covered ranks 3-8 (3-8), with ranks below 3 not considered. Likewise, the Advanced test (HSK) covered ranks 9-11 (9-11), with scores below 9 not considered. Content The previous format for both Basic and Elementary/Intermediate HSK included four sections: listening comprehension, grammar structures, reading comprehension, and written expressions. Aside from the written expressions portion (which requires writing of Chinese characters), these two tests were completely multiple-choice. The Advanced HSK however, added an additional two portions: spoken and written. Test dates and locations The HSK is held at designated test centers in China and abroad. A list of test centers can be found at the HSK website. Test dates are published annually and written tests are more frequently held than spoken ones, generally around once a month, depending on the test center. Test registration is usually open until 30 days prior to the actual test date for the paper-based test or around 10 days prior the actual test date for the computer-based test. Results are generally available around 30 days after completion (but no definite date is given for results). The test cannot be taken in Taiwan (The Republic of China). In Taiwan, only the TOCFL exam can be taken. Conversely, the TOCFL can not be taken in Mainland China, Macau and Hong Kong. See also Test of Chinese as a Foreign Language – the Chinese language test used in Taiwan ZHC – a Chinese language written test intended for native speakers in China Putonghua Proficiency Test – a Chinese language oral test intended for native speakers in China CTCSOL - Certificate for Teachers of Chinese to Speakers of Other Languages List of language proficiency tests References External links Official HSK Website News on publishing the word list for the 2021 version of HSK (March 31, 2021) 2021 HSK word list (plain text file that can be imported into Pleco) Comprehensive guide with complete list of characters, words and sounds for all 6 HSK levels Official HSK Website at Hanban List of Chinese characters needed to be known to pass HSK List of HSK words by level on Wiktionary Exam Centre: Yale-China Chinese Language Centre, The Chinese University of Hong Kong Passing the HSK Exam HSK Anti mix-up tool The Ultimate HSK Guide including all 5000 vocabularies with Pinyin and translation Standard Chinese Chinese language tests Language tests