HSK Test Prep & Study Resources
Prepare for the HSK with carefully selected study tools, level checks, vocabulary resources, courses, and test-prep materials. Whether you’re figuring out your current level or focusing on specific skills, these resources can help you study more effectively and build toward your HSK goals.
You can also find printable HSK word lists for both HSK 2.0 and HSK 3.0 on our printables page.
If you’ve been using an HSK 3.0 word list based on the original 2021 standard, there’s something important to know: the vocabulary was revised in 2025 for the newer HSK exam syllabus. Words were added, removed, and moved between levels, so older resources labeled “HSK 3.0” may not match the current word lists. When choosing HSK 3.0 study materials, check that they follow the 2025 revised syllabus.
Official HSK Resources
★ Official test information, preparation materials, registration tools, and score services in one place. The Chinese Test Service Website’s official HSK page provides information for HSK Levels 1–9, along with the current HSK 3.0 examination syllabus, sample questions, competency descriptions, test dates, test-center searches, registration information, and score services. The website and preparation information are free to use, while registering to take an HSK exam requires a test fee.
Free Prep Info / Paid Testing
★ Practice with authentic past HSK exams using official test structure, timing, question types, and scoring. HSK Mock is the official HSK preparation platform of Chinese Testing International, offering full-length mock exams, immediate scoring, detailed answer review, progress tracking, and study tools such as flashcards and mistake-focused practice. A free level test and some study tools are available, while full mock exams can be purchased individually or in bundles. Visit their website. Available on Android and iOS.
Limited Free / Paid
★ Practice with an official online HSK 3.0 test experience created by the organizations behind the HSK. HSK 3.0 Chinese Proficiency Test Experience is a free official tool from the Center for Language Education and Cooperation and Chinese Testing International (CTI) that lets learners become familiar with the HSK 3.0 computer-based testing format and interface before taking the exam.
Free Demo
★ See what candidates at every HSK 3.0 level are expected to be able to do. Official HSK 3.0 Competency Profile is a free official reference outlining the language abilities expected at Levels 1–9. Find the Competency Profile link under HSK 3.0 on their website (see where to find it).
Free PDF
★ Get free sample questions directly from the official HSK test provider. Official HSK 3.0 Sample Questions is a free downloadable ZIP package from Chinese Test Service with official sample materials for the updated HSK. To access them, visit their website, open the HSK 3.0 menu, and select Sample Questions (see where to find it).
Free Zip File
★ Provides the official framework for what learners are expected to know and do on the new HSK. New HSK Test Syllabus is the free official HSK 3.0 examination syllabus, covering test tasks, topics, vocabulary, grammar, Chinese characters, and communication objectives to help learners prepare for the exam. Visit their website to view or download the syllabus (see where to download it here).
Free PDFHSK Test Prep, Practice & Courses
★ Structured HSK-Based Mandarin Courses from Beginner to Advanced. Chinese Zero to Hero offers self-paced video courses with clear explanations of vocabulary, grammar, pronunciation, reading and other skills, primarily built around the HSK Standard Course textbook series. Learners can start with a free Pre-HSK 1 introductory course, then continue through paid HSK 1–6 courses, HSK 7–9 grammar, and additional courses such as Path to Fluency. As of September 2026, the HSK 1–6 courses still follow the older HSK 2.0 curriculum and corresponding HSK Standard Course textbooks, while the HSK 7–9 grammar course follows the new HSK 3.0 framework. Required textbooks and workbooks for the HSK 1–6 courses are purchased separately. Chinese Zero to Hero also integrates its Language Player for learning through authentic video, interactive subtitles, vocabulary lookup and review. Available on the web, with the companion Language Player available on Android and iOS. Free lessons are also available on the Chinese Zero to Hero YouTube channel.
Limited Free / Paid
★ HSK-Based Chinese Study & Practice. Chinesimple offers separate apps for HSK 1–6, combining structured HSK study with a wide variety of interactive practice. Work on vocabulary, grammar, reading, listening, pronunciation, and character writing through flashcards, games, example sentences, native audio, stories, handwriting exercises, stroke-order animations, and HSK-style practice tests. The apps support both HSK 2.0 and newer HSK 3.0 vocabulary and are free to download, with ads and optional paid PRO features. Learn more on the Khanji School website or browse the Chinesimple HSK apps for Android and iOS.
