FAQ
Common questions about the HSK exam and how HSKpass works.
About HSK
Is HSK hard to pass?
It depends heavily on the level — HSK 1–2 are approachable for beginners within a few months, while HSK 4 is widely considered the biggest jump since its vocabulary is double that of HSK 3. Difficulty comes mostly from vocabulary volume and listening speed, not obscure grammar.
How long does it take to prepare for HSK?
It depends on your starting level and study consistency — there’s no fixed timeline. A structured plan (course + spaced-repetition flashcards + regular mock exams) generally gets you there faster than vocabulary lists alone, since it targets your actual weak sections instead of everything equally.
Does an HSK certificate expire?
The certificate itself doesn’t formally expire, but many universities and employers only accept certificates issued within the last two years. Check the specific requirement you’re applying for.
How much does the official HSK exam cost?
Official exam fees vary by country and test center. Check your nearest official HSK test center for exact pricing — HSKpass is a practice platform, not a registration service for the official exam.
Can I retake the HSK exam if I don’t pass?
Yes. There’s no limit on retakes — you can register for the next available sitting at your test center.
What’s the difference between paper-based and computer-based (IBT) HSK?
Both test the same content and structure. The paper-based version is handwritten and scanned; the internet-based test (IBT) is taken on a computer. Availability depends on your test center.
Do I need to handwrite characters for HSK?
From HSK 3 onward, the Writing section requires producing characters, not just recognizing them — you need to know how to write them, not just read them.
Is the new HSK 3.0 standard the same as the exams on HSKpass?
No. HSK 3.0 is a 9-band standard China began rolling out domestically from 2021. HSKpass’s past papers and mock exams follow the classic 1–6 scale, which is still the version most international test centers administer.
Using HSKpass
Is HSKpass affiliated with Hanban or CLTC?
No. HSKpass is an independent study platform. We are not affiliated with the official exam body.
Are these real HSK exams?
The exams are based on official past papers sourced from public educational repositories. They reflect the real exam structure and difficulty.
Why are HSK 5 and 6 not available?
HSK 5–6 content is coming soon. Pro subscribers will get early access when it launches.
Does speaking get scored?
No. The Speaking section is for self-practice only. HSKpass shows the prompts as text — there is no voice recording. It is excluded from your score.
How is my overall score calculated?
Each section score is the percentage of correct answers (correct ÷ total × 100). The overall score is the average of all scored sections (Listening, Reading, Writing). Speaking is excluded.
Do I need an account to use HSKpass?
Yes, a free account lets you save your progress across sessions. HSK 1 & 2 mock exams and a daily flashcard limit are free forever — no credit card required.
Does HSKpass work on mobile?
Yes. HSKpass is a web app that runs in any modern mobile browser — no app install required.
Billing
Can I cancel my Pro subscription anytime?
Yes. See our Refund & Cancellation Policy (/refunds) for the full details on billing, cancellation, and refunds.