HSK Online Test: Everything You Need to Know (2026)

Paper vs. Internet-Based vs. Home-Based HSK

There are now three ways to take the HSK exam, each with its own advantages and trade-offs. Understanding the differences between these formats is the first step toward choosing the right one for your situation. The content tested is identical across all three formats — the only differences are in how and where you take the exam.

As you can see, the internet-based test offers a strong middle ground — you get faster results and the convenience of typing without needing to set up your own testing environment at home. The home-based test offers the most flexibility but comes with additional technical requirements and potential complications.

Advantages of the Internet-Based Test

The HSK IBT has been growing in popularity for good reason. If your test center offers the internet-based format, there are several compelling reasons to choose it over the traditional paper exam.

Faster results. This is often the biggest draw. Paper-based test results typically take around 30 days to process because answer sheets need to be collected, shipped, and scanned. IBT results are usually available in approximately two weeks because your answers are submitted and processed digitally. If you need your score for a university application or visa deadline, those extra two weeks can make a significant difference.

Typing instead of handwriting. For HSK levels 3 and above, which include a writing section, the IBT allows you to type characters using a pinyin input method rather than writing them by hand. For most foreign learners, this is a massive advantage. Recognizing a character and knowing its pinyin is considerably easier than reproducing it from memory stroke by stroke. Many test-takers report that their writing section scores improve significantly when they switch from paper to IBT.

More test date options. Because the IBT does not require the same logistical overhead as paper tests (printing, shipping, scanning), test centers can offer more frequent test dates. While the paper-based test typically follows a fixed schedule of six to eight dates per year, IBT dates may be offered monthly or even more frequently at some centers.

Instant submission. When you finish the IBT, your answers are submitted electronically as soon as you click the submit button. There is no risk of answer sheets being lost in transit, no bubbling errors from misaligned pencil marks, and no ambiguity about whether a handwritten character is legible. What you see on the screen is exactly what gets graded.

Familiar digital interface. If you have been studying Chinese using apps, flashcard software, or online tools like HSKLord, you are already accustomed to interacting with Chinese text on a screen. The IBT interface feels natural for digital learners, whereas the paper test can feel unfamiliar if most of your study time has been screen-based.

How the IBT Works

Understanding the step-by-step process of the internet-based test helps reduce anxiety on exam day. Here is exactly what to expect from the moment you arrive at the test center until you submit your final answers.

Step 1: Arrive at the test center. Plan to arrive at least 30 minutes before your scheduled start time. Bring your passport or government-issued ID and your printed admission ticket. Just like the paper test, late arrivals are generally not admitted.

Step 2: Check in. At the front desk, a proctor will verify your identity by comparing your ID to your registration information. They will also check your admission ticket and assign you a computer workstation.

Step 3: Get seated at your assigned computer. You will be directed to a specific workstation. The testing software will already be loaded and ready. You will log in using credentials provided by the proctor or printed on your admission ticket.

Step 4: Practice with the interface. Before the actual exam begins, there is a short practice period where you can familiarize yourself with the software. You will see how to navigate between questions, how to use the pinyin input method for the writing section, and how the timer works. Use this time fully — do not rush through it.

Step 5: The exam begins. The listening section starts first, just like the paper test. Audio is played through headphones at your workstation, which means you do not need to worry about room acoustics or distance from a speaker. You select your answers by clicking on the screen.

Step 6: Each section is timed separately. The timer for each section (listening, reading, writing) runs independently. When the time for one section ends, the software automatically moves you to the next section. You cannot go back to a previous section once it has closed.

Step 7: Submit electronically. After you complete the final section, you will be prompted to review and submit your answers. Once you confirm submission, your exam is sent for grading immediately. You can leave the test center as soon as you have submitted.

Typing Chinese on the HSK IBT

The writing section on the IBT uses a pinyin input method, and understanding how this works is critical for your success. This is arguably the single biggest difference between the paper and computer-based formats, and it deserves careful attention.

How pinyin input works: You type the pinyin romanization of the Chinese character you want using a standard QWERTY keyboard. As you type, a dropdown list of candidate characters appears. You then select the correct character from the list, usually by pressing a number key (1-9) or clicking on it. The system works similarly to the Sogou or Microsoft pinyin input methods that are standard on Chinese computers.

