How to Register for the HSK Exam: Step-by-Step Guide (2026)

Step-by-Step HSK Registration Guide

Registering for the HSK exam is straightforward, but there are specific requirements at each step that you need to get right. The entire process takes about 15 minutes once you have your documents ready. Below is a detailed walkthrough of every step, from creating your account to receiving your admission ticket.

Step 1: Create Your Account at chinesetest.cn

The first thing you need to do is visit chinesetest.cn, the official website of Chinese Testing International (CTI). This is the only authorized platform for HSK exam registration worldwide. Do not use third-party websites, as they may charge additional fees or not be officially recognized.

Click the "Register" button in the top-right corner of the homepage. You will need to provide the following information:

• Email address — This will be your login and the address where confirmation emails are sent.
• Full name — Must match your passport or government-issued ID exactly. Use the same spelling and order as your official documents.
• Nationality — Select your country of citizenship from the dropdown menu.
• Passport or ID number — International test-takers must use their passport number. Chinese citizens use their national ID number.
• Password — Create a secure password for your account. You will use this to log in and manage your registrations.

Step 2: Select Your HSK Level

Once your account is created and verified, log in and navigate to the exam registration section. Here you will choose which HSK level you want to take. Under the current HSK 2.0 system, there are six levels:

• HSK 1 — 150 words, basic phrases
• HSK 2 — 300 words, simple conversations
• HSK 3 — 600 words, daily communication
• HSK 4 — 1,200 words, discuss various topics fluently
• HSK 5 — 2,500 words, read newspapers and give speeches
• HSK 6 — 5,000+ words, express yourself fluently in written and spoken Chinese

The new HSK 3.0 system expands to nine levels and is being rolled out in 2026. Check whether your test center offers HSK 2.0 or 3.0 before selecting your level.

Not sure which level is right for you? Read our complete guide to the HSK exam for detailed descriptions of each level, or take a practice test to gauge your current ability. It is better to register for a level you are confident about and pass with a strong score than to aim too high and risk failing.

Step 3: Choose Paper or Internet-Based Test

When registering, you will be asked to choose between a paper-based test (PBT) and an internet-based test (IBT). Both formats test the same content and have the same difficulty level. The key differences are:

• Paper-based test (PBT): You write your answers by hand on an answer sheet. For the writing section (HSK 3+), you handwrite Chinese characters. Results are typically available within 30 days.
• Internet-based test (IBT): You type your answers on a computer. For the writing section, you type Chinese characters using pinyin input. Results are usually available within 2 weeks.

If you are more comfortable typing Chinese than writing characters by hand, the IBT format may be easier for you. However, not all test centers offer the internet-based option, so check availability for your preferred location and date before making your decision.

Step 4: Select Test Date and Test Center

After choosing your level and format, you will be presented with a list of available test dates and test centers. Use the built-in search tool on chinesetest.cn to filter by country, city, and available dates.

Major cities around the world typically offer HSK exams on a monthly basis for levels 1 through 6. Smaller cities may have fewer dates available, sometimes only a few times per year. Register early, as popular test centers and dates fill up quickly — especially for mid-range levels like HSK 3 and HSK 4, which are the most commonly taken.

Step 5: Upload Your Photo

You will need to upload a passport-style photo as part of your registration. This photo will appear on your admission ticket and your HSK certificate if you pass. Make sure your photo meets the following requirements:

• White background — No patterns, colors, or other people in the background.
• Facing forward — Look directly at the camera with a neutral expression.
• No glasses or hat — Remove any headwear (religious exceptions may apply) and eyeglasses.
• JPG format — The system only accepts JPG image files.
• Under 100KB file size — If your photo is too large, use an image compression tool to reduce the file size before uploading.

Take the time to get your photo right. If your photo does not meet the requirements, your registration may be rejected or delayed, and you might not receive your admission ticket in time for the exam.

Step 6: Pay the Registration Fee

After completing all the previous steps, you will be directed to the payment page. Registration fees vary depending on the HSK level you are taking and the country where you are testing. Payment methods typically include:

• Credit card — Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted on the platform.
• Bank transfer — Some test centers accept direct bank transfers. Check with your specific center for details.
• Local payment methods — Depending on the country, additional payment options like Alipay or WeChat Pay may be available for test centers in China.

Your registration is not confirmed until payment is received. If you delay payment, your spot may be released to another test-taker, so complete the payment process as soon as possible after selecting your test date and center.

Step 7: Download Your Admission Ticket

Once your payment is confirmed, you will be able to download your admission ticket from your chinesetest.cn account. The admission ticket becomes available approximately 1-2 weeks before the exam date. Make sure to:

• Print your admission ticket — Most test centers require a printed copy. Digital copies on your phone are generally not accepted.
• Verify all information — Check that your name, ID number, test level, date, and test center are all correct. Report any errors to CTI immediately.
• Bring it on exam day — You must present your admission ticket along with your passport or government-issued ID to enter the testing room.

