HSK 3.0: what changed in the Chinese proficiency test
HSK is the international Chinese proficiency test for people whose first language isn't Chinese. Chinese universities and employers ask for its results. The exam now has a new syllabus, known as HSK 3.0. It changes the number of levels and how much you need to know at each one.
HSK 3.0 in short: what changed
- Nine levels instead of six. Three advanced levels sit on top of the familiar six, for people who study and work in Chinese.
- More words at the beginner levels. Level 1 is now 300 words instead of 150, level 2 is 500 instead of 300.
- Characters are counted separately. Each level says how many characters you need to recognize when reading and how many you need to write by hand.
- The syllabus is built around tasks. Each level lists what you should be able to say and understand: introduce yourself, give the date, ask for directions.
When the new HSK syllabus takes over
The syllabus was published in November 2025. Exams based on it start in December 2026, and from 2027 it replaces the old one. If you're starting Chinese now, it makes sense to prepare for the new syllabus from day one.
How many words are in each HSK level
The table shows how many words you need to know by the end of each level, under the new syllabus and the old one.
| Level | HSK 3.0 | Old HSK |
|---|---|---|
| HSK 1 | 300 | 150 |
| HSK 2 | 500 | 300 |
| HSK 3 | 1,000 | 600 |
| HSK 4 | 2,000 | 1,200 |
| HSK 5 | 3,600 | 2,500 |
| HSK 6 | 5,400 | 5,000 |
The difference is biggest at the start: level 1 has doubled. In return it's no longer a formality. With three hundred words you can already hold a simple conversation about yourself, your family, food and your plans.
What you need for HSK 1 under the new syllabus
- 300 words. Greetings, family, numbers and time, food and shopping, getting around, school and work. The full list with audio is on the "HSK 1 words" page.
- 246 characters to recognize when reading.
- Handwriting asks for little at the first two levels: they share one list of 100 characters.
- 15 communication tasks: talk about yourself, give the date and time, describe the weather, arrange to meet, buy food and so on.
What HSK 3.0 means if you're just starting
Textbooks and word lists made for the old syllabus cover roughly half of the new level 1. You can still learn from them, but they won't be enough for an exam under the new syllabus: check which standard your textbook or course follows.
The way to begin doesn't change. First pinyin and tones, then your first words by ear, then characters, piece by piece and in stroke order. More on that in "How to start learning Chinese".
How the Nomto course is built
The course follows HSK 3.0 from the start. Level 1 is 61 short lessons and all 300 words of the syllabus: every word appears in a dialogue, you hear it, and it comes back for review. The lesson topics follow the standard's list of communication tasks, and Mei, your tutor, explains everything in English.
A course on the new syllabus
HSK 3.0 level 1 is 61 lessons and all 300 words. Free during the beta with an account.
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