The HSK 5 (Hanyu Shuiping Kaoshi) is the second-highest level of China's standardised Chinese proficiency test. It assesses candidates who can read Chinese newspapers and magazines, understand Chinese films and TV programmes, and deliver a full speech in Chinese. This page breaks down the exact exam pattern — sections, time limits, question counts, marking, and pass criteria — so you know exactly what to expect on test day.
HSK 5 Exam Structure Overview
The test is divided into three sections, all completed in a single sitting. Total duration is 125 minutes (including a 5-minute break between sections). There are 100 questions in total.
| Section | Time | Questions | |---------|------|-----------| | Listening | 30 minutes | 45 | | Reading | 40 minutes | 45 | | Writing | 40 minutes | 10 | | Total | 125 minutes | 100 |
Section 1: Listening (30 min, 45 questions)
This section tests your ability to understand spoken Chinese in everyday and academic contexts. Audio is played once only — no repeats.
- Part 1 (15 questions): Listen to short dialogues or monologues. Choose the correct answer from four options.
- Part 2 (10 questions): Listen to longer conversations. Answer multiple-choice questions based on content.
- Part 3 (20 questions): Listen to interviews or discussions. Select the best answer from four choices.
All audio is in standard Mandarin Chinese at a natural pace. Questions are printed in the test booklet.
Section 2: Reading (40 min, 45 questions)
This section evaluates your reading comprehension of articles, essays, and practical texts.
- Part 1 (15 questions): Read short passages and fill in blanks with correct words or phrases (cloze-style).
- Part 2 (10 questions): Read longer passages. Answer multiple-choice questions about main ideas, details, and inferences.
- Part 3 (20 questions): Read several texts and match statements to the correct passage or identify the author's viewpoint.
Vocabulary range is approximately 2500 commonly used words. Texts may include news excerpts, opinion pieces, and academic abstracts.
Section 3: Writing (40 min, 10 questions)
The writing section tests your ability to produce coherent Chinese text. You write answers directly in the test booklet.
- Part 1 (5 questions): Arrange given words into grammatically correct sentences. Each question provides a set of words that you must reorder.
- Part 2 (5 questions): Write a short essay (80–120 characters) based on a prompt — often a picture, a situation, or a question.
Answers are handwritten in Chinese characters. Pinyin is not accepted.
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Marking Scheme
Each question carries equal marks. The total raw score is converted to a scaled score out of 300.
- Listening: 45 questions × approximately 3.33 marks each = 100 scaled points
- Reading: 45 questions × approximately 3.33 marks each = 100 scaled points
- Writing: 10 questions, marked holistically by trained raters = 100 scaled points
There is no negative marking for incorrect answers.
Pass Criteria
To pass HSK 5, you must score at least 180 out of 300 overall. There is no minimum section score — a strong performance in one section can compensate for a weaker one. However, most successful candidates aim for balanced scores across all three sections.
Scores are valid for two years from the test date.
How the Test Is Administered
HSK 5 is offered as a paper-based test (PBT) and, in some locations, a computer-based test (CBT). The content and difficulty are identical. For PBT, answers for Listening and Reading are marked on an answer sheet using a pencil. Writing answers are handwritten on the question paper. Results are typically available online within 30 days.
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Common Questions About HSK 5 Pattern
Is HSK 5 difficult?
HSK 5 is considered advanced. It requires around 2500 vocabulary words and the ability to handle complex texts and conversations. Candidates usually need 1–2 years of consistent study to prepare.
Can I use a dictionary during the test?
No. Dictionaries, electronic devices, and notes are not allowed in the exam hall.
How is the writing section scored?
Trained examiners assess handwriting, grammar, vocabulary range, and coherence. Each essay is scored on a 0–20 scale, then converted to the 100-point section score.
What if I don't pass?
You can retake the test at any future administration. There is no limit on attempts.