Free / Paid
★ Combines structured HSK study courses with an unusually large collection of free practice materials and learning tools. HSK Course is an HSK-focused learning platform with paid video courses, reading materials and other premium study content, alongside a substantial selection of free resources. Use their website to access HSK mock tests, a grammar level test, New HSK vocabulary lists and downloadable PDFs, vocabulary quizzes, tone-pair practice, an audio Pinyin chart, a Chinese-to-Pinyin converter, an HSK score calculator and YCT mock tests. Some grammar explanations and other study content can also be viewed free, while full access to the course library requires a paid membership.
Free / Paid★ Practice with 70+ HSK tests using downloadable PDFs and accompanying audio. HSK Practice Tests provides free practice materials for HSK 1–6, plus Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced oral tests. Most are real HSK tests from past years, with additional sample tests available to help learners practice the format, question types, listening sections, and timing.
Free PDFs & MP3s
★ An all-in-one Mandarin app with guided lessons, AI speaking practice, HSK preparation, vocabulary tools and reading practice. Speak Chinese: Learn Mandarin provides structured learning for beginners through advanced learners, with lessons covering listening, speaking, reading and writing. Features include AI conversation practice and pronunciation feedback, HSK mock tests, character learning with visual mnemonics and stroke order, customizable spaced-repetition flashcards, graded reading and an integrated dictionary. The app is free to download, with in-app purchases and paid subscriptions for additional features and content. Available on Android and iOS.
Free / Paid
★ HSK Study & Test Preparation. SuperTest (formerly HSK Online) is designed specifically for learners preparing for the HSK. It offers HSK 1–6 vocabulary practice, listening, reading and writing exercises, detailed answer explanations, personalized review, mock exams, and previous real HSK tests so you can identify weak areas and practice under exam-style conditions. The app is free to download and use, with paid memberships unlocking full access to its courses and additional features. Available on the web, Android and iOS.
Free / PaidHSK-Aligned Study Apps
★ Structured Chinese Course. ChineseSkill is a gamified Chinese learning app for beginners, with courses in Mainland Mandarin, Taiwan Mandarin and Cantonese. Lessons cover vocabulary, grammar, listening, speaking, pronunciation, tones, reading, writing, and Chinese characters, with native-speaker audio, speech feedback, handwriting practice, review activities and mini-games. Simplified and traditional characters are supported, along with Pinyin or Zhuyin depending on the course. Available on and Android and iOS.
Free / Paid
★ Structured, gamified Chinese lessons combine core language skills with AI speaking practice and real-life scenarios. Chinesia is a Chinese learning app for beginners and more advanced learners, with lessons covering vocabulary, grammar, pinyin, pronunciation, listening, speaking, reading, writing and Chinese characters. Courses include HSK-focused material, interactive exercises, situational videos and AI role-play conversations for practicing everyday communication. Core courses are free, with optional paid subscriptions for additional content and features. Available on Android and iOS.
Free / Paid
★ HSK-Based Gamified Chinese Course. Ninchanese combines a structured Chinese course with game-like progression, achievements, leaderboards, challenges, and colorful characters to keep learners motivated. Work through lessons from HSK 1–6 while practicing vocabulary, characters, grammar, listening, speaking and sentence building, with spaced repetition helping reinforce what you learn. The app supports both simplified and traditional Chinese. Available on Android.
Free / Paid
★ Comprehensive Chinese Course. SuperChinese combines structured Mandarin lessons with AI-powered personalization and gamification to keep learners engaged. Work through 400+ lessons across nine levels while practicing vocabulary, pinyin, grammar, listening, speaking, reading, and character writing, with thematic lessons, animated videos, speech practice and spaced repetition reinforcing what you learn. An AI proficiency test helps place learners at an appropriate level, making the app suitable for beginners through more advanced students. Available on Android and iOS.
Free / PaidHSK Vocabulary & Flashcards
★ A feature-rich HSK 3.0 deck that combines vocabulary study with handwriting practice. New HSK 3.0 (2025) Mandarin with Example Sentences is a free Anki deck covering New HSK 3.0 vocabulary across levels 1–9, with Simplified and Traditional Chinese, tone-marked pinyin, Zhuyin, audio, definitions, example sentences and stroke-order practice. The project also provides tools for generating custom Anki decks from your own Chinese words or text. Visit their project site or get the shared deck on AnkiWeb.