For example, if you want to type the character “ 学” (xué, meaning “to study”), you would type “xue” on the keyboard. The input method will display a list of characters with that pronunciation, and you select 学 from the list. Common characters appear higher in the list, and the software remembers context to suggest the most likely characters first.

Why this is easier than handwriting: On the paper test, you must write each character completely from memory, getting every stroke correct. On the IBT, you only need to know the pinyin pronunciation and be able to recognize the character visually when you see it in the dropdown list. This is a fundamentally different — and for most foreign learners, much easier — skill.

Practice before the exam. Do not walk into the IBT without having practiced pinyin input. Install a Chinese pinyin keyboard on your computer (both Windows and macOS have built-in options) and practice typing sentences, short paragraphs, and essay-style responses. The more comfortable you are with selecting characters from the dropdown, the faster you will be on exam day. Using tools like HSKLord to study vocabulary will reinforce your pinyin knowledge, which translates directly to faster typing on the IBT.

The Home-Based HSK Option

The home-based HSK is a relatively recent addition that allows you to take the exam from your own computer under remote proctoring. It was initially introduced to accommodate test-takers during periods when test centers were unavailable, but it has continued as a permanent option in many regions. While it offers maximum convenience, it comes with strict technical and environmental requirements that you need to prepare for carefully.

Technical Requirements

To take the home-based HSK, your computer and internet setup must meet the following minimum requirements:

• Operating system: Windows 10 or later, or macOS 10.14 (Mojave) or later. Linux and ChromeOS are not supported.
• Webcam: A working webcam (built-in or external) is required for identity verification and continuous monitoring throughout the exam.
• Microphone: A functioning microphone is needed for the proctoring system. It does not need to be high quality, but it must be detected by the software.
• Internet connection: A stable broadband connection with at least 5 Mbps download and 2 Mbps upload speed. Wired ethernet is strongly recommended over WiFi to avoid disconnection.
• Quiet room: You must be in a private, quiet room where you will not be disturbed for the entire duration of the exam.

Room Setup

The proctoring requirements for your physical environment are strict. Before the exam begins, the proctor will ask you to show your room via your webcam. Here is what you need:

• Clear desk: Nothing on your desk except your computer, keyboard, mouse, and your ID. No books, notebooks, phones, sticky notes, or any other materials.
• No other people: You must be alone in the room for the entire exam. No one may enter during testing, including family members or roommates.
• No unauthorized devices: Phones, tablets, smartwatches, and secondary monitors must be removed from the room or turned off and placed out of reach.
• Camera positioning: Your webcam must show your face clearly and ideally your desk surface. Position your camera at eye level or slightly above.
• Proper lighting: Your face must be clearly visible. Avoid backlighting from windows behind you. Front or side lighting works best.

Proctoring Process

The home-based HSK uses a combination of AI monitoring and human proctoring to ensure exam integrity. Here is what happens:

• AI software continuously monitors your webcam feed, looking for suspicious behavior such as looking away from the screen for extended periods, the presence of other people, or unusual movements.
• A human proctor may observe your session in real-time or review flagged segments after the exam. The proctor can communicate with you via chat if there is an issue.
• You cannot leave the camera frame during the exam. If you need to take a break (during designated break times only), you must inform the proctor.
• Flagged behaviors include looking off-screen repeatedly, talking or whispering, another person appearing in the frame, and covering or repositioning the camera. Serious violations may result in your test being invalidated.

Availability

The home-based HSK is not universally available. Availability depends on your country, your region within that country, and the specific HSK level you want to take. Not all levels are offered in the home-based format everywhere. The most reliable way to check current availability is to visit chinesetest.cn and look for home-based options when registering. If the home-based format is available in your region, it will appear as an option during the registration process. For more details on how to register, see our HSK registration guide.

Technical Tips to Avoid Problems

Technical difficulties during the HSK exam are rare, but when they happen, they can be stressful and disruptive. Whether you are taking the IBT at a test center or the home-based version, the following precautions will help you avoid common issues.

