Everything you need to know about the HSK can be found here. Includes test dates, registration periods, testing locations (Chengdu, Chongqing, Lanzhou, all have test sites), and practice exams.

Why take the HSK?

（1）to certify that the holder has acquired the required Chinese Proficiency to enter a college or university as an undergraduate or graduate student.
（2）to certify that the holder can be exempt from taking the Chinese language course depending on the level of certification.
（3）as a basis for the employers to evaluate the Chinese proficiency of the job applicants.

What do they test on the HSK?

There are 3 levels: Basic/Beginner, Elementary/Intermediate, and Advanced

（1）The content of the beginners’ HSK includes listening comprehension, grammar, and reading comprehension. The test lasts 135 minutes.
（2）The content of the elementary and intermediate HSK includes listening comprehension, grammar, reading comprehension, and filling in blanks. The test lasts 145 minutes.
（3） The content of advanced HSK includes listening comprehension, reading comprehension, comprehensive expression, composition, and an oral examination. The test lasts 155 minutes.

HSK Flashcards Online Just scroll down and look for the HSK lists: Cards available for Basic and Elementary word lists