Updated HSK 2022 reform: what changed
The 2022 HSK reform, officially known as the New HSK 3.0, expands the test from six to nine levels divided into three stages—Elementary (Bands 1–3), Intermediate (Bands 4–6), and Advanced (Bands 7–9)—and significantly increases vocabulary, grammar, and character requirements, while introducing mandatory handwriting and translation skills. 1, 2, 3
Structural Changes
The most significant structural change is the expansion from six to nine levels, organized into three stages: Elementary (Bands 1–3), Intermediate (Bands 4–6), and Advanced (Bands 7–9). This new structure allows for more precise assessment of proficiency, particularly at advanced levels. Unlike the first six levels, which have separate exams, the Advanced Stage (Bands 7–9) uses a single test, with the final band determined by the test-taker’s score. 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 1
Increased Proficiency Requirements
The new HSK raises the bar significantly across all levels. For example, Band 1 now requires 500 vocabulary words, up from 150 in the old HSK 1, and Band 6 requires 5,456 words compared to the previous 5,000. The Advanced Stage (Bands 7–9) demands mastery of 11,092 words, far exceeding the old HSK 6. Character requirements also increase from 2,663 in HSK 6 to 3,000 in Band 9. Grammar points rise from 88 in HSK 6 to 572 in the Advanced Stage. 3, 6, 8, 1, 2
New Skill Requirements
The New HSK introduces mandatory handwriting and translation skills. Test-takers must handwrite Chinese characters starting at Band 1, with a minimum speed requirement of 10 characters per minute, increasing to 20 by Band 3. Translation skills are tested from Band 4 onward, requiring students to translate between Chinese and English in both oral and written formats. This addition reflects a broader goal of assessing real-world language use, including professional and academic contexts. 6, 1, 2, 3
Implementation Timeline
The Advanced Stage (Bands 7–9) was officially launched in March 2022, while the current HSK 1–6 exams remained unchanged until further notice. Revisions to levels 1–6 were expected between 2024 and 2026, with a full transition anticipated around 2027. As of 2025, the old HSK 1–6 exams are still in use, but learners are advised to prepare for the upcoming changes. 5, 9, 10, 11, 2, 6
Impact on Learners
The reform aims to align the HSK with international standards like CEFR and ACTFL, addressing criticism that the old HSK 6 was equivalent only to CEFR B2 or C1, not C2. The new structure provides clearer progression and better recognition of advanced proficiency, especially for students pursuing higher education in China or careers in sinology. However, the increased difficulty and new handwriting requirement have raised concerns among learners, particularly those focused on spoken communication. 1, 2, 3, 6