HSK Exam Guide HSKK explained: the three speaking tests and how they are scored
HSKK is the common short name for the HSK Speaking Test. It is a speaking test conducted as an audio recording, and it has three levels: Elementary, Intermediate and Advanced. The score sentence on the Elementary page gives 100 points as a full score and 60 or above as a passing mark.
The three levels
Each level has three sections. The summary on each level page gives the total number of questions and the examination duration. The duration includes the preparation time.
| Level | Sections | Questions | Examination duration (includes preparation) | Preparation time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elementary | 3 | 27 | 20 minutes | 7 minutes |
| Intermediate | 3 | 14 | 23 minutes | 10 minutes |
| Advanced | 3 | 6 | 25 minutes | 10 minutes |
Who each level is for
Each level page says who the level is designed for. The wording on each page is as follows.
- Elementary: mainly designed for candidates who have been learning Chinese at a pace of 2-3 lessons per week for one to two semesters and have mastered around 200 of the most commonly used words.
- Intermediate: mainly designed for candidates who have been learning Chinese at a pace of 2-3 lessons per week for one to two academic years and have mastered around 900 commonly used words.
- Advanced: primarily aimed at those who have been learning Chinese for more than two academic years at a pace of 2-3 lessons per week and have mastered around 3,000 commonly used words.
How the score works
The score sentence on the Elementary page gives 100 points as a full score. A cumulative score of 60 or above counts as a passing mark. The HSK Speaking scores are valid for two years, starting from the test date.
This sentence comes from the Elementary page. For scoring at the Intermediate and Advanced levels, check those official pages.
Sources
- HSK Speaking Test, Chinese Testing International (CTI), Chinese Tests Service Website chinesetest.cn
- HSK Speaking (Elementary), Chinese Testing International (CTI), Chinese Tests Service Website chinesetest.cn
- HSK Speaking (Intermediate), Chinese Testing International (CTI), Chinese Tests Service Website chinesetest.cn
- HSK Speaking (Advanced), 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.