What HSK 2 tests
At HSK 2 you can get by in simple, familiar situations: your day, your plans, shopping, travel and the people around you. The writing section is all about characters. You pick the component that completes a character, and you write characters from their pinyin.
The HSK 2 exam, part by part
These are the parts of the official exam, with their question numbers. Every mock exam in HSK Dragon uses the same layout.
听力 Listening25 questions · 17 min
- Part 1第一部分
Listen and choose the matching picture.
Questions 1–5
- Part 2第二部分
Listen to each dialogue and match it to a picture.
Questions 6–15
- Part 3第三部分
Listen to the dialogue and choose the right answer.
Questions 16–25
阅读 Reading25 questions · 25 min
- Part 1第一部分
Match each sentence to a picture.
Questions 26–30
- Part 2第二部分
Choose the word that fills the blank.
Questions 31–35
- Part 3第三部分
Match each sentence to the reply that fits.
Questions 36–45
- Part 4第四部分
Read the passage and choose the right answer.
Questions 46–50
书写 Writing10 questions · 10 min
- Part 1第一部分
Choose the component that completes the character.
Questions 51–55
- Part 2第二部分
Write the character the pinyin stands for.
Questions 56–60
Words
HSK 2 covers 500 words: the 300 from HSK 1 plus 200 new ones. The exam can use any word from the levels below, so keep reviewing them while you learn the new ones.
On the old HSK (HSK 2.0), level 2 needed 300 words, so the new list asks for 200 more. Older word lists are still around online, so make sure yours is the new one.
Scoring
The official pass marks for the new HSK 1 to 6 haven't been published yet. On the old HSK, each section was scored out of 100 and you needed 60% of the total to pass.
HSK Dragon's mock exams use the same line. At HSK 2 that means 180 out of 300 from listening, reading and writing.
How to prepare for HSK 2
HSK 2 writing tests characters, not sentences. Learn the common components and write each new word by hand a few times.
Listening Part 2 has 10 short dialogues to match to pictures. Listen for the one detail that tells similar pictures apart.
In reading Part 3 you match sentences to the replies that fit them, so learn how common questions are usually answered.
The 300 words from HSK 1 are part of the 500, so keep reviewing them.
Questions about HSK 2
How many words do you need for HSK 2?
HSK 2 covers 500 words: the 300 from HSK 1 plus 200 new ones. On the old HSK (HSK 2.0), level 2 needed 300 words, so the new list asks for 200 more.
How long is the HSK 2 exam?
The written exam has 60 questions and takes about 60 minutes, including the time to fill in your details and the answer sheet.
Does HSK 2 have a speaking test?
No. The new HSK only adds a speaking test from HSK 3. HSK 2 is listening, reading and writing only.
What is the pass mark for HSK 2?
The official pass marks for the new HSK 1 to 6 haven't been published yet. On the old HSK you needed 60% of the total to pass. HSK Dragon's mock exams use the same line: 180 out of 300 at HSK 2, from listening, reading and writing.
Should I prepare for the old HSK or the new HSK 3.0?
It depends on when you take the exam. The new HSK (HSK 3.0) starts worldwide on 13 December 2026, and every sitting before that date uses the old six-level HSK. If your exam is on or after 13 December 2026, prepare for the new format, which is the one HSK Dragon follows. Your test centre's listing shows which version each date uses.
Where can I take a free HSK 2 mock exam?
HSK Dragon has a free HSK 2 mock exam on its website, with the audio, pinyin, transcripts and an answer key. The HSK Dragon Android app has 10 full HSK 2 mock exams that are timed and scored, and the first one is free.