HSK Level I Introduction


The HSK (Level I) evaluates test takers' proficiency in communicating Mandarin Chinese in everyday scenarios. It is the equivalent of the A1 Level of the Common European Framework of Reference (CEF) and Level I of the Chinese Language Proficiency Scales for Speakers of Other Languages. HSK (Level I) test takers who succeed may grasp and employ very basic Chinese phrases, satisfy their basic communication demands, and have the aptitude to advance their Chinese language studies.


HSK1 Download Section (汉语水平一级考试 - 标准)



Test Target


For students who have studied Chinese for a semester (half an academic year), with 2-3 class hours per week, the HSK (Level I) is designed for them.


Test Content

Section Number of Questions Duration (Min)
Listening Part I 5 20 About 15
Part II 5
Part III 5
Part IV 5
Filling Out answer sheet (Mark your answers for listening comprehension on Answer Sheet) 3
Reading Part I 5 20 17
Part II 5
Part III 5
Part IV 5
Total / 40 About 35

The test will last for a total of 40 minutes (including 5 minutes in which the test takers fill in personal information).



Exams Description


The whole exam takes approximately 40 minutes (including 5 minutes to fill in your personal information). The maximum score is 200 points and the pass mark is 120 points.


i. Listening Section

4 types of question, 20 questions in total, 100 points available.


1. Part 1 (5 questions): Does the phrase you hear match the picture?
2. Part 2 (5 questions): Select the picture that matches the sentence you hear.
3. Part 3 (5 questions): Select the picture that matches the dialogue you hear.
4. Part 4 (5 questions): Select the answer that matches the content and question you hear.

(Point To Be Noted: You have approximately 15 minutes to answer the questions, plus 3 minutes to fill in your answer card)


ii. Reading Section

4 types of question, 20 questions in total, 100 points available.


1. Part 1 (5 questions): Does the word match the picture?
2. Part 2 (5 questions): Select the picture that matches the sentence.
3. Part 3 (5 questions): Select the two sentences which go together.
4. Part 4 (5 questions): Select the word to fill in the blank and complete the sentence.

(Point To Be Noted: (You have approximately 17 minutes to answer the questions)

Results Certificate


For the HSK (Level I), three results will be provided including listening, reading and total. The test taker must score at least 120 points total to be considered passing.

Section Max Score Your Score
Listening 100
Reading 100
Total 200