HSK Global Test Dates (2023) for Internet & Paper-based HSK Tests

Setting an HSK Test Schedule

Now that we’ve looked at some of the basic facts about HSK dates, let’s discuss how to create a timeline for studying, taking the test, and getting the scores into your universities of choice before deadlines. The exact schedule I’ve outlined here won’t work for every application, so use it as an example and make the adjustments necessary for your own applications.

To make any test-taking schedule, it’s a good idea to work backward from your application deadlines. That way, you can see how much studying you need to do and how many times you can (or should) take the HSK.

Step #1: Find Your Application Deadline

Whether you’re planning to take the HSK just once or multiple times, it’s important to know the last possible date you can take the test before deadlines. Of course, you’ll always be able to take an earlier test, but knowing the cutoff will give you the flexibility to make any changes.

If, for example, your application deadline is December 31st, then subtract 2.5 months (mailing time of test report + time cushion) so that your scores arrive in time. This means that your final possible test date to take an HSK is on or before October 17th.

Step #2: Make a Score Goal

As we’ve mentioned, most universities in China require their applicants to pass HSK5 for admission to degree programs (some only require HSK4), in which case, you just need to reach the passing score (180/300) on the HSK – that’s all that matters. After that, you can be satisfied and turn your attention to other parts of your application.

However, some universities may require their applicants to hit or exceed a certain score on the HSK for admittance. The cutoff score varies from school to school.

For instance, Fudan University in Shanghai requires all applicants to surpass 210/300 on HSK5 to attend any undergraduate degree program, and 240/300 to attend MBA, while Peking University requires 210/300 on HSK6 for undergrad applications.

Be sure to always look up the HSK requirements for your specific schools and keep the cutoff score in your head as you study for the HSK.

Step #3: Take an HSK Practice Test

To get a general idea of how much you’ll need to study for the corresponding HSK test, it’s a good idea to take a practice test. That way, you can see where your current areas of strength and weakness are and see how the test works before you take the official HSK.

We at ImproveMandarin have produced quite a few full-length HSK practice tests with authentic listening, reading, and writing questions from past HSK exams, complete with audio files and answer keys. Access them for free here.

If you live in China, you can also purchase HSK preparation books that include access to practice tests in foreign bookstores or on Taobao.com. Our top recommendations are Official Examination Papers of HSK published by People’s Education Press (book name in Chinese: 汉语水平考试真题集2018版) and HSK Simulation Tests (2nd Edition) published by Beijing Language and Culture University Press (book name in Chinese: 汉语水平考试模拟试题集第2版). They cost 58.00-85.00 RMB depending on the level. 

Step #4: Calculate the Hours You’ll Need to Study

Now it’s time to compare your practice test results and your HSK goals. How far away were your practice test scores from the passing score or cutoff score?

As a general rule, it takes approximately 2-3 hours of studying Chinese to earn one point on the HSK tests (level 4-6). To figure out a study plan, subtract your score on your HSK practice test from your score goal. Then calculate the approximate number of study hours you’ll need to put in to reach your goal.

For instance, let’s say you’ll take the HSK5 test. Your current score on a practice test is: Listening 60, Reading 57, Writing 66, with a total of 183 points. You know the school you are applying to has a cutoff of 210 points, so there is a 27 points gap. You can aim to improve each category by 9 points (Listening 69, Reading 66, Writing 75), then you have to study for 54-81 hours.

Now trying to improve each section equally may not be very practical, and you may find that you want to aim for higher scores on one or two of the sections.

For example, if you still wanted to earn 210 points, your score goals could be: Listening 72, Reading 69, Writing 69. You can spend more time on your weaknesses. In the end, you’ll spend the same time learning and earn 210 points in total.

Keep in mind that these study hours are guidelines for the average student and you may find that it takes you more or less time studying per section. Make your study schedule with these guidelines as a starting point, but be prepared to adjust if you find that you improve at a different rate.

Step #5: Make a Weekly HSK Study Plan

Look at your daily and weekly schedules and see how many hours a week you can spend studying for the HSK. Even if your HSK date isn’t for several months, you’ll still want to try to budget at least 4-6 hours of studying Mandarin each week. 

Don’t panic if this seems impossible!

Studying Mandarin doesn’t always have to mean textbooks and grammar drills. Surrounding yourself and paying attention to the Chinese language – Chinese movies, TV shows, books, or conversation—is just as important as sitting down and studying grammar and vocabulary.

Learning and retaining a language happens over time, and you can’t really cram for it or just study for one or two hours a week. It’s a good rule of thumb to study at least one hour each day, five days per week.

If possible, try to schedule a test at least two months in advance. So if you study an average of 6 hours per week for 8.5 weeks, you’ll have studied 50 hours at the end of two months. At an average point improvement rate of 2.5 hours per point, you’ll earn approximately 20 points spread out over the listening, reading and writing sections on the HSK in just two months.

Step #6: Anticipate Taking the HSK Test More Than Once

Practice tests, however realistic there are, will never completely emulate the experience of taking the real HSK, so it’s a good idea to take the test more than once before your application deadlines if there is a big gap between your practice test results and your HSK goals.

Try to budget the time and money to take the HSK twice or even three times if you can manage it. (Of course, as soon as you reach the passing score or cutoff score, you can forget about HSK and turn your attention to other parts of your application. There is no need to “show off” by getting a high score like on the SAT or ACT.)

If you decide to take the HSK more than once, give yourself at least one month between test dates so that you can examine your scores, learn from your mistakes, and prioritize your studying. This means that it’s a good idea to start planning and studying at least two months before your final HSK test date (or four and a half months before your application deadlines).