HSK Registration Fees (2026)

Registration fees vary by HSK level and whether you are taking the exam in China or at an international test center. The following table provides the approximate fees for 2026. Note that international fees can vary by country, so check your specific test center for the exact amount.

Fees at international test centers are typically charged in local currency. The USD amounts above are approximate conversions and may vary depending on the exchange rate and the specific test center's pricing. Some test centers may also charge a small additional administrative fee.

Paper vs Internet-Based Test (IBT)

One of the most common questions during registration is whether to choose the paper-based test or the internet-based test. Both formats are officially recognized and test the exact same content at the same difficulty level. Your score and certificate will be identical regardless of which format you choose.

The biggest practical difference is in the writing section, which applies to HSK 3 and above. On the paper-based test, you must handwrite Chinese characters, which requires solid character recall and legible handwriting. On the internet-based test, you type Chinese characters using a pinyin input method, which many learners find significantly easier since you only need to recognize the correct character from a list rather than reproduce it from memory.

The other major difference is result turnaround time. Paper-based test results typically take about 30 days to become available, while internet-based test results are usually ready within 2 weeks. If you need your results quickly — for example, for a university application deadline — the IBT format is the better choice.

Keep in mind that not all test centers offer both formats. Some centers only provide paper-based testing, while others may only offer the internet-based option. Check your preferred test center's available formats before committing to a date.

Finding a Test Center

HSK test centers are available in over 100 countries worldwide, making it accessible no matter where you live. The official test center finder on chinesetest.cn allows you to search by country, city, and level to find the nearest test center with available dates.

Major cities like New York, London, Tokyo, Sydney, and Toronto typically have multiple test centers and offer monthly testing dates. These centers are often located at universities, Confucius Institutes, or dedicated Chinese language testing facilities. In smaller cities or rural areas, you may need to travel to the nearest major city, and testing may only be available a few times per year.

Many universities that offer Chinese language programs also serve as HSK test centers. Even if you are not a student at the university, you can typically register to take the exam there. Contact the university's Confucius Institute or Chinese language department for specific details about test dates and registration.

If you plan to take the exam in a different country than where you currently reside, that is perfectly allowed. You can register at any test center worldwide, regardless of your nationality or residence. Just make sure you can be physically present at the test center on exam day with a valid passport.

Home-Based HSK Option

In response to growing demand for remote testing, a home-based HSK option has been introduced in some regions. This allows you to take the exam from the comfort of your home using your own computer, eliminating the need to travel to a test center.

To take the home-based HSK, you must meet the following requirements:

• Quiet, private room — You must be alone in the room for the entire duration of the exam. No other people may enter during testing.
• Webcam — A working webcam is required for proctoring. The proctor will monitor you throughout the exam via video.
• Stable internet connection — A reliable broadband connection is essential. If your connection drops during the exam, you may lose your progress.
• Proctoring software — You will need to install specific proctoring software on your computer before exam day. Instructions will be provided after registration.

What to Bring on Test Day

Being prepared on test day is just as important as studying for the exam itself. Forgetting a required document could mean you are turned away at the door. Here is what you need to bring:

• Passport or government-issued ID — This must be the same document you used during registration. If your name or ID number does not match your registration, you will not be allowed to take the exam.
• Printed admission ticket — Download and print your admission ticket from your chinesetest.cn account. Most test centers do not accept digital copies on your phone.
• Pencils (paper-based test only) — If you are taking the paper-based test, bring 2B pencils for the answer sheet. Some test centers provide them, but it is safer to bring your own.
• Arrive 30 minutes early — Check-in procedures include ID verification and seating assignment. Late arrivals are typically not admitted.

Do not bring electronic devices, dictionaries, notes, or any other study materials into the testing room. These will need to be stored in a designated area or left outside. For more test day preparation advice, check out our HSK test day tips guide.

Cancellation and Rescheduling

Life happens, and sometimes you may need to cancel or reschedule your HSK exam. Unfortunately, cancellation and rescheduling policies vary significantly depending on the test center, and they are generally not very flexible.

In most cases, if you cancel more than 2 weeks before the exam date, you may be eligible for a partial refund. The refund amount varies by test center, and some centers deduct an administrative fee. If you cancel within 2 weeks of the exam, refunds are generally not available.

Some test centers allow you to change your test date to a later date without forfeiting your fee, provided there are available spots. This option is typically only available well in advance of the original exam date. Contact your specific test center directly to ask about date change policies.

If you simply do not show up on exam day without canceling, you will lose your registration fee and will need to register and pay again for a future test date. There are no refunds for no-shows.

Given these policies, it is advisable to register only when you are reasonably confident about both your preparation level and your availability on the test date. If you are unsure about your readiness, consider waiting until you feel more confident before committing. To understand how HSK scoring works and what constitutes a passing score, review our scoring guide before registering. And to know when to expect your results after the exam, read our guide on HSK results and score delivery timelines.

Frequently Asked Questions