As I mentioned in my previous newsletter, the new HSK 3.0 tests are starting to be introduced, and you still have a little time before registration closes if you want to be among the first people to try these newest HSK exams.

Registration for paper-based tests ends on January 7, and you still have another week to sign up for computer-based tests, with registration closing on January 15. You can check all available test centers to see if there’s one near you and register on the official Chinese Test Service website.

I’ve also put together the newest mock tests and the syllabus for each level that were shared on their official WeChat page, so feel free to download them. For the audio files for the mock tests, you can head to this website.

The first exam will take place on the last day of January, and you’ll need to wait until March 14 to receive your results.

The new HSK 3.0 coursebooks are expected to be widely released in the first half of the year. That said, you might already come across them in some selected bookstores, especially in China. I’ve seen them pop up at a few events in videos shared online. Here you can also find a few preview pages from it if you’re curious.

There’s also a new official app called HSK GO, released by the HSK exam board. It currently costs $11.99 per month. According to the app, you can take the HSK 1 and HSK 2 exams directly inside the app, and if you pass, you’ll receive an HSK certificate.

That said, I’m not entirely sure how widely accepted that certificate would be. If you need an HSK certificate for school, work, or visa purposes, make sure to double-check whether a certificate issued through the app would be officially recognized wherever you plan to use it.

The app seems to offer a few lessons for free. I’ve only spent about 10 minutes using it so far, but at first glance, it feels quite similar to Duolingo.

Happy learning,

Sandy