HSK Results: When & How to Get Your Scores (2026)

When Do HSK Results Come Out?

One of the most common questions after taking the HSK is: when will I get my results? The answer depends on which format you took. Chinese Testing International (CTI) publishes results on their official website, chinesetest.cn, according to the following timelines:

• Paper-based test (PBT): Results are typically published approximately 30 days after the exam date. Paper tests require manual scanning and processing, which accounts for the longer turnaround time.
• Internet-based test (IBT): Results are available in approximately 2 weeks after the exam. Because answers are submitted digitally, scoring is faster.
• Home-based test: Similar to the IBT, results are available approximately 2 weeks after the exam date. The digital format allows for quicker processing.

It is important to note that results are published in batches, so the exact date can vary by a few days. Your results might appear a day or two before or after the expected timeline. Do not panic if your scores are not available on the exact 30th day — check back the following day.

If you opted in to email notifications during registration, you will receive an email when your results are ready. However, many test-takers report that the email notification sometimes arrives a day or two after scores are actually published on the website. For the fastest access to your results, check chinesetest.cn directly rather than waiting for the email.

How to Check Your HSK Results Online

Checking your HSK results is a straightforward process through the official chinesetest.cn portal. Follow these steps carefully to access your score report. The entire process takes less than 5 minutes.

Step 1: Go to chinesetest.cn

Open your browser and navigate to chinesetest.cn, the official website of Chinese Testing International (CTI). This is the only authorized platform for viewing HSK exam results. Do not use third-party websites claiming to provide faster access to scores — they are not official and may not be secure.

The website is available in Chinese and English. If the page loads in Chinese, look for the language toggle in the top-right corner to switch to English. The interface is the same in both languages.

Step 2: Log In or Use Score Inquiry

Once on the website, look for the "Score Inquiry" (成绩查询) option in the main navigation menu. You can either log in directly with the account you created during registration or use the dedicated Score Inquiry page. If you log in to your account, your results will appear in your dashboard under "My Exams" or "Score Report."

If you prefer to use the Score Inquiry feature without logging in, you can navigate directly to the score check page. This option is useful if you have forgotten your login password but still have your registration number.

Step 3: Enter Your Details

On the Score Inquiry page, you will need to provide the following information to retrieve your results:

• Registration number — This is the number from your HSK admission ticket. It is also sometimes called the "admission ticket number" or "test number." You should have received this when you registered and again when you downloaded your admission ticket.
• Exam date — Select the date you took the exam from the dropdown or calendar picker.
• Verification code — Enter the CAPTCHA verification code displayed on the page. This is a standard security measure to prevent automated access.

Step 4: View Your Score Report

After entering your details and clicking "Submit" or "Query," your score report will be displayed on screen. The report includes the following information:

• Listening score — Your score on the listening comprehension section (out of 100).
• Reading score — Your score on the reading comprehension section (out of 100).
• Writing score (HSK 3 and above) — Your score on the writing section (out of 100). HSK 1 and HSK 2 do not have a writing section.
• Total score — The sum of all section scores.
• Pass/fail status — Whether you passed (合格) or did not pass (不合格) the exam.

Step 5: Download Your Report

Once you have viewed your score report, you can save it as a PDF file for your records. Click the "Download" or "Print" button on the score report page to generate a PDF version. This digital report includes all the same information as the physical certificate and is accepted by most universities and employers worldwide.

We recommend downloading and saving your score report immediately. While you can always access it later through your account, having a local copy ensures you have it available when you need it for applications, job submissions, or personal records.

Understanding Your Score Report

Your HSK score report contains several sections of information. Understanding what each part means will help you interpret your results accurately and know what to present to institutions or employers. Here is a breakdown of every element on the report:

• Personal information — Your full name, passport or ID number, and the date you took the exam. Verify that this information is correct. If there is an error, contact Chinese Testing International to request a correction.
• Section scores — Each section (listening, reading, and writing for HSK 3+) is scored out of 100. These individual scores show your strengths and weaknesses across different language skills.
• Total score — The combined total of all section scores. For HSK 1 and 2, this is out of 200 (listening + reading). For HSK 3 through 6, this is out of 300 (listening + reading + writing).
• Result — Displayed as 合格 (passed) or 不合格 (not passed). To pass, you need to score at least 60% of the total possible points: 120 out of 200 for HSK 1-2, or 180 out of 300 for HSK 3-6.
• Percentile ranking — Some score reports include a percentile ranking that shows how your score compares to other test-takers. This is not always included and varies by exam session.

Pay close attention to your individual section scores, not just the total. If you passed overall but scored significantly lower in one section, that tells you exactly where to focus your future study efforts. For example, a low listening score suggests you need more audio practice, while a low reading score might indicate you need to expand your character recognition ability.

What Your Score Means

For a comprehensive deep dive into HSK scoring, including how each section is weighted and graded, read our full HSK scoring system explained guide. Below is a quick overview of what different score ranges generally indicate about your performance:

• 60-69% (Passed): You met the minimum threshold. You demonstrated basic competence at this level, but there is room for improvement. Consider additional study before moving to the next level.
• 70-79% (Solid pass): You have a solid understanding of the material at this level. You are well prepared to begin studying for the next HSK level.
• 80-89% (Strong): You performed well above average. Your command of vocabulary, grammar, and comprehension at this level is strong. You should feel confident moving forward.
• 90-100% (Excellent): Outstanding performance. You have thoroughly mastered the content at this level and are more than ready for the next challenge.

Keep in mind that the HSK is a proficiency test, not a competitive exam. There is no benefit to comparing your score to other test-takers. What matters is whether your score meets the requirements for your specific goal, whether that is university admission, employment, or personal achievement.

