HSK 1 Exam Guide
Understand the HSK 1 level, exam format, question count, test time, passing score, vocabulary requirements, and how HSK 3.0 changes the test.
HSK 1 at a glance
- Level
- Beginner
- Skills
- Listening + Reading
- Questions
- 40
- Test time
- About 40 minutes
- Total score
- 200
- Passing score
- 120
What Is HSK 1?
HSK 1 is the beginner level of the HSK Chinese proficiency test. It is designed for learners who can understand and use very simple Chinese words and sentences in everyday situations.
At this level, learners work with basic communication such as greetings, numbers, time, family, food, places, and common daily activities.
Who Is HSK 1 For?
HSK 1 is a good first test for beginners who already know some basic everyday Chinese and want to check whether they are ready to move on to higher HSK levels.
What Is on the HSK 1 Exam?
| Section | Questions | Test time |
|---|---|---|
| Listening | 20 | About 15 min |
| Reading | 20 | 17 min |
| Total | 40 | About 35 min |
After the listening section, candidates have 3 minutes to transfer their answers.
The full exam session takes about 40 minutes, including about 5 minutes for candidates to fill in personal information.
The current HSK 1 exam includes listening and reading only; there is no writing section.
Listening question types
The current HSK 1 listening section has four parts, with five questions in each part.
| Part | Questions | What you do |
|---|---|---|
| Part 1 | 5 | Listen to a phrase and judge whether it matches a picture. |
| Part 2 | 5 | Listen to a sentence and choose the matching picture. |
| Part 3 | 5 | Listen to a short dialogue and choose the matching picture. |
| Part 4 | 5 | Listen to a statement and question, then choose the correct answer. |
Reading question types
The current HSK 1 reading section also has four parts, with five questions in each part.
| Part | Questions | What you do |
|---|---|---|
| Part 1 | 5 | Decide whether a picture and phrase match. |
| Part 2 | 5 | Read a sentence and choose the matching picture. |
| Part 3 | 5 | Match each question with the correct answer. |
| Part 4 | 5 | Choose the correct word to complete a sentence. |
HSK 1 Score and Passing Score
| Item | Score |
|---|---|
| Listening | 100 |
| Reading | 100 |
| Total | 200 |
| Passing score | 120 / 200 |
HSK 1 Results and Score Validity
Your HSK 1 score report shows your Listening, Reading, and total scores.
HSK scores are valid for two years from the test date.
If you need the result for a school or another formal purpose, check that institution’s current requirements.
How Long Is the HSK 1 Exam?
The current HSK 1 exam takes about 40 minutes in total.
This includes about 35 minutes for the test itself and about 5 minutes for candidates to fill in personal information.
Can You Take HSK 1 on Paper or Computer?
HSK 1 may be offered as either a paper-based test or an internet-based test at a test center.
In the paper-based test, you answer with a 2B pencil on an answer sheet, while the internet-based test is completed on a computer.
Both formats test the same HSK 1 skills; the main difference is how you record your answers.
Available formats can vary by test center and test date, so check the options when you register.
How Many Words Do You Need for HSK 1?
- Current HSK 1
- 150 words
- HSK 1 3.0
- 300 words
Current HSK 1 uses 150 words. Under HSK 3.0, Level 1 expands to 300 words.
View the complete HSK 1 Vocabulary List →What Does HSK 3.0 Mean for HSK 1?
Under HSK 3.0, HSK 1 remains the first beginner level in the new nine-level system.
How to Prepare for HSK 1
- 1
- 2
Practice listening
Get used to beginner words, sentences, and short conversations.
HSK 1 Listening Practice → - 3
- 4