HSK Exam Guide HSK violations and penalties: what the regulations list
The HSK test regulations list several acts as violations and name a consequence for each. Cheating, impersonation, disruption of other candidates, copying or removing test papers, and failing to comply with instructions are covered, with impersonation carrying a two-year ban on taking the test.
Listed violations and penalties
The test regulations set out the following conduct and consequences.
| Conduct | Consequence |
|---|---|
| Cheating: plagiarism, providing plagiarised material, bringing electronic devices or materials related to the test into the test room, or communicating information with individuals inside or outside the test room | Test terminated by the chief examiner; test results invalidated |
| Impersonating others | Test terminated by the chief examiner; results of the registered candidate invalidated; two-year ban on taking the test |
| Behaviour that disrupts or negatively impacts other candidates | Warning from the chief examiner; if the warning is ineffective, test terminated and results invalidated |
| Copying, photographing, or recording test questions, or attempting to remove test papers or answer sheets from the test room | Warned once by the chief examiner; if the warning is ineffective, test terminated and results invalidated |
| Failing to comply with test instructions | Warned once by the chief examiner; if the warning is ineffective, test terminated and results invalidated |
| Other test misconduct | Handled in accordance with the Chinese Proficiency Test Misconduct Handling Regulations |
Proxy testing and not following the invigilator
The test procedures name two acts as proxy testing.
Step 8 states: "Exchanging admission ticket numbers or passwords for login is deemed as proxy testing." Candidates are not allowed to exchange online exam passwords or log in to others' accounts.
Step 10, for paper-based exams, states: "Filling in someone else's admission ticket number or personal information will be deemed as proxy testing."
On following the invigilator, step 10 states that candidates must follow the invigilator's instructions during the exam. Failure to do so will result in the invigilator terminating the candidate's exam, which will affect subsequent score processing.
The test guidelines state the same point: candidates must follow the invigilator's instructions and abide by exam rules in all exam procedures, and complete all exam sections independently. Failure to do so will result in the invigilator terminating the candidate's exam, which will affect subsequent score processing.
Electronic devices in the test room
The test guidelines state: "All electronic devices should be turned off and stored away, including but not limited to mobile phones, tablets, laptops, and watches." If any prohibited items are found in the test room, the candidate will be disqualified from the test, and the results will be invalidated. The candidate will not be eligible for rescheduling, withdrawal, or refunds.
Questions people ask
What happens if a prohibited electronic device is found in the test room?
The test guidelines state that if any prohibited items are found in the test room, the candidate will be disqualified from the test, and the results will be invalidated. The candidate will not be eligible for rescheduling, withdrawal, or refunds.
Are there violations beyond the listed ones?
The Violations and Penalties section states that if candidates engage in other test misconduct, they will be handled in accordance with the Chinese Proficiency Test Misconduct Handling Regulations.
What is the penalty for impersonating another candidate?
The Violations and Penalties section states that candidates who impersonate others will have their tests terminated by the chief examiner, and the results of the registered candidate will be invalidated, with a two-year ban on taking the test.
Sources
- Exams information for candidates (test regulations) — Chinese Testing International (CTI)
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.