), Chinese Tests Service Website chinesetest.cn
- Chinese Test Dates in 2026 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.