The Speaking Companion to HSK
HSKK is the oral test that sits alongside HSK. It is recorded rather than conducted live: you speak into a headset, your answers are stored, and examiners assess them later. That format rewards preparation more than improvisation.
You can sit them independently
HSKK is a separate registration from HSK, and you can take it without sitting the written exam on the same day. The levels correspond roughly to HSK bands but are assessed on speaking alone.
Three Parts, Every Level
Higher levels lengthen the passages and shift Part 3 towards argument and abstraction. Pass mark is 60 out of 100 at each level, and the format is periodically revised, so check the official site for your sitting.
Part 1: Listen and Repeat
Part 2: Short Answers
You hear a question and answer it in one or two sentences. Marks come from relevance and correctness, not length.
Part 3: Speaking at Length
This is where most marks are lost and most marks are available. Use a fixed structure so you never run out of things to say.
Silence is the enemy
Hesitation in your own language is fine; hesitation in the exam is dead air that scores nothing. Learn filler phrases that keep you speaking: 让我想一想, 也就是说, 总的来说.
Preparation That Moves the Score
Recording yourself is uncomfortable and non-negotiable. Most candidates discover that what felt fluent was full of pauses and wrong tones only after listening back.
FAQ
What score do I need to pass HSKK?
60 out of 100 at every level. Certificates are issued above that threshold, and higher scores are worth aiming for if you need the result for admission or employment.
Is HSKK tested live with an examiner?
No. It is a recorded test: you speak into a headset, your responses are saved, and they are assessed afterwards. That means you cannot ask for clarification, which is why prepared structures matter more than in a live interview.
Can I take HSKK without HSK?
Yes. HSKK is registered and sat separately, so you can take the speaking test on its own. Many candidates take it alongside the written exam for a combined certificate.
Which HSKK level should I choose?
Match it to your written level: HSKK Beginner with HSK 1 or 2, Intermediate with HSK 3 or 4, Advanced with HSK 5 or 6. If your speaking lags behind your reading, take one level lower and build confidence first.
Related Guides
Build the sound system with the pinyin chart, then the written levels with HSK 3 and HSK 5 and 6.