HSKK: the HSK Speaking Test and its three levels
Unofficial entry · Sources checked
The HSK Speaking Test, abbreviated HSKK in this entry, is a test of oral Chinese ability. The HSK Speaking Test page of Chinese Testing International (CTI) describes it as having three levels (elementary, intermediate and advanced) and as conducted in the form of an audio recording. See also Tests and verification on this site.
Definition
The test page introduces the test and names its three levels. Each level has its own page on the CTI Chinese Tests Service website, with its own structure, test time and score information. The table below sets out the figures as each page prints them.
What the official text says
The table gives the figures for each level as printed on its page. "Items" are the test questions in the table on each page. The table total is the sum printed in each page's structure table.
| Level | Who it is for (as printed) | Sections, items and minutes (as printed) | Total items and minutes (table) | Examination duration (summary sentence) | Test time (local time at the test center) | Full score | Passing mark |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elementary | Learners at 2–3 lessons per week for one to two semesters, with around 200 most commonly used words | Section 1 Listen and Repeat: 15 items, 6 min; Section 2 Listen and Answer: 10 items, 4 min; Section 3 Answer the Questions: 2 items, 3 min | 27 items, 13 min | 20 minutes, including 7 minutes of preparation time | 15:40 where HSK and HSK Speaking are combined; 16:30 in other areas | 100 points | 60 or above |
| Intermediate | Learners at 2–3 lessons per week for one to two academic years, with around 900 commonly used words | Section 1 Listen and Repeat: 10 items, 5 min; Section 2 Picture Description: 2 items, 4 min; Section 3 Answer the Questions: 2 items, 4 min | 14 items, 13 min | 23 minutes, including 10 minutes of preparation time | 11:25 where HSK and HSK Speaking are combined; 16:30 in other areas | 100 points | 60 or above |
| Advanced | Learners of more than two academic years at 2–3 lessons per week, with around 3,000 commonly used words | Section 1 Listen and Repeat: 3 items, 8 min; Section 2 Read Aloud: 1 item, 2 min; Section 3 Answer the Questions: 2 items, 5 min | 6 items, 15 min | 25 minutes, including 10 minutes of preparation time | Start time 16:30 (all local time at the test center) | 100 points | 60 or above |
The HSK Speaking (Elementary) page states that the test focuses on assessing around 200 of the most commonly used words.
The HSK Speaking (Intermediate) page states that the test focuses on assessing around 900 commonly used words.
The HSK Speaking (Advanced) page states that the test focuses on assessing around 3000 of the most commonly used words.
The HSK Speaking (Elementary), (Intermediate) and (Advanced) pages each state that achieving a full score entails earning 100 points, and that a cumulative score of 60 or above qualifies as a passing mark.
Each of the three level pages states that HSK Speaking scores are valid for two years, starting from the test date.
Related terms
- Tests and verification
- HSK (Chinese proficiency test), which the level pages name in the phrase "areas where HSK and HSK Speaking are combined"
Sources
- HSK Speaking Test page, Chinese Testing International (CTI), Chinese Tests Service Website
- HSK Speaking (Elementary) page, Chinese Testing International (CTI), Chinese Tests Service Website
- HSK Speaking (Intermediate) page, Chinese Testing International (CTI), Chinese Tests Service Website
- HSK Speaking (Advanced) page, Chinese Testing International (CTI), Chinese Tests Service Website
Checked 11 October 2026.
This entry is an unofficial summary of the cited pages. It is not legal or immigration advice and is not published by Chinese Testing International or any other body named. If the official text and the instructions of the body handling your case differ, the official text and those instructions prevail.