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Asked: 2025-05-07T22:12:24+08:00 In:

What's the difference between the old and new HSK exam formats?

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What’s the difference between the old and new HSK exam formats?
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    1. ahmed aziz
      Begginer
      Here’s a comprehensive comparison between the old (pre-2010) and new (post-2010, with 2025 updates) HSK exam formats, based on the latest official standards and reforms:

      1. Exam Structure and Levels

      • Old HSK (Pre-2010):
        • 11 levels divided into Basic (1–3), Elementary-Intermediate (4–8), and Advanced (9–11).
        • Each proficiency group had a single exam, with scores determining sub-levels (e.g., Basic Level 3).
      • New HSK (Post-2010):
        • Initially 6 levels (1–6), expanded to 9 levels in 2025 (1–9), categorized into Beginner (1–3), Intermediate (4–6), and Advanced (7–9).
        • Advanced levels (7–9): Introduced in 2022 as a unified exam, with scores defining specific sub-levels (e.g., Level 7 for academic fluency).

      2. Difficulty and Vocabulary

      • Old HSK:
        • Higher complexity: Required 8,821 words (e.g., HSK 6 = 5,000 words).
        • Focused on archaic cultural references and complex grammatical structures.
      • New HSK:
        • Initially accessible: HSK 6 originally required 5,000 words, but the 2025 update raises the bar (e.g., Level 9 = 11,092 words).
        • Modernized content: Removed outdated terms (e.g., 照相机 → 手机) and streamlined word lists by merging synonyms (e.g., 喜欢 / 喜爱).

      3. Test Content and Skills

      • Old HSK:
        • Grammar-centric: Included dedicated grammar sections with complex patterns (e.g., 不但… 而且).
        • Limited speaking: Only tested in Advanced levels (9–11).
      • New HSK:
        • Practical focus: Emphasizes listening, reading, and writing from Level 1; speaking tested separately via HSKK.
        • Added translation: Levels 4–9 include Chinese-English translation tasks.

      4. Scoring and Certification

      • Old HSK:
        • Scores determined sub-levels (e.g., 210–300 = Basic Level 3).
      • New HSK:
        • Binary pass/fail: 180/300 required to pass each level (e.g., HSK 5).
        • CEFR alignment: Claims equivalence to European standards (e.g., HSK 6 ≈ CEFR B2/C1), though this is debated.

      5. Key Changes in 2025 Updates

      • Advanced Levels (7–9):
        • Target academic and professional fluency (e.g., for graduate studies in China).
        • Requires mastery of 11,092 words and specialized translation skills.
      • Transition timeline: Levels 1–6 remain unchanged until 2026, with full implementation of the 9-level system by 2027.

      Comparison Summary

      Aspect
      Old HSK
      New HSK (2025)
      Levels
      11 (Basic/Adv. groups)
      9 (Beginner/Adv. stages)
      Vocabulary
      8,821 words (HSK 11)
      11,092 words (HSK 9)
      Speaking Test
      Only in Advanced (HSK 9–11)
      Separate HSKK (all levels)
      Grammar Focus
      Dedicated sections
      Integrated into skills
      Difficulty
      Harder (obsolete terms)
      Modernized, but advanced tiers tougher
      Note: The new HSK balances global accessibility with rigorous standards for advanced learners. For preparation, prioritize materials aligned with post-2022 reforms.