Milestone map
Milestone map
3 milestones
Sit a timed HSK 5 mock
1–2 weeks
Sit a full timed mock of every HSK 5 section. Score it against the official pass marks. Use it to find your weakest section.
Proof required
Submit your timed mock scores for every section with the date, and a note on your weakest section.
What gets checked
- All sections done under real time limits
- Scores recorded per section
- Weakest section named with a plan
Common mistakes
- Untimed practice counted as a mock
- Skipping a section
- Only practising strengths
Powstik Guide
A timed HSK 5 mock with scores per section.
Steps
- Check the official HSK 5 sections and pass marks.
- Book a quiet block for the full exam time.
- Sit every section in one timed session.
- Score it against the official guide.
- Name your weakest section.
Template
Mock (date: ) | Section | Time allowed | Score | Pass mark | |---------|--------------|-------|-----------| Weakest section and plan:
What gets sent back
- Untimed practice.
- A section skipped.
- No scores recorded.
Resources
Foundationstart here
Depthgo deeper
What a verifier looks for
- Check all sections were attempted
- Check timing
- Check the scores against pass marks
You'll sign in first, then come straight back here.
Record a conversation at exam level
3–6 weeks
The HSK 5 has no speaking paper, but real communication is the point. Hold a recorded 20-minute conversation with a native Mandarin speaker at your exam level. Fix what they flag and record again.
Proof required
Submit two unedited 20-minute recordings with a native Mandarin speaker, and their written feedback between them.
What gets checked
- Two recordings, both sides audible
- Partner is native or near-native
- Clear improvement on flagged points
Common mistakes
- Reading prepared answers aloud
- A partner who doesn't correct you
- Only one recording
Powstik Guide
Two recorded conversations with feedback between.
Steps
- Find a native Mandarin tutor or exchange partner.
- Ask them to use vocabulary from your exam level.
- Record the first session without notes.
- Get written feedback and practise those points.
- Record a second session.
Template
| Session | Date | Partner | Main feedback | Fixed? | |---------|------|---------|---------------|--------|
What gets sent back
- Scripted answers.
- One recording only.
- No partner feedback.
Resources
Foundationstart here
Depthgo deeper
What a verifier looks for
- Check both recordings are unedited
- Compare the flagged points
- Check the partner's level
You'll sign in first, then come straight back here.
Pass the official HSK 5
Exam session
Sit the official exam at an authorised centre run by the official HSK organisers. Share the official result. The certificate is the proof.
Proof required
Submit the official HSK 5 result or certificate showing your name, level and date.
What gets checked
- Official result, not a mock
- Name, level and date visible
- Level matches the outcome claimed
Common mistakes
- Submitting a practice result
- A result without your name
- An unofficial provider
Powstik Guide
An official HSK 5 result in your name.
Steps
- Book at an authorised exam centre.
- Sit a final timed mock two weeks out.
- Take the exam.
- Save the result and certificate when issued.
Template
Proof checklist [ ] Official result or certificate [ ] Issued by the official HSK organisers [ ] Name matches profile [ ] Level and date shown
What gets sent back
- A mock result.
- An unofficial provider.
- No name or level shown.
Resources
Foundationstart here
Depthgo deeper
What a verifier looks for
- Check the issuing body
- Check name and level
- Check the date
You'll sign in first, then come straight back here.