What HSK 6 tests
At HSK 6 you work with complex texts and talks on abstract topics like science, society and culture. Reading ends with 20 questions on long passages. You write a practical text of at least 150 characters, such as an online ad or a notice, and an essay of at least 300 characters. The speaking test ends with two questions where you argue your point of view.
The HSK 6 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 Listening40 questions · 30 min
- Part 1第一部分
Listen, then choose the statement that agrees with what you heard.
Questions 1–8
- Part 2第二部分
Listen to the passage and answer the questions.
Questions 9–28
- Part 3第三部分
Listen to the dialogue and answer the questions.
Questions 29–40
阅读 Reading40 questions · 40 min
- Part 1第一部分
Choose the word that fills the blank.
Questions 41–50
- Part 2第二部分
Choose the sentence that fills each gap.
Questions 51–60
- Part 3第三部分
Read the passage and choose the right answer.
Questions 61–80
书写 Writing2 questions · 45 min
- Part 1第一部分
Write the practical text the task asks for.
Question 81 · at least 150 characters
- Part 2第二部分
Write an essay on the topic.
Question 82 · at least 300 characters
口语 Speaking5 questions · 23 min
- Part 1第一部分
Listen, then retell what you heard.
Questions 83–84 · 1.5 minutes per answer
- Part 2第二部分
Look at the picture and talk about it.
Question 85 · 2 minutes to answer
- Part 3第三部分
Answer the question.
Questions 86–87 · 2.5 minutes per answer
The speaking test is separate from the written exam. It takes about 23 minutes, 10 of them for preparing.
Words
HSK 6 covers 5,400 words: the 3,600 from HSK 1 to 5 plus 1,800 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 6 needed 5,000 words, so the new list asks for 400 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 6 that means 180 out of 300 from listening, reading and writing. Speaking is scored on its own, out of 100, and you need 60 to pass it.
How to prepare for HSK 6
Listening Part 1 asks which statement matches what you heard. The right option often says the same thing in different words, so listen for meaning rather than for matching words.
For the practical text, learn how the common types are laid out (notices, ads, emails, invitations) and what each one needs to include.
HSK 6 essays are judged on the argument as well as the language. Practise a simple plan: your position, two arguments with examples, one counterargument, and a conclusion.
Read widely in Chinese: news, opinion pieces and popular science. The long reading passages are drawn from this kind of writing.
Questions about HSK 6
How many words do you need for HSK 6?
HSK 6 covers 5,400 words: the 3,600 from HSK 1 to 5 plus 1,800 new ones. On the old HSK (HSK 2.0), level 6 needed 5,000 words, so the new list asks for 400 more.
How long is the HSK 6 exam?
The written exam has 82 questions and takes about 125 minutes, including the time to fill in your details and the answer sheet. The speaking test is separate. It has 5 questions and takes about 23 minutes, 10 of them for preparing.
Does HSK 6 have a speaking test?
Yes. The new HSK has a speaking test from HSK 3 up. At HSK 6 it has 5 questions in three parts and takes about 23 minutes. On the old HSK, speaking was a separate, optional exam called the HSKK.
What is the pass mark for HSK 6?
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 6, from listening, reading and writing, with speaking scored on its own out of 100 and 60 to pass.
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 6 mock exam?
HSK Dragon has a free HSK 6 mock exam on its website, with the audio, pinyin, transcripts and an answer key. The HSK Dragon Android app has 10 full HSK 6 mock exams that are timed and scored, with AI grading for speaking and writing, and the first one is free.