HSK 3.0
The New 9-Level Chinese Proficiency Standard
Master Mandarin Chinese with the comprehensive new HSK framework. From your first character to native-like fluency, track your progress across 9 structured levels.
Elementary
Levels 1-3
Intermediate
Levels 4-6
Advanced
Levels 7-9
All 9 HSK Levels Explained
The new HSK 3.0 framework is organized into three stages, each containing three proficiency levels.
Elementary Stage
Levels 1-3 | Foundation Building
Basic greetings, numbers, simple daily expressions
Daily conversations, common topics, basic reading
Extended conversations, express opinions, describe experiences
Intermediate Stage
Levels 4-6 | Practical Application
Complex discussions, abstract topics, formal communication
Professional contexts, nuanced expression, cultural topics
Advanced communication, literary texts, professional fluency
Advanced Stage
Levels 7-9 | Mastery Level
Near-native fluency, complex academic and professional contexts
Sophisticated expression, cultural nuances, specialized fields
Native-like proficiency, complete mastery of the language
HSK 2.0 vs HSK 3.0
Understanding the key differences between the old and new standards
HSK 2.0 (Current)
- 66 Proficiency Levels
HSK 1 through HSK 6
- ~5k~5,000 Vocabulary Words
Limited vocabulary at highest level
- ~3k~2,663 Characters
Character count at HSK 6
HSK 3.0 (New)
2026- 99 Proficiency Levels
Organized in 3 stages of 3 levels each
- 11k11,000+ Vocabulary Words
More than double the vocabulary
- 6k6,000 Characters
Comprehensive character mastery
Implementation Timeline
Key dates for the HSK 3.0 rollout
Global Trial Exam
HSK 3.0 trial exams begin worldwide for early adopters
Official Launch
HSK 3.0 officially replaces the old 6-level system
Global Standard
Full worldwide adoption and recognition
Learn with Powerful Tools
Everything you need to master HSK 3.0 vocabulary and characters
Stroke Order Animation
Interactive stroke-by-stroke animations for every character
Native Pronunciation
Audio recordings by native Mandarin speakers
Printable Worksheets
Generate custom practice sheets for handwriting
Progress Tracking
Monitor your learning journey with detailed analytics
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about the new HSK 3.0 standard
When does HSK 3.0 officially start?
HSK 3.0 will have its global trial exam in January 2026 and will officially launch in July 2026, replacing the current HSK 2.0 system.
How does HSK 3.0 compare to the old HSK?
HSK 3.0 expands from 6 levels to 9 levels, organized into three stages. It includes significantly more vocabulary (11,000+ words vs ~5,000) and characters (6,000 vs ~2,663).
Will my current HSK certificate still be valid?
Yes, certificates from the current HSK system will remain valid. However, for new certifications after July 2026, you will need to take the HSK 3.0 exams.
Which HSK 3.0 level corresponds to my current HSK level?
Generally, HSK 1-3 in the old system roughly corresponds to Elementary (Levels 1-3) in HSK 3.0, HSK 4-5 corresponds to Intermediate (Levels 4-6), and HSK 6 corresponds to the beginning of Advanced (Level 7).
Ready to Start Your HSK Journey?
Join thousands of learners preparing for HSK 3.0. Start with Level 1 and work your way to mastery with our comprehensive learning platform.