You finished your HSK exam, walked out of the test center, and now the waiting begins. When will the results come out? How do you check them? Did you pass? These are the questions every HSK test-taker faces in the days and weeks after the exam.
This guide covers everything you need to know about HSK results: when scores are released, how to check them online step by step, how to read and interpret your score report, how to download your official certificate, the validity period of HSK scores, and what to do if you did not pass. Whether you just took HSK 1 for the first time or you are waiting on HSK 6 results, this article has you covered.
When Are HSK Results Released?
The timeline for receiving your HSK results depends on which test format you took.
Paper-Based Test (PBT)
If you took the paper-based HSK exam, results are typically released approximately 4 weeks (about 1 month) after the test date. The longer turnaround is because answer sheets need to be physically transported from test centers to the scoring facility, then scanned and graded.
Internet-Based Test (IBT)
If you took the internet-based HSK exam, you can expect results to be available approximately 2 weeks after the test date. Since answers are recorded digitally, the scoring process is faster and more streamlined.
Where to Check Results
Regardless of which test format you took, all HSK results are published on the official website chinesetest.cn. In some cases, you may receive an email notification when your results are ready, but the most reliable method is to check the website yourself.
Keep in mind that exact release dates can vary by a few days depending on the test center, the time of year, and server load. If your results do not appear on the expected date, wait a few days and check again before contacting support.
How to Check HSK Results Online: Step-by-Step
Here is the complete process for checking your HSK results online. Even if this is your first time, these steps will walk you through it.
Step 1: Visit the Official Website
Go to chinesetest.cn, the official website for HSK administered by Chinese Testing International (CTI). The site is available in both Chinese and English. If you need another language, most modern browsers can translate the page for you.
Step 2: Log In or Enter Your Candidate Number
Once on the site, log in using the account you created when you registered for the exam. If you have forgotten your account details, you can also query your results directly by entering your candidate number (准考证号 / zhǔnkǎozhèng hào).
Step 3: Navigate to "Score Inquiry"
After logging in, find and click on the "Score Inquiry" (成绩查询 / chéngjì cháxún) button or link in the menu. On the results page, select the relevant exam session to view your scores.
Step 4: View Your Results
Your HSK scores will be displayed on the screen, showing your score for each section as well as your total score. It is a good idea to take a screenshot of the results page for your personal records.
Information You Will Need
To check your results smoothly, have the following information ready:
- Candidate number (准考证号): Found on your admission ticket
- Full name: As registered during sign-up (matching your passport or ID)
- Passport or ID number: May be required, especially for international test-takers
Keep your admission ticket in a safe place even after the exam. Without your candidate number, looking up your results can be much more difficult.
How to Read Your HSK Score Report
Once you have your results, it is important to understand what the numbers mean. HSK scoring varies by level.
Section Breakdown
HSK Levels 1 and 2 consist of two sections: Listening and Reading. Each section is scored out of 100, for a total of 200 points.
HSK Levels 3 through 6 consist of three sections: Listening, Reading, and Writing. Each section is scored out of 100, for a total of 300 points.
Passing Scores
The passing threshold for all HSK levels is 60% of the total score. There is no minimum score required for any individual section, which means a strong performance in one area can compensate for a weaker one.
| HSK Level | Maximum Score | Pass Score | Sections |
|---|---|---|---|
| HSK 1 | 200 | 120 | Listening (100) + Reading (100) |
| HSK 2 | 200 | 120 | Listening (100) + Reading (100) |
| HSK 3 | 300 | 180 | Listening (100) + Reading (100) + Writing (100) |
| HSK 4 | 300 | 180 | Listening (100) + Reading (100) + Writing (100) |
| HSK 5 | 300 | 180 | Listening (100) + Reading (100) + Writing (100) |
| HSK 6 | 300 | 180 | Listening (100) + Reading (100) + Writing (100) |
How to Analyze Your Scores
Even if you passed, take time to review the balance across your sections. For example, if you scored 90 on Listening but only 60 on Reading, your total might be above the pass mark, but Reading is clearly an area that needs improvement before you move to the next level.
This kind of analysis is especially important if you plan to use your HSK score for university admissions or employment. Simply passing is not always enough. Top Chinese universities often require HSK 5 scores of 210 or above, and competitive scholarship programs may set even higher thresholds. Aiming well above the minimum pass score gives you the strongest possible application.
How to Download Your HSK Score Report and Certificate
After checking your results, the next step is to obtain your official score report (成绩报告 / chéngjì bàogào). This document is essential for university applications, scholarship submissions, and job applications.
Downloading the Digital Score Report
Log in to your account at chinesetest.cn and navigate to the Score Inquiry page. From there, you can download a PDF version of your official score report. This digital version is accepted as preliminary proof by many institutions. Save the file in a secure location and back it up.
Obtaining a Physical Certificate
The process for receiving a physical (paper) score report varies depending on where you took the exam:
- If you took the exam in China: You can request a printed certificate to be mailed through your account on chinesetest.cn
- If you took the exam internationally: Physical certificates are typically distributed through the test center where you sat the exam, such as a Confucius Institute or partner university
- Additional copies: If you need extra copies or your certificate is lost, you can request a reissue through the official website. A processing fee may apply
What the Score Report Contains
Your official HSK score report includes the following information:
- Your full name and photo
- Passport or ID number
- The HSK level you took
- Individual section scores and total score
- Pass or fail status
- Test date
- Certificate number
- Issue date and validity period
This score report is officially issued by the Center for Language Education and Cooperation (CLEC, formerly Hanban/CTI) under China's Ministry of Education. It is recognized as an official proof of Chinese language proficiency by universities, employers, and government agencies worldwide.
