HSK Exam Guide How long an HSK score is valid, and what 'valid' is counted from
Each HSK level page says that HSK scores are valid for two years. The level pages name the exam as the starting point of that count. The HSK Speaking page names the test date instead.
What the six HSK level pages say
Each of the six level pages gives the same two-year period. The wording of the starting point is different on some pages.
| Level page | Validity sentence, quoted part |
|---|---|
| HSK (Level 1) | "starting from the exam date" |
| HSK (Level 2) | "starting from the day of the exam" |
| HSK (Level 3) | "starting from the day of the exam" |
| HSK (Level 4) | "starting from the exam date" |
| HSK (Level 5) | "starting from the exam date" |
| HSK (Level 6) | "starting from the exam date" |
The validity sentences above do not say what happens after the two years end.
HSK Speaking and the score report
The HSK Speaking (Elementary) page says: "The HSK Speaking scores are valid for two years, starting from the test date." This sentence is on the Elementary page. The start point for HSK Speaking is the test date, not the exam date.
The test regulations page has a score report section. In that section, the sentence about validity says: "Score reports are valid for two years as proof of a candidate's language proficiency."
The same section also gives dates for sending score reports. For test centres in other parts of China (excluding Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan regions), reports are sent within 5 working days after score release. For centres in Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan regions or overseas, reports are sent to the local test centre about 45 days after the exam. The validity sentence does not link these dates to the start of the two years.
Who decides how the two years count
The validity sentences above do not say how a university or a scholarship counts the two years against its own deadline. The admission notice from that university or scholarship decides this. If the notice does not make it clear, ask the university or scholarship provider.
Sources
- HSK (Level 1) page — Chinese Testing International (CTI), Chinese Tests Service Website chinesetest.cn
- HSK (Level 2) page — Chinese Testing International (CTI), Chinese Tests Service Website chinesetest.cn
- HSK (Level 3) page — Chinese Testing International (CTI), Chinese Tests Service Website chinesetest.cn
- HSK (Level 4) page — Chinese Testing International (CTI), Chinese Tests Service Website chinesetest.cn
- HSK (Level 5) page — Chinese Testing International (CTI), Chinese Tests Service Website chinesetest.cn
- HSK (Level 6) page — 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.