• Test your internet connection beforehand. If you are taking the home-based test, run a speed test the day before and again an hour before the exam. Make sure you meet the minimum 5 Mbps download speed. If possible, connect via ethernet cable rather than WiFi.
• Close all other applications. Before starting the exam, close every application on your computer — browsers, email clients, messaging apps, cloud sync tools, and anything running in the background. This frees up system resources and prevents notification pop-ups that could be flagged by proctoring software.
• Charge your laptop fully. Even if you plan to keep your laptop plugged in, start with a full charge as a backup in case the power cable gets disconnected during the exam. Better yet, use a desktop computer if available.
• Have a backup device ready. For the home-based test, have a phone or tablet charged and nearby (but not on your desk) so you can contact the proctoring support team if your computer fails. Keep the support phone number written down.
• Do a practice run with the test software. Both the test center IBT and the home-based version offer practice or demo modes. Run through the practice session at least once before exam day so you know exactly how the interface works, where the buttons are, and how the timer displays.
• Know your pinyin input method. Before exam day, make sure the pinyin input method is installed and working on your computer (for home-based tests). Practice switching between English and Chinese input modes. Know the keyboard shortcut to toggle between them — on Windows it is typically Ctrl+Space or Windows+Space, and on macOS it is Ctrl+Space or Fn+Space.

Which Format Should You Choose?

The best format depends on your individual circumstances, skills, and preferences. Here is a straightforward breakdown to help you decide.

Choose the Paper Test If:

• You are more comfortable working with pencil and paper and find screens distracting or tiring during long exams.
• Your handwriting is strong and you have practiced writing characters by hand extensively. If handwriting is one of your strengths, the paper test lets you showcase it.
• You are in a remote area where only the paper-based test is offered, or your local test center does not support the IBT.
• You are concerned about potential technical issues and prefer the reliability of pen and paper.

Choose the Internet-Based Test If:

• You type Chinese well using pinyin input and your recognition skills are stronger than your handwriting. This is true for the majority of foreign learners.
• You want faster results. If you have a university application deadline or need your score certificate quickly, the two-week turnaround is a significant advantage.
• Your test center offers the IBT and has dates that work with your schedule. The more frequent scheduling makes it easier to find a convenient time.
• You are comfortable working on a computer and the digital interface feels natural to you from your study habits.

Choose the Home-Based Test If:

• There is no test center near you, or the nearest center is impractically far away. The home-based option eliminates travel entirely.
• You need maximum flexibility in scheduling and cannot commit to the fixed dates offered by test centers.
• You are comfortable with remote proctoring and do not find it anxiety-inducing to be monitored by camera during an exam.
• You have a reliable internet connection and a quiet, private space where you will not be disturbed for the duration of the test.

For most foreign learners, the internet-based test at a test center is the best option. It gives you the typing advantage and faster results without the technical risks of the home-based format. However, if getting to a test center is difficult, the home-based option is a legitimate and fully recognized alternative.

Common Technical Issues and Solutions

Even with good preparation, technical issues can occasionally arise. Knowing what to do if something goes wrong can save you valuable time and reduce panic.

• Slow or unstable internet (home-based): If your connection becomes slow during the exam, the proctoring software may lag or freeze. Do not panic. Wait 30 seconds to see if it recovers. If it does not, contact the proctor through the chat function. Your answers are auto-saved, so you will not lose your work. To prevent this, use a wired connection and ask others in your household not to stream video during your exam.
• Pinyin input method not working: At a test center, alert the proctor immediately. They can switch your workstation or restart the input method. For home-based tests, try toggling the input method off and on using the keyboard shortcut. If it still does not work, restart the browser or application as instructed by the proctor.
• Screen freeze or software crash: At a test center, raise your hand for the proctor. The system keeps a record of your progress, and you will typically be given extra time to compensate. For the home-based test, close and reopen the proctoring software. Contact support if the problem persists. Screenshots of error messages can help support resolve the issue faster.
• Audio not working (listening section): At a test center, signal the proctor before the listening section starts — they can check your headphones or swap them. For the home-based test, check that your computer's audio output is set correctly and that the volume is turned up. Test the audio during the pre-exam system check.
• Webcam not detected (home-based): If the proctoring software cannot find your webcam, try unplugging and reconnecting it (for external webcams), or check your system settings to make sure the camera is not being used by another application. Grant camera permissions to the proctoring software if prompted.
• Power outage or computer shutdown: If your computer shuts down during a home-based test, restart it as quickly as possible and reconnect to the proctoring software. Contact the proctor. In most cases, your session can be resumed. This is another reason to keep a backup device with the support phone number handy.

The most important thing to remember is: do not panic. Technical issues are documented and expected by the test administrators. They have procedures for handling every scenario. Your job is to report the problem promptly and follow instructions. No one will penalize you for a legitimate technical difficulty.

Frequently Asked Questions