The HSK 3 test format is structured to evaluate a candidate’s proficiency in listening, reading, and writing in Chinese. Here is a detailed breakdown of the test format:

I. Test Structure and Duration
- Total Questions: 80
- Total Duration: 90 minutes (including 5 minutes for filling in personal information)
II. Test Sections
- Listening Comprehension (40 questions, approximately 35 minutes)
- Part I: 10 questions. Each question consists of a dialogue, and candidates are required to select the corresponding picture from the options provided based on what they hear.
- Part II: 10 questions. Each question presents a short paragraph followed by a sentence. Candidates need to judge whether the sentence is true or false based on the paragraph.
- Part III: 10 questions. Each question involves a dialogue between two people, followed by a question asked by a third person. Candidates must select the correct answer from three options based on the dialogue.
- Part IV: 10 questions. Each question features a dialogue of 4 to 5 sentences between two people, followed by a question from a third person. Candidates choose the best answer from three options.

- Reading Comprehension (30 questions, 30 minutes)
- Part I: 10 questions. Candidates are given 20 sentences and need to find the matchup relationship between them.
- Part II: 10 questions. Each question provides one or two sentences with a blank, and candidates must select the best choice from the options to complete the sentence.
- Part III: 10 questions. Candidates are presented with 10 short passages, each followed by a question. They need to select the right answer from three options.
- Writing (10 questions, 15 minutes)
- Part I: 5 questions. Candidates are given several Chinese words and are required to write a sentence using these words.
- Part II: 5 questions. Each question provides a sentence with a blank, and candidates must fill in the blank with the correct Chinese characters.

III. Scoring
- The HSK 3 test provides four scores: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Total.
- The full score for each section is 100 points, making the total score 300 points.
- A passing mark is typically set at 180 points or above (60% of the total score).
