Introduction
Whether you're applying to a Chinese university, chasing a CSC scholarship, or proving your Chinese for a job, the HSK certificate is the document that opens doors. And getting it starts with one simple thing: registering on the right date.
The HSK is held around 11 times a year in 2026, plus two advanced-level sessions. Miss the deadline and you wait a month or more. Get it right, and you know exactly when your score will be in your hands.
This guide covers the full 2026 test calendar, every registration deadline, what changed with the new HSK 3.0 format, and the exact registration process.
The 2026 HSK Test Calendar
The HSK (HSK 1-6) and the HSK Speaking Test run on the same dates in 2026. All sessions are offered in both paper-based (PBT) and internet-based (iBT) at-center formats:
| Test Date | Day | PBT Deadline | iBT Deadline | Score Release |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 24 January | Sat | 28 Dec 2025 | 14 Jan | 9 Feb / 3 Mar* |
| 22 March | Sun | 23 Feb | 12 Mar | 7 Apr / 22 Apr |
| 11 April | Sat | 15 Mar | 1 Apr | 27 Apr / 15 May* |
| 16 May | Sat | 19 Apr | 6 May | 1 Jun / 16 Jun |
| 28 June | Sun | 1 Jun | 18 Jun | 13 Jul / 28 Jul |
| 18 July | Sat | 21 Jun | 8 Jul | 3 Aug / 19 Aug |
| 23 August | Sun | 27 Jul | 13 Aug | 7 Sep / 23 Sep |
| 13 September | Sun | 17 Aug | 3 Sep | 29 Sep / 19 Oct* |
| 17 October | Sat | 20 Sep | 7 Oct | 2 Nov / 17 Nov |
| 7 November | Sat | 11 Oct | 28 Oct | 23 Nov / 7 Dec |
| 13 December | Sun | 16 Nov | 3 Dec | 28 Dec / 15 Jan 2027* |
*Dates marked with an asterisk are the later of the two release dates, pushed back by one week because of Chinese public holidays.
Two practical takeaways: paper-based registration closes roughly one month before the test, and computer-based registration closes about a week before. If you plan late, go with iBT.
HSK Levels 7-9: The Advanced Test
The advanced HSK (Levels 7-9) is a separate exam with its own calendar. It's held only twice in 2026, in internet-based format at test centers:
| Test Date | Day | Registration Deadline | Score Release |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9 May | Sat | 25 Apr | 9 Jun |
| 22 November | Sun | 8 Nov | 22 Dec |
Levels 7-9 are the new top tier of the HSK 3.0 system, aimed at advanced learners targeting professional or academic-level Chinese — and increasingly required for the highest-skill roles and advanced degree programs.
The New HSK 3.0 Format: What Changed
The old HSK was a six-level system. The new HSK — branded HSK 3.0 — restructures it into a "Three Stages, Nine Levels" framework:
- Elementary stage: Levels 1-3
- Intermediate stage: Levels 4-6
- Advanced stage: Levels 7-9
It's guided by the Chinese Proficiency Grading Standards and assesses five language skills: listening, speaking, reading, writing, and translation (the last only at advanced levels).
Three practical consequences for test-takers:
- Levels 3-6 now bundle the speaking test — HSK 3-6 must be registered together with the matching speaking level, instead of the old separate HSKK primary/intermediate/advanced pairing.
- Levels 1-2 stay simpler and mostly unchanged.
- The syllabus (published on chinesetest.cn) now clearly maps tasks, topics, vocabulary, grammar, and characters to specific communication goals — which makes self-study far more targeted.
Registration Deadlines: What the Dates Mean
Two deadlines matter for each test, and they're different:
- PBT (paper) deadline: usually 3-5 weeks before test day.
- iBT (computer) deadline: usually 7-10 days before test day.
A few notes:
- Deadlines are in Beijing time and are hard stops. Late registration is generally not possible.
- Not every test center offers every format or every level. Check your chosen center before planning.
- Test centers can fill up, especially in April-May and September-October (peak university-application season), so register early.
