HSKK: How to Prepare for the Chinese Speaking Test
The HSKK (汉语水平口语考试) is the speaking test that accompanies the HSK. Many universities and scholarship programmes ask for an HSKK result alongside the HSK. With HSK 3.0, speaking is becoming part of the HSK itself from level 3. This guide explains the levels and task types, how answers are judged, what is changing and how to practise effectively.
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What is the HSKK?
The HSKK tests spoken Chinese. Your answers are recorded and scored, so there is no live conversation with an examiner. It has three levels — elementary, intermediate and advanced — each scored out of 100, and each test lasts about 17–25 minutes depending on the level, including preparation time.
Universities often combine an HSK requirement with an HSKK requirement. For example, some programmes in China ask for HSK 4 plus an intermediate HSKK score of at least 60. Requirements vary, so check the programme you are applying to.
Levels and task types
Each level has three parts that move from controlled to free speaking. The descriptions below reflect the long-standing format.
| Level | Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Elementary | Listen and repeat short sentences | Answer short questions | Answer two questions at length |
| Intermediate | Listen and repeat sentences | Describe pictures | Answer two questions at length |
| Advanced | Listen to and retell short passages | Read a passage aloud | Answer two questions at length |
Based on the established HSKK format. Check the official sample tests for the current number of items and timings.
What changes with HSK 3.0
Under HSK 3.0, speaking is part of the HSK from level 3 upward. According to test-centre guidance on the transition, HSK 3 corresponds to the elementary HSKK, HSK 4 to the intermediate, HSK 5 to the advanced, and a new speaking level is being added for HSK 6. For HSK 7–9, speaking is built into the single advanced exam.
At the time of writing, the detailed structure of the new level-linked speaking tests had not been fully published. The skills they test — clear pronunciation, fluency and well-organised answers — stay the same, so preparation advice does not change.
As of October 2026. Check the official site or your test centre for the current speaking-test arrangements.
How answers are judged
Each HSKK level is scored out of 100, and a score of 60 is generally regarded as the pass mark. Examiners listen for how well you complete each task, how accurate and fluent your speech is, and how easy you are to understand.
- Task completion: did you answer the question and speak for long enough?
- Pronunciation and tones: can a listener understand you without effort?
- Fluency: do you speak in phrases rather than word by word?
- Vocabulary and grammar: are they appropriate to the level and mostly correct?
- Organisation: do your longer answers have a beginning, middle and end?
Preparation tips by task type
Each task type rewards a slightly different skill. Practise them separately before you do full mock tests.
- Repeat and retell: train short-term memory by shadowing audio — listen, pause and repeat with the same rhythm.
- Picture description: learn a simple framework — who, where, what is happening, what you think.
- Reading aloud: mark tone changes and pauses in the text before you start reading.
- Long answers: use a structure such as opinion → two reasons → an example → conclusion.
- Preparation time: write key words, not full sentences, then speak from them.
- Avoid long silences: fillers such as 那么 or 我觉得 buy you a second to think.
Practising tones with AI feedback
Tones are often what makes the difference between an answer that is easy to understand and one that is hard to follow. Because you cannot hear your own tones objectively, feedback is essential.
The CNLingo app's AI tone scoring shows a score for each syllable as you speak, so you can see which tones need work and repeat until they are clear. It is a practice tool, not an exam rating: use it to fix tones between lessons, and work with a teacher on fluency, content and structure.
A four-week practice plan
If your exam is a month away, a focused plan like this one helps you cover every task type.
| Week | Focus |
|---|---|
| 1 | Tones and clear pronunciation; shadowing every day |
| 2 | Short answers and picture description with a fixed framework |
| 3 | Long answers on common topics; timed practice with recordings |
| 4 | Full mock tests, review of recordings and teacher feedback |
Frequently asked questions
Which HSKK level should I take?
According to test-centre guidance on the HSK 3.0 transition, the elementary HSKK corresponds to HSK 3, the intermediate to HSK 4 and the advanced to HSK 5. If an HSKK result is required for an application, check which level the programme asks for.
Is the HSKK still needed after HSK 3.0?
With HSK 3.0, speaking becomes part of the HSK from level 3. Existing HSKK results and requirements may still apply during the transition, so check with your university or test centre.
What is a passing score in the HSKK?
Each level is scored out of 100, and 60 is generally regarded as the pass mark. Some programmes ask for a specific minimum score.
Do I talk to a real examiner?
No. You listen to instructions and questions, and your answers are recorded and scored afterwards.
Can AI tone scoring replace a teacher?
No. It is very useful for practising tones between lessons, but a teacher is still the best way to improve fluency, content and structure — and to practise follow-up questions.