Free Anki Deck
★ A new but promising free Anki deck covering the complete 11,000-word HSK 3.0 vocabulary list. HSK 3.0 (2025) Complete Vocabulary Decks with Audio provides separate decks for each HSK level as well as one combined deck covering all levels. Cards include hanzi, pinyin, English definitions, part of speech, HSK level and generated Mandarin pronunciation audio. The deck is relatively new, so independent learner feedback is still limited, but its comprehensive coverage and straightforward card format make it a promising option for HSK vocabulary study. Download the free shared deck on AnkiWeb.
Free Anki Deck
★ Streamlined Chinese Vocabulary Study with Ready-Made Lists. Hack Chinese is a Chinese-specific vocabulary learning platform that takes much of the work out of creating flashcards. Choose from ready-made vocabulary lists for HSK levels, textbooks, graded readers, topics, and other study materials, or create your own lists of words to learn. The platform automatically turns vocabulary into standardized study cards and schedules reviews using spaced repetition. Unlike Anki, Hack Chinese focuses on a streamlined, ready-to-study experience rather than extensive card design and customization, making it a good option for learners who want to spend less time setting up flashcards and more time reviewing vocabulary.
Paid Web-Based★ Choose digital or printable flashcards to reinforce HSK vocabulary through regular review. Mandarin Mania offers Anki decks for spaced-repetition study and printable flashcards for learners who prefer physical study materials. Both provide convenient ways to review and practice Chinese vocabulary at your own pace.
Free Anki & Printale Decks
★ Based on the revised HSK 3.0 exam syllabus released in 2025. Pleco HSK 3.0 Flashcards is a free downloadable vocabulary deck for Pleco based on the updated official HSK word lists. Pleco labels the deck as its 2026 version because it was prepared for the new HSK 3.0 exams, but the underlying revised syllabus was released in 2025. The download also includes pronunciations, added definitions where helpful, and a characters-only file for users updating an older deck.
Free Pleco DeckHSK Books & Textbooks
★ Official HSK-Aligned Textbook Series. Authorized by Hanban and developed by Beijing Language and Culture University Press with Chinese Testing International, the HSK Standard Course is a structured textbook series designed around the traditional six-level HSK system. Learners can expect level-by-level vocabulary, grammar, dialogues, reading and listening practice, with separate workbooks and teacher’s books available. It is especially useful for learners preparing for the HSK or those who prefer a systematic curriculum, though some independent learners may want additional grammar explanations or supplementary practice. The books can be purchased individually by level. Available on its website and other retailers.
Textbook Series
★ Built specifically around the current HSK 3.0 syllabus from beginner through advanced levels. Mastering Chinese: A Comprehensive Course (贯通中文 综合教程) is a textbook series from Beijing Language and Culture University Press designed to cover HSK 3.0 vocabulary, grammar, characters, topics, and tasks while developing practical Chinese skills. The series is edited by Jiang Liping, chief editor of the earlier HSK Standard Course series, and is intended to progress through HSK Levels 1–9. The series is new, with the Level 1 textbook and workbook currently available as of September 2026. View the series on their website. US buyers can purchase the Level 1 textbook from Purple Culture.
Textbook Series
★ Official HSK 3.0 Textbook Series. New HSK Course, edited by Guo Fenglan, is a textbook series designed specifically around the new HSK 3.0 syllabus. Published by Foreign Language Teaching and Research Press (FLTRP) and authorized by CLEC and Chinese Testing International, the series progresses from beginner through advanced levels and integrates vocabulary, grammar, listening, speaking, reading and writing with HSK preparation. Textbooks and workbooks are available for Levels 1–6, with skill-focused books for Levels 7–9. Books also include access to supporting digital materials such as audio, pronunciation videos, character-writing animations and other learning resources. Available through FLTRP and other retailers.
Textbook SeriesLevel & Placement Tests
★ Quickly estimate your Chinese vocabulary, character knowledge, and approximate proficiency level. HSKLevel is a free adaptive testing tool that estimates how many Chinese words, characters, and chengyu you know and places your results on the HSK 2.0, HSK 3.0, HSK 3.1, and TOCFL scales. Tests adjust to your answers, take only a few minutes, support both Simplified and Traditional Chinese, and require no account. Use it as a convenient level estimate rather than a complete measure of HSK exam readiness.
Free Web-Based