FAQ - Frequently asked questions

You can find answers to the most frequently asked questions about the HSK examination here. If your question is not included, please contact us by telephone or email.

How often can the exam be retaken?

The examination can be retaken as often as needed.

Can I skip a level?

Exams can be taken completely independently of each other. For example, you may take the HSK level 3 examination without previously taking levels 1 and 2.

Can I take multiple examinations on the same day?

As long as the exams don't take place at the same time you can take multiple exams on the same examination day. The examinations for consecutive levels generally take place at different times.

How long does the exam take?

Examination duration, without preparation/filling in time:

HSK1: 50 minutes
HSK2: 60 minutes
HSK3: 100 minutes
HSK4: 115 minutes
HSK5: 150 minutes
HSK6: 150 minutes

HSKK beginner level: 20 minutes
HSKK intermediate level: 23 minutes
HSKK advanced level: 25 minutes

YCT1: 35 minutes
YCT2: 50 minutes
YCT3: 60 minutes
YCT4: 80 minutes

What time do I need to be at the examination location?

Please be at the examination location 30 minutes before the start of the examination so that there is enough time for the registration and clarification of any questions.

What do I need to bring with me to the examination?

Please bring your identity card or passport, the same one used for your registration. We also recommend that you bring a watch, as mobile phones must be switched off during the examination.

We provide you with a lead pencil, eraser and your admission ticket on location.

Can I take the exam on a computer?

Yes, for HSK levels 5 to 9 we offer a computer-based test. However, this will take place at the HSK test centre in Munich.

How do I find out if I've passed?

One month after the examination you can check your exam result online at www.chinesetest.cn. Please make sure that you keep the number on your admission ticket.

You pass the examination if you achieve the following scores:

HSK1 & HSK2 - 120 points (of 200)
HSK3 & HSK4 - 180 points (of 300)
HSK5 & HSK6 - no minimum score (total points 300)

HSKK all levels - 60 points (of 100)

YCT1 to YCT3 - 120 points (of 200)
YCT4 - 180 points (of 300)

How and when will I receive my certificate?

The certificates are issued in China and sent to us. This takes 6 to 8 weeks from the examination date. We inform all examinees by email when the certificates are ready to be picked up. You have three options to receive your certificate:

You can pick it up in person during business hours from our office, from 9 am to 6 pm. Please bring your identity card or passport with you.
A person you trust can pick up the certificate for you with a written authorisation from you.
If you give us a self-addressed and stamped envelope (A4 format) we can post the certificate to you. For this purpose, please bring the envelope to the Confucius Institute on the day of the exam.

How can I register for the examination?

You can register for all examinations online at www.chinesetest.cn. The registration deadline is approx. 30 days before the examination date. For the computer-based examination (only levels 4 to 6) the deadline is approx. 14 days before the examination date.

How much does the examination cost?

HSK1/HSK2: € 35 each
HSK3 + HSKK Beginner level: € 50

HSK4 + HSKK Intermediate: € 60
HSK5/HSK6 + HSKK Advanced: € 135*
HSK7-9: € 160*

HSKK Beginner level: € 20
HSKK Intermediate: € 30
HSKK Advanced: € 70*

YCT1/YCT2: € 10 each
YCT3/YCT4: € 20

YCT HSKK Beginner level: € 15

YCT HSKK Intermediate: € 15

*incl. a service fee of € 50 for the computer-based exams

How can I pay the examination fee?

Please transfer the fee to the following account before the registration deadline:

Account holder: Konfuzius-Institut München e.V.
Hypo Vereinsbank München
IBAN: DE13700202700666599330
BIC: HYVEDEMMXXX
Transaction purpose: Name of the examinee + HSK level

Can I pay the examination fee in cash?

In exceptional cases you may also pay the fee in cash. To do this, please come to our office at Gleichmannstrasse 10.

Do I need to take the written and oral exams together?

Exam candidates at HSK level 3 and above must take the HSKK oral exam at the corresponding level at the same time.

Do I need a digital passport photo for the registration?

A passport photo in digital form is required for all levels of the oral HSKK examination, and for the HSK examinations from level 4. This must be uploaded during registration on www.chinesetest.cn.

Who can take the examinations in Munich?

The examinations are open for all students of Chinese, of any age and nationality.

The HSK examination

The HSK examination is a standardised language test, which assesses the Chinese language skills of Chinese learners. The examination is held in certified examination centres worldwide. The Confucius Institute Munich offers the written examinations four times per year, and the oral examination once per year.

We are the first test centre in Germany to offer the computer-based examination for levels 5 to 9.