New HSK Exam Date 2026: When HSK 3.0 Starts and Which Version to Take

Short answer: the first regular sitting of the new HSK Levels 1–6 is widely reported for 13 December 2026. Earlier 2026 sittings use the classic exam. The date comes from test centres and guides; always confirm on your registration page.

Free PDF: HSK 3.0 writing practice (100 characters)

What is confirmed and what is reported

Confirmed (official syllabus): the new HSK Syllabus was published by CLEC in November 2025 and is in force from July 2026. It sets 9 levels and 300–11,000 words.
Reported: 13 December 2026 as the first regular new-format sitting for Levels 1–6, with trial sittings earlier in 2026 and a final classic-format sitting in November 2026.
Not confirmed here: exact registration deadlines and dates in your country. They differ by test centre.

Should you take HSK 2.0 or HSK 3.0?

Need a certificate before December 2026: you will sit the classic paper. Study the classic list, but the extra New HSK words only help.
Exam in 2027 or later: study the New HSK lists. Start with the New HSK 1 word list (300) or the levels overview.
Not sure yet: learn New HSK vocabulary. It covers most classic words at the same or a lower level.

Full comparison: HSK 2.0 vs HSK 3.0 in 2026. Practise with our mock exams and HSK 1 lessons, and plan your time with how long it takes to reach HSK 1.

Free download: HSK 3.0 writing practice sheets

All 100 characters on the official Levels 1–2 writing list in 田字格 grids, with pinyin, English, an example word, trace and practice boxes, plus exam-style gap-fill drills with answers. Free on Gumroad (pay what you want, $0 is fine).

Get the free PDF Try a free lesson

FAQ

When is the first HSK 3.0 exam?

It is widely reported for 13 December 2026 for Levels 1–6. Confirm with your test centre or chinesetest.cn before registering.

Can I still take the old HSK in 2026?

Reports say sittings before December 2026 use the classic format. Check your test centre's calendar.

Is the HSK 3.0 syllabus official?

Yes. CLEC published the HSK Syllabus in November 2025, in force from July 2026.

Counts come from the official HSK Syllabus (CLEC, published November 2025, in force from July 2026), counted from the PDF. Exam dates are as reported by test centres and third-party guides; confirm with your test centre or chinesetest.cn. ACA Chinese is independent and not affiliated with the test organiser.