HSK Certificates

After your results are published, you may want to obtain an official HSK certificate. There are two types of certificates available, and understanding the difference between them is important for knowing which one you need.

Digital vs Physical Certificates

The digital score report is available immediately once results are published on chinesetest.cn. You can download it as a PDF, and it contains all the same information as the physical certificate: your personal details, section scores, total score, pass/fail status, and a unique certificate number that can be used for verification.

The physical certificate is a printed document with an official seal from Chinese Testing International. It must be requested separately and takes 2-3 months to arrive after results are published. While the digital report is sufficient for most purposes, some institutions — particularly certain Chinese universities for enrollment purposes — may specifically require the physical certificate.

How to Request a Physical Certificate

To request a physical HSK certificate, follow these steps:

• Log in to your chinesetest.cn account — Navigate to your exam results or certificate section.
• Select "Request Certificate" — Look for the option to request a physical certificate for the specific exam you passed.
• Provide your mailing address — Enter the complete address where you would like the certificate mailed. Double-check for accuracy, as certificates sent to the wrong address can be difficult to recover.
• Pay any applicable fees — In some regions, there is an additional fee for printing and mailing the physical certificate. The fee varies by location and is displayed during the request process.
• Wait for delivery — Physical certificates typically arrive within 2-3 months. Delivery times may be longer for international addresses.

Certificate Validity

HSK scores are officially valid for 2 years from the date of the exam. This means that if you took the HSK on March 15, 2026, your scores will be accepted as current until March 15, 2028. After the 2-year period, you will need to retake the exam if you need a current certification.

It is worth noting that the physical certificate itself does not technically "expire" — it remains a record of your achievement on that date. However, most universities, employers, and immigration programs that require HSK scores will only accept results from the past 2 years. If you are applying for something that requires HSK certification, check the institution's specific requirements regarding score recency. For more on what you can do with your certificate, read our guide on HSK certificate uses.

What If You Didn't Pass?

Not passing the HSK is more common than many people think, and it is absolutely not the end of the world. Many successful Chinese learners did not pass on their first attempt. What matters is how you respond to the result and what you do next.

Start by analyzing your score report carefully. Look at your individual section scores to identify which areas were weakest. Did you struggle with listening? Reading? Writing? Each section tells a story about what you need to work on. A learner who scored 85 in reading but 45 in listening has a very different study plan ahead of them than someone who scored evenly across all sections.

Here are concrete steps you can take after not passing:

• Focus on your weakest section — Dedicate the majority of your study time to the area where you scored lowest. Targeted practice is far more effective than general review.
• Register for the next available date — There is no waiting period between HSK attempts. You can register for the very next test date as soon as you feel ready.
• Consider the level below — If you scored below 40% overall, you may have registered for a level that was too advanced. There is no shame in dropping down a level. A confident pass at HSK 3 is more valuable than a failed attempt at HSK 4.
• Use spaced repetition for vocabulary — Vocabulary is the foundation of every section of the HSK. If you are not already using spaced repetition, start immediately. Read our guide on the science behind spaced repetition to understand why it is the most efficient way to memorize Chinese vocabulary.
• Practice with real exam materials — Use official HSK practice tests to simulate exam conditions. Timed practice helps you build the speed and confidence you need on test day.
• Do not be discouraged — Learning Chinese is a marathon, not a sprint. A failed attempt is just data that tells you where to focus. Use it constructively and come back stronger.

How Employers and Universities Verify HSK Scores

If you are submitting your HSK results for a job application, university admission, or scholarship, you may be wondering how the receiving institution verifies your scores. The verification process is straightforward and well-established.

Employers and universities can verify HSK scores directly through chinesetest.cn using your unique certificate number. The verification portal allows them to confirm your name, exam date, level, and scores. This system is widely known and trusted by institutions that regularly work with HSK certifications.

In many cases, institutions will simply ask you to provide your digital score report (the PDF downloaded from chinesetest.cn). They may then verify the certificate number independently, or they may accept the document at face value if it comes from a trusted source. For university admissions in China, the admissions office is typically very familiar with the HSK system and knows exactly how to verify scores.

Some tips for submitting your HSK scores to institutions:

• Always include your certificate number in your application materials so the institution can verify your scores if needed.
• Submit the official PDF from chinesetest.cn rather than a screenshot or photo of your results.
• If the institution requires a physical certificate, request it well in advance — remember it takes 2-3 months to arrive.
• Check whether the institution requires scores from within the past 2 years, as older scores may not be accepted.

Retaking the HSK

Whether you want to improve your score, advance to the next level, or simply need a more recent certification, retaking the HSK is always an option. There are no restrictions on how many times you can take the exam, and there is no mandatory waiting period between attempts.

Each HSK attempt is scored independently. Your previous scores do not affect your new exam in any way — every test is a fresh start. If you scored 170 out of 300 on your first HSK 4 attempt and want to try again, you can register for the very next available test date and aim for a higher score.

When planning a retake, consider the following:

• Give yourself enough study time — If you just barely failed, a few weeks of focused study may be sufficient. If you were far from passing, allow more time to address your weaknesses.
• Target your weak sections — Use your previous score report to guide your study plan. Concentrate on the sections where you lost the most points.
• Consider switching formats — If you took the paper-based test and struggled with handwriting characters, try the internet-based test where you can type using pinyin input. Or vice versa — if the computer format was distracting, paper might suit you better.
• Check the registration guide — Our full HSK registration walkthrough covers everything you need to sign up for your next attempt.

Remember that only your most recent score (or the score you choose to submit) is what matters to institutions. If you retake the exam and score higher, you can simply submit the newer, better result. There is no penalty for having taken the exam multiple times.

Frequently Asked Questions