HSK Exam Guide HSKK Elementary: questions, timing and the vocabulary it assumes
HSK Speaking (Elementary) has three sections and 27 questions. The examination duration is 20 minutes, including 7 minutes of preparation time. The official page gives a full score of 100 points, and a cumulative score of 60 or above counts as a pass.
Who it is for and the vocabulary it assumes
The official page says the test is mainly designed for candidates who have studied Chinese at 2-3 lessons per week for one to two semesters. It says these candidates have mastered around 200 of the most commonly used words.
The vocabulary sentence on the same page says the test focuses on assessing around 200 of the most commonly used words.
The three sections
| Section | Items | Minutes |
|---|---|---|
| Section 1 Listen and Repeat | 15 | 6 |
| Section 2 Listen and Answer | 10 | 4 |
| Section 3 Answer the Questions | 2 | 3 |
| Total | 27 | 13 |
The table total is 13 minutes. The summary sentence on the page gives the examination duration as 20 minutes, including 7 minutes of preparation time.
Test time, score and validity
The page gives the test time as local time at the test centre. Where HSK and HSK Speaking are combined, the test time is 15:40. In other areas, the test time is 16:30.
A full score is 100 points. A cumulative score of 60 or above qualifies as a passing mark. HSK Speaking scores are valid for two years, starting from the test date.
Sources
- HSK Speaking (Elementary) 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.