HSK Score Validity Period
Understanding the validity period of your HSK score is critical for planning.
Scores Are Valid for 2 Years
HSK scores are valid for 2 years from the test date. This applies to all levels equally, from HSK 1 through HSK 6.
Implications for Applications
If you are using your HSK score for university admissions, scholarship applications, or employment purposes, your score must be within the 2-year validity window at the time of application. For example, an HSK score from April 2026 is valid through April 2028.
Since university applications and scholarship deadlines often involve months of preparation, plan your test date carefully. Work backward from your application deadline and schedule your HSK exam with plenty of buffer time. This is especially important for applicants to Chinese Government Scholarships (CSC) or graduate programs in China.
What Happens When Your Score Expires
Once the 2-year validity period has passed, your HSK score can no longer be used as official proof of Chinese proficiency. Here are your options:
- Retake the exam: This is the most straightforward solution. Take the same level again, or challenge yourself with a higher level
- If you do not currently need a score: Your expired score still serves as a personal record of your achievement, even though it is no longer officially valid
- Plan ahead: If you know you will need a valid score in the future, schedule your exam accordingly to keep your results current
There is no way to extend the validity of an HSK score. If your score is approaching its expiration date and you will need it soon, plan to retake the exam as early as possible.
What to Do If You Did Not Pass
Failing an HSK exam is more common than many people think, and it is absolutely not the end of the road. Many successful Chinese speakers failed an HSK level before ultimately passing it. The key is to learn from your results and prepare more effectively for the next attempt.
How Soon Can You Retake the Exam?
There is no limit on how many times you can take the HSK. You can register for the very next available test date. Paper-based tests are typically offered monthly, and internet-based tests are available even more frequently, so you will not have to wait long for another opportunity.
Analyze Your Scores to Identify Weaknesses
If you did not pass, your section scores are the most valuable information you have. Examine which area was weakest and focus your study efforts there:
- Low Listening score: Increase your daily exposure to spoken Chinese through podcasts, TV shows, movies, and Chinese-language YouTube channels. Practice active listening where you try to understand every word
- Low Reading score: Read more at your HSK level. Use graded readers, HSK-level news articles, and vocabulary lists. Focus on building reading speed as well as comprehension
- Low Writing score: Practice writing Chinese characters daily. For HSK 3-4, focus on character accuracy. For HSK 5-6, practice essay writing, summarization, and expressing opinions in writing
Effective Strategies for Your Next Attempt
Follow these strategies to maximize your chances of passing next time:
- Take timed practice tests regularly: Simulate real exam conditions with a timer to build familiarity with the test format and improve time management
- Focus on your weakest section: Dedicate extra study time to the area where you lost the most points
- Study consistently every day: Even 30 minutes of daily practice is more effective than cramming for several hours on weekends
- Practice conversation with AI: Use Be Chinese AI conversation training to practice at your HSK level. AI-powered conversation practice trains both listening comprehension and speaking simultaneously, helping you internalize vocabulary and grammar patterns in a way that benefits all sections of the exam
Frequently Asked Questions
What if my results are not showing up?
If your results have not appeared by the expected date, try the following:
- Double-check your candidate number for typos
- Verify your name matches exactly what is on your registration (passport spelling)
- Confirm the expected release date on the official website
- Wait a few more days and try again, as server congestion around release dates is common
If none of this works, contact the test center where you took the exam or reach out to the customer support team through chinesetest.cn.
Can I request a score review if I disagree with my results?
Yes, you can apply for a score review (复查 / fùchá) if you believe there was an error. The request must be submitted within a specific time window after results are published. Keep in mind that a processing fee may apply, and the review may or may not result in a score change. You can submit your request through your chinesetest.cn account or by contacting your test center directly.
How do I get additional copies of my score certificate?
If you need multiple copies of your score report for applications to different universities or employers, you can request additional certificates through your account on chinesetest.cn. Extra copies may incur a fee, and physical copies sent by mail can take several weeks to arrive, so plan ahead.
Are HSK and HSKK results released at the same time?
HSK (the written test) and HSKK (the oral test) are managed as separate exams, so their results are published independently. You can check each set of results separately through your account on chinesetest.cn.
Is a digital score report accepted for university applications?
Many institutions accept the digital PDF score report as preliminary proof while your physical certificate is being processed. However, some universities may require the original paper certificate for final admission. Always check with your specific institution about their requirements.
Summary
Checking your HSK results is straightforward once you know the process. Visit chinesetest.cn, log in with your account or candidate number, and navigate to Score Inquiry. Paper-based test results take about 4 weeks, while internet-based test results are available in about 2 weeks.
Once you have your scores, take the time to analyze them carefully. Understanding your strengths and weaknesses across sections is just as important as whether you passed or failed. Download and save your digital score report, and apply for a physical certificate if you need one for official purposes. And remember that your HSK score is valid for 2 years, so plan your test timing around your application deadlines.
If you passed, congratulations! Consider starting preparation for the next level. If you did not pass this time, do not be discouraged. Analyze your weak areas, adjust your study plan, and retake the exam when you are ready.
Start preparing for your next HSK level now. Be Chinese AI conversation training lets you practice Chinese conversation matched to your HSK level. Build your listening, speaking, and vocabulary skills together through realistic AI-powered dialogues, and go into your next exam with confidence.