How to Register: The 7-Step Process
Registration happens on the official website, chinesetest.cn, and takes about 15 minutes. Here's the flow:
- Create an account on the Chinese Test Service website (username, email, password).
- Select your test — test type (HSK or HSKK), level, format (paper or computer), test date.
- Choose your test center.
- Fill in personal information — name, gender, date of birth, ID details — and verify your phone number.
- Upload a photo (must match your ID for verification at the venue).
- Confirm and pay the test fee online.
- Print your admission ticket from "My Account" 5-7 days before the test.
The name, gender, date of birth, and ID number on your admission ticket must exactly match your registration document — otherwise you won't be admitted.
Documents You Need to Register
You'll need a valid government-issued ID:
- Registering outside your home country: a passport is required.
- Registering in your home country: a passport or original resident identity card.
- In mainland China: a passport, resident ID card, residence permit, or travel permit.
Your ID must be valid on exam day. The photo you upload during registration is checked against this document at the test center.
Fees, Payment, and Refunds
Fees vary by country, level, and test center, so always check the price shown on your registration page. A few rules to know:
- In mainland China: pay online via quick payment, online banking, QR code, or JCB/VISA/Mastercard.
- Overseas (and Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan): pay on-site at the test center or via the method the center specifies.
- No refunds — once registration is confirmed and paid, you generally cannot withdraw, refund, or switch type/level/format/center.
Budget tip: many test centers and Chinese learning platforms run registration bundles or discounts, and university applicants should confirm whether the CSC scholarship covers the fee.
What Happens After You Register
Once registered, three dates are on your calendar:
- Admission ticket printing: 5-7 days before the test (from "My Account").
- Test day: arrive early with your printed ticket and the original ID used at registration.
- Score release: roughly 2-4 weeks after the test, per the table above.
Your scores are viewable in your chinesetest.cn account. If your test center uses paper-based scoring, add another week or two.
Getting Your Score and Certificate
The HSK is scored on the standard system:
- HSK 1-2: a total score of 200; 120 is a passing score.
- HSK 3-6: a total score of 300; 180 is a passing score.
- Speaking test: scored on 100; 60 is a pass.
You'll receive a score report and, if you pass, an HSK certificate valid permanently (unlike many language certificates, HSK does not expire). The certificate is what universities and employers actually ask to see.
Common Questions
How many times a year is the HSK held?
In 2026, HSK 1-6 and the speaking test run 11 times (January, then monthly March-December except February), and HSK 7-9 runs twice (May and November).
What's the difference between paper and computer-based HSK?
The format is the same content-wise, but computer-based (iBT) registration closes much later (~10 days before vs ~1 month for paper), and scores for some sessions release a bit sooner. Not all centers offer both.
Can I take the HSK online from home?
Internet-based testing at home is available for some exams in some regions. For 2026, check your chosen test center's format options — not every center or level offers home-based iBT.
What changed with HSK 3.0?
The six-level system became "Three Stages, Nine Levels" (1-3 elementary, 4-6 intermediate, 7-9 advanced). Levels 3-6 now include the speaking test, and the syllabus maps specific vocabulary and grammar to each level.
Do I still need HSKK separately?
For levels 3-6, the speaking test is bundled with the written exam — you register for both together. Levels 1-2 don't require the speaking test.
How much does the HSK cost?
Fees vary by country, level, and center. The exact amount is displayed on your registration page before payment; expect higher fees for higher levels and overseas centers.
What score do I need to pass?
HSK 1-2 requires 120/200. HSK 3-6 requires 180/300. The speaking test requires 60/100.
Conclusion
Registering for the HSK in 2026 is straightforward once you know the rhythm: paper closes about a month out, computer about a week out, and score release lands 2-4 weeks after test day. Book early for peak season (April-May, September-October), bring the right ID, and you'll have your certificate in hand in time for that university application or scholarship deadline.
Want the full picture on what an HSK score unlocks? Our guide to studying in China covers university admission and scholarship requirements level by level.