HST at its basic is a competition where competitors are trying to transmit and receive the symbols of Morse code at the highest speed possible during a given period of time, usually 1 minute. During the official HST championships, competitors take part in 4 official tests:

a. Receiving of Morse code signals

Competitors are receiving texts comprised of 

• 26 Latin letters with the following format ZGAIB QNEST xxxxx xxxxx
  
  Each text last one minute. A maximum of 5 errors is allowed at each test. The lowest speed is 50 marks/min. Each competitor is allowed to choose up to 10 speeds at which he will attempt reception. Three texts can be submitted for check. The best one will be taken as the competitor’s entry. 

• 10 figures ( 0 – 9 ) with the following format 46390 64352 xxxxx xxxxx
  
  Each text last one minute. A maximum of 5 errors is allowed at each test. The lowest speed is 50 marks/min. Each competitor is allowed to choose up to 10 speeds at which he will attempt reception. Three texts can be submitted for check. The best one will be taken as the competitor’s entry. 

• 26 Latin letters + 10 figures ( 0 – 9 ) + 5 punctuation signs ( . , ? / = ) with the following format A1?=E 79./E xxxxx xxxxx
  
  Each text last one minute. A maximum of 5 errors is allowed at each test. The lowest speed is 50 marks/min. Each competitor is allowed to choose up to 10 speeds at which he will attempt reception. Three texts can be submitted for check. The best one will be taken as the competitor’s entry. 

b. Transmitting of Morse code signals

Competitors are transmitting texts comprised of:

• 26 Latin letters with the following format ZGAIB QNEST xxxxx xxxxx
  
  Each text last one minute. A maximum of 3 errors is allowed at each test. Each competitor is trying to transmit each text with the highest speed possible with the lowest number of errors. 

• 10 figures ( 0 – 9 ) with the following format 46390 64352 xxxxx xxxxx
  
  Each text last one minute. A maximum of 3 errors is allowed at each test. Each competitor is trying to transmit each text with the highest speed possible with the lowest number of errors. 

• 26 Latin letters + 10 figures ( 0 – 9 ) + 5 punctuation signs ( . , ? / = ) with the following format A1?=E 79./E xxxxx xxxxx
  
  Each text last one minute. A maximum of 3 errors is allowed at each test. Each competitor is trying to transmit each text with the highest speed possible with the lowest number of errors. 

c. RUFZ

Competitors receive 50 real amateur radio call signs. Two attempts are allowed. Competitor choose the initial speed of the first call sign. If received 100% correctly, the next sign will be transmitted at an increased speed. If received with error, the next sign will be transmitted at a lower speed. The higher the speed, so more points are gained.

d. Morse runner

This test is a simulation of real pile-up situation. Each test last 10 minutes. Two attempts are allowed. Pile-up is consisted of 4 calls at a time. The competitor chooses the speed of operation. As more contact are made, so the score rises.